How Skills for Care's nominated individual network helps me manage my care service

Derek Edwards, Registered Manager at Clover Health and Homecare, talks to us about how Skills for Care’s nominated individual network helps him manage his service better.

I’ve been working in the care sector for 35 years. During my career, I’ve held various roles, including support worker, deputy manager, registered manager, regional area manager, and designated safeguarding lead. Over the past 15 years as a registered manager, I’ve specialised in dual sensory loss, learning disabilities, and behaviours that challenge, whilst also gaining experience in different service types such as domiciliary care, supported living, and residential care.

I got into care at an early age. At just 11 years old, my family fostered a person with complex needs with dual sensory loss, a learning disability, as well as many health needs. From this experience, I developed a real passion for the rights and dignity of people in care. It gave me the inspiration to get up every morning, and I live by a few personal mottos, which I believe are vitally important:

1. You have two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as hard as you speak.
2. Never set a task you’re not willing to do yourself.
3. My support for my carers is 100% until it affects the individuals we support.

These principles have led me to a career where I’ve taken on multi-million-pound projects, created teams to support individuals with severe challenges, and focused on promoting positive risk-taking and developing person-centred care plans.

The Skills for Care nominated individual network has been invaluable to me for someone who manages a service. It brings together people in similar roles, allowing us to share ideas, solve problems, and prevent managers from becoming siloed in their own challenges.

The network encourages open communication and collaboration, where managers and leaders can share experiences, learn about new government initiatives, and adopt innovative working practices. By participating in these discussions, I’ve found ways to improve my service, work towards a better CQC rating, maintain local authority contracts, and reduce workforce turnover—all of which contribute to a higher standard of care.

Involvement in the network has been key to ensuring I stay informed and connected with the wider care community. Regular participation, sharing ideas, and staying up to date with changes in the sector allows managers and leaders like me to continuously improve. The transparency, respect for diversity, and support offered by the network also help foster a positive and inclusive working environment for both staff and individuals in our care.

Most importantly, the network has reinforced the importance of maintaining an open-door policy. Sharing in this way reminds me to always strive to share more with my colleagues and staff, helping us become a more welcoming, honest and cohesive team.

Skills for Care’s nominated individual networks are a vital resource for managers and leaders. They offer the collaboration, guidance, and support we need to provide the best possible service to those in our care.

Make sure to visit our nominated individual network landing page to find out more, or visit our ‘Managing your service’ campaign landing page to learn more about improving your care service.

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