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Our mission is to create brighter futures for children and young people. We do this by providing fostering, residential and support services where children and young people can feel safe and cared for. We support them to make positive relationships which give them the confidence to succeed.
A career at St Christopher’s offers opportunities to climb the ladder and progress in your profession. However, because we run different types of services, there are also opportunities to step across into other roles that can be just as rewarding.
Tara started on St Christopher’s Fast Track To Management trainee programme and is now managing one of our children’s homes. Find out how her career has developed at St Christopher’s.
What attracted you to your new role?
I had been completing the registered manager passport, which is one of the progression routes open to staff through St Christopher’s Academy. The Academy is something that lets you tailor the direction you want your career to go in and helps you plan the steps you need to complete in order to gain experience and knowledge to progress. Alongside my existing management experience this gave me the confidence to apply for the children’s home manager role.
What have been the main differences in this role to your previous one?
My previous management role was at a semi-independent home so the main difference is that I am now working with a younger age group who have different needs and working in line with children’s homes regulations.
Have you experienced any challenges in your new role?
The home received an Ofsted assurance visit during the first few weeks of my being in post. This could have been challenging, however I felt very prepared from my training. It was really positive to see that the hard work and dedication from the team had been recognised in our positive Ofsted report. I am very proud of the whole team!
What things have helped you to settle in?
My new team were really supportive. On my first day they welcomed me with a banner and a lovely card so I was made to feel very comfortable from the start. I spent time getting to know all the staff individually, which helped us all to get to know each other.
What would you say to other St Christopher’s staff who are thinking about going for a promotion?
Go for it, you can do it! There are great opportunities within St Christopher’s and you will receive great support in your new role.
Would you like to start your career in children’s social care? View and apply to our vacancies today.