Salma’s story “The charity gets the best version of me because I am able to be the best version of myself everywhere else too.” Salma has been a Regional Manager with Community Integrated Care in Liverpool for almost five years, overseeing 23 Support Living Services. Alongside this, she is also a mum, a wife, a school governor, a public health consultant and a regular volunteer. When asked how she fits everything in, she credits passion, openness and an organisation that trusts her to manage her own time. Salma’s story isn’t about having it all. It’s about recognising what truly matters and shaping a life with room for the things that give it meaning. Mastering her social care career Salma’s career has never been straightforward. She studied business and Italian, moved into teacher training, then found herself drawn towards special educational needs. That led to a master’s degree in public health, where she first discovered her passion for Positive Behaviour Support. She went on to spend fifteen years managing mental health services. When Salma’s daughter was born, she felt ready for a new chapter. On joining the Community Integrated Care team, and learning about our progressive, person-centred approach to care and support, she knew this was the right move for her. Present at work. Present at home Salma is honest about what leadership looks like alongside family life. “Is it easy? No. Is it doable? Yes. The difference is the flexibility I have in this role.” If a child forgets a bus pass, she sorts it. If there’s a school event, she’s there. Evenings often mean everyone gathered around the dining table - the children doing homework while she wraps up the day, all chatting and laughing together as a family. Because Salma feels present at home, she feels fully present at work too. For her, being open with her manager about real life is what makes it possible. Empathy is not a soft skill in social care Salma sees social care leadership style as deeply connected to motherhood and family life. “I lead a team of incredible people. Everyone is balancing their own home and family lives. Empathy is not optional in this role. It is the foundation.” Yet she is clear that leadership also requires accountability. The people we support have complex needs, and families and commissioners place trust in the service. That calls for presence, consistency and a willingness to lead by example. “When people can see that you are committed, even while managing a full life outside work, that is motivating. You do not need to pretend the rest of your life does not exist. You just need balance and motivation.” Room to be yourself Salma volunteers with local outreach projects and continues to engage with public health networks. She sees all of this as part of who she is and part of what she brings to her work. As a Muslim woman, Salma also appreciates being supported to practice her faith at work. She’s supported to pray during the day, is given flexibility during Ramadan, and is encouraged to take Eid as annual leave in a way that honours its importance to her. Being an honest leader Salma’s journey is not about a perfect balance or a flawless routine. It is about conviction, honesty and the courage to shape a life that works for you. She is open about the challenges that can come with ambition, and the constant weighing up of time and priorities. Her belief is simple: trust yourself, be honest about what you need and do not let fear decide the direction of your life. “Fear should be the energy that drives you forward, not the reason you stay still.” Thinking about your next step after reading Salma’s story? Discover careers at Community Integrated Care.