Jade's story
Jade didn’t join Community Integrated Care with a clear plan in mind. What she did bring was a willingness to take a chance, the curiosity to ask questions, and the confidence to put her hand up for social care opportunities that sparked her interest. Twelve years on, supported by great managers and a culture that genuinely invests in its people, Jade has progressed to Head of Care Systems.
Why not?
Jade joined Community Integrated Care on a whim. She had friends and family who worked here, knew it was a great place to be, and when a temporary position came up in Learning and Development, she grasped it with both hands. Her background was in recruitment, but this felt like the right step for her.
"I had nothing to lose, really. It was just a three-month opportunity. I thought, why not?"
That three months unlocked a permanent Learning and Development Administrator role, and from there, Jade never looked back.
Building the skills
When conversations began about digitising the charity's Learning and Development offering, Jade was keen to take on this new challenge and broaden her knowledge and experience. Jade helped build this new approach from scratch through her tenacity and the support from her managers to be innovative and autonomous.
From there, she grew a team around her, developed her leadership skills, and began exploring how systems could drive improvement not just in Learning and Development, but across the whole charity.
"I was given opportunities to attend conferences, to network, to see how other organisations do things. I was really supported in exploring my interests and developing in the direction I was passionate about."
Saying yes to change
After nearly ten years in Learning and Development, a new opportunity emerged for Jade. A restructure was bringing all the charity's care systems under one roof, and Jade landed the role leading that work.
Over the past two years, Jade has built and shaped the Care Systems function from the ground up, strengthening the systems the charity relies on for the people we support. Her promotion to Head of Care Systems is the recognition of everything she has already delivered.
The achievement that matters most
When asked about her biggest achievement, Jade doesn't hesitate.
"It's never a system I've implemented or a project I've delivered. It's always the teams I've built. Watching people develop, grow and go on to do brilliant things - that's what gives me the most pride."
More than just a job
After twelve years, Jade knows exactly what sets Community Integrated Care apart.
"In other places I've worked, your job was your job. Here, you're always supported to achieve your best, to explore your interests, and to get involved in things that excite you. That's quite unique."
"When I think about what really makes this place special, it always comes back to the people. We work alongside some truly great, passionate and genuinely lovely social care colleagues - all supporting each other towards the same goal. That, for me, is what makes our culture so special."