Meet Caroline, Northern Healthcare’s new Learning and Development Manager, who joined the team on September 2nd. Caroline brings a wealth of experience and a heartfelt passion for inspiring growth and transformation in both colleagues and the individuals they support. With a background in health and social care, her career has been driven by a desire to make a real difference, which is underpinned by Northern Healthcare’s values and ethos.

In this interview, Caroline shares her journey into Learning and Development, her approach to engaging team members, and the personal and professional moments that have shaped her perspective. Whether it’s creating impactful training programs, supporting team members in their career aspirations, or championing individual empowerment, Caroline’s dedication shines through.

Outside of work, Caroline treasures time with her family, loves long walks with her dog, and finds joy in line dancing and Pilates. As she looks ahead to an exciting year of rolling out a robust induction program in 2025, we’re thrilled to have her on board to help shape the future of Northern Healthcare.

Let’s dive into her story and vision for the role!

What attracted you to Northern Healthcare?

Northern Healthcare’s values and ethos centre on fostering inspiration and empowerment for both staff and the individuals they support. The organisation is committed to creating an environment where everyone is encouraged to grow, achieve their goals, and take charge of their own lives and future aspirations.

How did you get into Learning and Development?

My Mum was my main inspiration, as she encouraged me into the Health and Social Care sector. Whilst working in a supported living environment, I worked my way up to Registered Manager, whilst in this role the organisation utilised me to support other establishments with issues they were facing. I found my passion for Learning and Development through inspiring others, both managers and staff, to see the difference they could make by learning new ways of working and the impact it has on people’s lives.

Supporting and helping others through their life is such a rewarding experience that never leaves you.

How do you plan to engage team members at Northern Healthcare?

I plan to engage team members by providing training that reflects Northern Healthcare’s core values and ethos. This training will not only equip team members with the skills and knowledge to excel but also inspire them to embody these principles throughout the service. My goal is to motivate team members to enrich their own lives and the lives of others, developing a culture of collaboration, growth, and positive impact.

My aim is to inspire positivity and provide the tools needed to empower our team members, enabling them to support individuals in achieving their goals and enriching their lives.

Currently, I am focused on creating a comprehensive face-to-face induction program for all Support Workers, which we plan to roll out in January 2025. This program will provide an in-depth introduction to their roles and Northern Healthcare as an organisation, ensuring they feel confident, prepared, and fully aligned with our vision from day one.

What do you do to relax outside of work?

I adore spending quality time with my family, whether it be outings, watching a movie or chatting about their day. I love to go for walks with my dog, as my life can be quite hectic, I like to take time out for myself through line dancing and Pilates.

What is your proudest accomplishment, personally and professionally?

Personally, my proudest accomplishment is my children. I have three sons: my eldest is 32, my second is 17, and my youngest is 13. Watching them grow into the incredible young men they have become—or are still becoming—has been a source of immense pride and joy for me. Every milestone they reach and every moment I witness their growth are among the proudest moments of my life.

Professionally, two accomplishments stand out as defining moments in my career.

The first was in supported living, where I was asked to provide support to a young gentleman who had isolated himself in his room and stopped engaging with anyone. Over time, I built a trusting relationship with him, working at his pace to help him organise his daily activities in a way that made sense to him. Gradually, we progressed from planning activities inside the home to venturing into the outside world. Staff had assumed he was non-verbal, so the day he spoke to me for the first time was truly profound. It was a moment of trust and breakthrough that I will never forget. This gentleman eventually went on to independently travel by bus to work and participate in outdoor activities—a transformation that I feel privileged to have been part of.

The second was with a 14-year-old young lady who came to me from school. She was deeply withdrawn, hesitant to engage with others, and carried a very negative outlook on the world. Over the course of a year, I worked to build her trust. She opened up to me about her struggles, including self-harm and previous suicide attempts. With her trust, I was able to support her in accessing the help she needed. Over time, she not only overcame many of her challenges but also joined an apprenticeship program and eventually pursued a career in the Health and Social Care sector. Witnessing her growth and resilience is something I will always cherish.

These experiences remind me of the profound impact we can have on others' lives, and they continue to inspire me in my work every day.

What is your favourite song, and why?

I actually have two favourite songs, each with a special meaning to me.

The first is ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond. My dad named me after this song because Neil Diamond was one of his favourite singers. Every time I hear it, it brings back happy memories of my dad and the special moments we shared.

The second is ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life’ from Dirty Dancing. This song is from one of my all-time favourite films and holds a particularly significant place in my heart. It was playing when I said yes to a first date with my now-husband, and it became the obvious choice for our first dance at our wedding. It’s a song that always fills me with joy and nostalgia.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Continuing to support, guide and inspire people in their career paths and reaching their goals in life within Northern Healthcare.

Caroline's passion, experience, and heartfelt commitment to making a difference are evident in every aspect of her journey. As she works to implement impactful training programs and empower team members, Caroline’s vision for the future aligns seamlessly with the organisation’s ethos.

We’re excited to see the incredible impact she will undoubtedly have at Northern Healthcare in the years to come. Welcome to the team, Caroline!

  Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash