Making His Way to Management: Anthony’s Career in Adult Care

Discover how a Level 5 qualification helped Anthony gain the knowledge and confidence to lead in adult social care. Anthony’s story is one of working his way up through the ranks at PIPS Support – a North East provider dedicated to supporting service users with complex needs, Autism and Learning Disabilities.

A Practical Start to a Lifelong Career in Care

Anthony’s story is one of working his way up through the ranks to Deputy Team Manager at PIPS Support – a North East provider dedicated to supporting service users with complex needs, Autism and Learning Disabilities.

For Anthony Allardice from Consett, County Durham, a traditional classroom setting wasn’t where he thrived - but the world of work was a different story.

“When I left school, I went to college to study care. I was more beneficial in the working environment than I was in a classroom, so I applied for an apprenticeship… and I was successful.”

That hands-on opportunity marked the beginning of a meaningful career. Starting out as a Care Coordinator in an EMI (Elderly Mentally Infirm) residential home, Anthony quickly transitioned to a full-time Care Assistant role. Over the years, his passion for helping others saw him progress through various positions - including support worker, senior support worker, and manager.

Today, he works as Deputy Team Manager at Positive Individual Proactive Support (PIPS) - a role focused on supporting people with complex needs or a disability to live a full and interesting life.

A Day in the Life of a Deputy Team Manager

What Anthony enjoys most about his role is the variety. No two days are the same.

“The working day is very different - this is what I love about my job.”

His responsibilities range from supporting individuals with their home environment, personal care, medication, finances, and health and well-being, to managing the broader operations of the service. His duties include:

• Organising rotas and support plans
• Conducting risk assessments
• Overseeing recruitment and interviewing
• Managing investigations and resolving issues
• Holding supervisions and appraisals
• Attending MDT and team meetings
• Reviewing PBS plans
• Conducting service audits and health and safety checks
•  

Why a Level 5 in Leadership for Adult Care?

As a Senior Support Worker aiming for management, Anthony knew he needed to upskill - and that meant achieving a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Leadership for Health and Social Care.

He had already completed his Level 4 with Realise, so continuing with a trusted training provider made perfect sense.

“My goal was to be part of the management team. To do this, I needed to complete my Level 5 - and Realise gave me that opportunity.”

The course gave Anthony valuable insight into the theory behind everyday processes, helping him better understand why organisations implement specific procedures.

“When I was a support worker, I often didn’t understand why certain procedures were in place - but the course helped me make sense of them. It’s good to have that understanding behind what you’re doing.”

Making an Impact Through Learning

For Anthony, learning while working made the training especially relevant and impactful. He particularly enjoyed the opportunity to research and access new resources to enhance his service provision.

“The course helps with everyday tasks - it helps you understand people’s physical and emotional needs more clearly, which means you can support them better.”

He also noticed improvements in his digital skills and awareness of legislation, policies, and available resources - all of which strengthened his leadership capabilities.

“My IT skills have improved, which means I now work more effectively. I have a better understanding of the laws we work under and how to use resources to support the people in our care.”

Anthony was supported by trainers at Realise – including Sarah and Jo, who both helped him navigate his Level 5 qualification. Sarah shared – “I was able to observe Anthony in his role as a manager chairing a team meeting where he was able to show his knowledge and skills to the team regarding a new system in place to record and report person centred care and support.”

Jo continues – “Anthony was adaptable to change, took it all in his stride when having a change of trainer, which are good qualities within a manager. He was able to meet with me, whilst working and moving to a new company (which he has since brought on board with Realise) giving up his time so that he was fully prepared for his EPA.”

“His observation for his EPA was carried out on a new role within a new service, with new staff, all with the TQUK assessor observing him! I thought Anthony might have struggled with this, but he was able to take it in his stride. Anthony also used digital skills in the observation – something that is rare with learners.”

Progress, Confidence, and Leadership

Completing the Level 5 qualification not only gave Anthony the confidence to step into a Deputy Manager role but also empowered him to lead with insight, empathy, and strategic thinking.

“I wouldn’t have the opportunities to progress without this course. I wouldn’t have the knowledge and understanding to fulfil my role to the best of my ability.”

Anthony is set to continue growing his confidence and ultimately thriving within his managerial role, something his trainer Jo firmly believes.

Jo reflects - “There’s no doubt that the Level 5 boosted his confidence as much as it did his development. Anthony is very focussed and knows where he wants to be and I can see him leading his staff to be the same with his positive attitude to development.”

A huge well done to Anthony.