From Coffee Shop to Care Leader

 

A change of career, a life of care

Lisa Moxon’s journey into care wasn’t a typical one, but it was purposeful. With a background in catering, Lisa built her early career in the hospitality sector, working her way from counter assistant to manager over a span of more than 20 years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought an abrupt halt to her long-standing role in hospitality.

“Being made redundant was a turning point,” Lisa reflects. “I saw it as an opportunity to move into a more sustainable and meaningful career.”

In 2020, Lisa made a bold move. She entered the care sector as a Care Assistant at Gotton Manor Care Home - part of Harbour Healthcare. Despite being new to the field, her natural leadership and commitment were evident. From her very first role in care, Lisa knew she wanted to progress, and she did.

Stepping stones to leadership

Lisa’s rapid career progression is a testament to her dedication:

• 2021 – Promoted to Team Lead
• 2022 – Became a Senior Carer, completing her Level 3 in Leader in Adult Care with a distinction
• 2023 – Appointed Care Co-ordinator for the Intermediate Care Unit
• 2024 – Successfully stepped into the role of Deputy Manager at Harbour Healthcare
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With her new position came greater responsibility and a professional requirement to complete the Level 5 Leader in Adult Care Apprenticeship. Although it began as a requirement, the course quickly became something more: a launchpad for Lisa’s future.

"I needed to enrol to meet the demands of my role, but I soon realised how valuable it would be for my career long-term. I now have aspirations to become a Home Manager one day."

A day in the life: deputy manager

Lisa’s role as Deputy Manager in a 53-bed care home is dynamic and deeply involved. Her daily tasks include:

Supporting the Home Manager and taking full charge in their absence
Managing staffing, recruitment, rotas, training, and zero-agency usage
Coordinating resident admissions and discharges
Completing daily, weekly, and monthly audits
Monitoring incidents, liaising with professionals, and communicating with families
Overseeing the running of both nursing and dementia units alongside the clinical lead

Amidst all of this, Lisa remains most passionate about the residents:

“They are at the heart of everything I do. Supporting them and making sure they feel safe and loved gives true meaning to my work.”

The impact of the course

The Level 5 apprenticeship has given Lisa the clarity and confidence to thrive as a leader. It has strengthened her knowledge, enhanced her decision-making, and deepened her understanding of care leadership.

“I have a greater understanding of what I do, and I enjoy sharing my journey with staff to show them that with determination, you really can achieve so much.”

Lisa completed the course with a distinction, a reflection of both her hard work and the quality of support she received.

Outstanding support from her tutor

Lisa is full of praise for her course tutor, Linda Hillon:

“What can I say but that she supported me from start to finish and in every way possible. Linda was always available, gave great advice, pushed me in the best way, and guided me through the whole process, especially when preparing for my End Point Assessment.”

“Anyone who has Linda as their tutor is lucky, she’s friendly, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her and sincerely thank her for helping me grow into the leader I am today.”

 

Looking forward

With her Level 5 completed and a wealth of experience under her belt, she is well on her way toward her next goal:

“In the future, I hope to become a Home Manager. This course has given me the foundation I need to make that dream a reality.”