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David’s path to becoming a Registered Care Home Manager with Realise

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David knew that a Level 5 Diploma in Health & Social Care was fundamental to his success as a Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered Manager.

About David:

Before starting his apprenticeship, David Fletcher had joined Holywell Bridgeway Care Home in Preston as a Care Home Manager. Upon joining Bridgeway, David already possessed a wealth of experience within the care sector, ranging from 5 years in adult care and before that, another 11 years in Compliance and Quality assurance.

David knew he needed to complete the Level 5 Diploma as it was fundamental to taking on his new role, so he embarked on his apprenticeship journey with Realise.

We asked David what a typical day looks like as a Care Home Manager:

David likes to arrive to work early so that he can catch up with the night team and ensure he has a full picture of the day before chairing the morning handover.

Following the morning handover, David completes a walk around the home to check everything is how it should be and to see all of his wonderful residents. Later in the morning, he’ll check his emails and complete any tasks set for that day such as audits, meetings with social workers, care plan reviews and much much more!

David is proud to be a hands-on Care Home Manager and gets a lot of satisfaction from remaining close to his residents and supporting staff with their daily duties.

“I like to pop out regularly throughout the day to check in on the team and ensure they have everything they need.”

David continues “I like to help out where possible with feeding at lunch and tea times and getting involved with the resident activities.”

A job like no other:

David’s passion and commitment to his residents are clear to see, with job satisfaction being a fundamental driver in his work. David states “I enjoy every single bit of it. It is so rewarding! I love coming to work and spending time with my incredible team and wonderful residents. It feels great to be able to offer kindness every day and see the impact this has on people’s lives.”

David fondly recalls the biggest highlights of his career when his care home was ranked number one Best Care Home in Preston on carehomes.co.uk – and the only provider to score a perfect 10 out of 10!

What an achievement!

We asked David about his training with Realise:

“I really enjoyed completing all the modules and learning about new theories and ways of working which I was able to put into my day-to-day practice.”

“The support and training I have received throughout the apprenticeship has been excellent. I have always been given everything I need to succeed, and my Assessor was always available when I needed her.”

Above and beyond support throughout his career:

We asked David about any special mentors he has admired, with Michelle Dicks, supporting him earlier in his career; “she was one of the first Care Home Managers I ever worked for. She took me under her wing and taught me a lot of what I know. She has stuck by me and invested in me and continues to still help me today.”

During his apprenticeship with Realise, David was delighted with the support he received:

“I felt lucky to get Michelle as my Assessor from Realise, she was wonderful and supported me the whole way and was always there when I needed her. She certainly went above and beyond in her role.”

There must be something about the name Michelle!

Any advice for those considering an apprenticeship?

“Yes, I would advise them to go for it! Totally commit to the course and learn everything you can as it will benefit your day-to-day job.”

Enriching lives and quality care:

With David’s Level 5 apprenticeship from Realise, he and his wider team at Bridgeway can continue to support people during their most difficult times, hopefully, get better and eventually start living independently again.

Where this isn’t possible, David says “we are privileged to give the highest quality care full of love, enrichment and memories in the time someone has left with us.”

A fulfilling career with family at its core:

When David isn’t at work, he enjoys watching Football and has proudly owned a season ticket for his local club for the past 30 years, watching the games with his Grandad.

Family plays a huge part in David’s role as a Care Home Manager at Bridgeway.

“The work we do touches more than just a single individual, we support families and friends and help them get through difficult times as well. We are one big family!”

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