I joined Care South eight years ago as a domestic and kitchen assistant. When I was asked if I would consider becoming a care assistant, I must admit that I wondered if it would be right for me. I opted for night duties because it was easier to fit this around looking after my two children, and I immediately felt at home with the work.

After I completed NVQ 2, I was offered a Team Leader position which I coped with well, and completed NVQ 3 in April 2010. I have always been encouraged to do additional work-related training and have completed several courses including a Health and Nutrition course which I passed with Honours. The training I have been given has been so good, and I am so pleased to have achieved these qualifications. The rewards far outweigh the hard work.

I manage the overall running of the home at night, and this includes the wellbeing of the residents and staff, security, and liaising with doctors and paramedics if this is necessary.

My job has now turned into a career for me and I am really enjoying it. Joining Care South is one of the best moves I ever made.

I joined Care South in 2002 as a modern apprentice studying Business Administration. I achieved NVQ Levels 1 and 2 and in 2004 I was offered a full-time position, achieving NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration in 2006.

I provide general administrative and secretarial support to the home care office and management team. Over the years my job role has developed as my knowledge and experience has grown. I now hold a great deal of responsibility and work closely with the management team.

Throughout my career Care South has supported and encouraged me, andgiven me many opportunities to gain numerous qualifications and continue with my personal and professional development.

I knew I always wanted to work in the care sector, I was first introduced to Care South having worked as an agency care assistant. Once I had worked at Castle Dene I fell in love with the place and the people and knew that is where I wanted to be.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my managers for giving me the chance to undertake my NVQ Level 2. I would also like to thank the training department for their help and support which was invaluable to me.

Achieving my NVQ 2 has helped me to attain the role of becoming a senior carer and given me the confidence to continue with my learning and development. It has also enhanced my skills as a carer and a leader. I feel this accreditation has helped me to gain knowledge and made me a better carer, and has helped me to help other carers within the home.

Care South has given me the opportunity to get where I am today and with their help, support  and training  I would like  to continue to develop  and progress further within the company.

I now have great job satisfaction and know that the job I am doing is worthwhile.
Having achieved this award makes me feel good about myself and proud.

I feel very privileged to work with our residents and I believe they have a right to expect a first class service from our Company. I believe that in order to achieve this all members of staff should be encouraged to undertake an NVQ or Diploma in Health & Social Care in order to grow and gain in confidence and knowledge.

I am the Manager of Fairlawn in Ferndown. I moved to the UK 5 ½ years ago and came across Care South while working as an agency carer. I soon realised that here was a company who not only offered excellent training to its staff, but also had a reputation for the good care of its residents.

Although undertaking the NVQ Level 4 was a fair amount of work, the course was mostly about evidencing what I was already doing in my job, such as the assessment of residents and reviewing their care needs.

What the NVQ does not teach you is the reward of what you witness on a daily basis: the privilege of caring for someone at the end of their sometimes extraordinary full lives; bringing comfort to a family coming to terms with the loss of their dearest Mum; the amazing effect of touch - how the warmth of your cheek against the cheek of an anxious and bewildered lady who cannot see brings a sense of calm and being loved; the joy and laughter of sharing ice cream cones in the sunshine and reminiscing about days gone by. These are the things that make going to work a pleasure. The NVQ ensures I do it in a professional manner.