One of the best parts of my role isn't sitting behind a desk or making business decisions.
It's seeing a colleague grow in confidence, take on a new challenge and realise they're capable of more than they ever imagined.
When our teams feel supported, our customers feel the difference too. Creating an environment where people can develop and deliver great care is one of the things I'm most proud of.
Leadership is about creating a place where people feel supported, valued and able to grow.
My career didn't begin with a plan to work in adult social care.
I trained as a nursery nurse and expected to spend my career working with children. But after spending time supporting older people, and thinking about the relationship I'd had with my own grandparents, I realised I'd found something I genuinely loved.
What started as a Care Assistant role soon became much more.
Over the years, I progressed to Team Leader, Care Supervisor, Deputy Manager, Registered Manager, Care Director and now Registered Managing Director. Every role has helped me understand a different part of the business and given me a wider appreciation of what it takes to deliver outstanding care.
I've completed professional qualifications throughout my career, but some of the biggest lessons have come from working alongside experienced colleagues and learning from the people around me every day.
Every role taught me something new. The experience I gained, alongside the support of the people around me, gave me the confidence to keep progressing.
Today, I oversee every aspect of the business, supporting our teams to provide high-quality care that helps people stay safe, independent and living in the place they love most.
Although my role has changed over the years, the reason I come to work hasn't.
Knowing that our customers feel safe, happy and well cared for makes every challenge worthwhile.
I'm equally passionate about helping colleagues build careers they can be proud of. I've seen so many people join Bluebird Care thinking they've found a job, only to discover opportunities they never expected.
Social care offers far more than many people realise. Whether your interests are in frontline care, leadership, training or supporting colleagues, there are opportunities to keep learning throughout your career.
Looking back, I never imagined I'd become a Managing Director. My journey shows that you don't need to have everything planned from the beginning. If you're willing to learn and take opportunities when they come along, you can build a career you're proud of.
Watch Heather's story
Hear Heather talk about her career journey, how she progressed from Care Assistant to Managing Director and why helping colleagues grow is one of the most rewarding parts of her role.
Could this be your story?
Like Heather, many of our colleagues join Bluebird Care looking for a job and discover opportunities they hadn't expected. With training, support and the chance to develop new skills, they've gone on to build rewarding careers across our organisation.
Whether you're taking your first step into care or looking for your next opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.
Explore our latest vacancies and discover where a career with Bluebird Care could take you.
Heather Porter
Heather Porter
/
East of England
