Welcome to Bluebird Care Careers in Rochdale

John left his parents’ home in Heywood in 1990 to join the military.  He served for almost 26 years before moving back to the area in 2015.  John is an experienced Security Consultant following his latter posts in the military.  He has a real passion for Training and helps support the business through this enthusiasm.  John is often in awe of the compassion shown by those that follow such a worthwhile Career choice and hopes to deliver challenging, realistic and enjoyable training to those that deliver Care.   He has served in numerous areas and is really delighted to be back in the area renewing old acquaintances from school and his youth.  John has been truly warmed by the friendliness shown across the community since returning and has been a regular attendee at the local Veterans breakfast.  A keen, but mostly retired, footballer, he now gets his kicks playing 5 a side a few times a week when his beautiful granddaughter is not wrapping him around her finger.  John is also a Dementia Friends champion, spreading awareness of this increasingly prevalent condition. He is truly excited to be back in his home town delivering an excellent service to his customers and the wider team.

Beryl has over a quarter of a century experience working within a vulnerable person environment.  She has been working within the Care Sector in the UK since the family returned from overseas in early 2013.  In addition to raising her family, she was primarily employed in childrens’ Education, often within the Special Educational Needs (SEN) area whilst frequently moving as was an expected part of Forces family life (13 different homes in 23 years) .  Beryl has 2 grown sons, both of whom currently serve in the Forces; although she still likes nothing more than to mother them whenever they visit.  Beryl was born in Birch Hill hospital, Rochdale and grew up in the town and loves being back home, closer to her family and a large network of long standing and loyal friends.  Following a recent addition to the family, Beryl loves spending time with her new granddaughter. She likes to travel when able and to watch TV soaps, but only the Northern ones.

Our Registered Care Manager, Michelle Neild, had led our team since day one.  Here, we ask her some questions about why this role and the Care Sector matters to her. 

How long have you worked in social care, why did you choose this career path?

I started my career in​ Social Care in 2002 as my youngest daughter started school.  I decided to go back into Education and complete Health and Social Care Diploma and from there spent 11 years in Higher Education going to University, completing a Bachelors Degree in Social Policy followed by a Masters in Social Work. Whilst studying I worked in a variety of different settings from Mental Health to Safeguarding and Social Work with children, young adults and the elderly.

Tell us about your career journey and how you progressed into management roles?

I progressed into management after my department was closed and a reorganisation was implemented. My job role was ringfenced and I was given the task of merging two departments.  During this period, I saw an opportunity to apply for a management role for Bluebird Care Rochdale, at this time I was interviewing for other Domiciliary care Organisations, however it was evident to see a huge difference regarding corporate companies when the focus was on profit margins rather than the delivery of Good Quality Health Care. John and Beryl were focused on delivering good quality health care having both had previous care requirements for parents. This has proven to be the best career decision I have made, starting up a new business is both challenging and rewarding.  

As a start-up Care company, what made you want this role above others and not accept offers into another established position?

The interview process compared to other companies was more about delivering good quality health care and not focused on increasing profit margins. I felt the ethos of Bluebird Care and the emphasis on delivery was close to my own values and felt this would be a good fit. I looked forward to building an excellent team, which we have, rather than trying to change an already existing team with potentially different values.

What are your day to day responsibilities as the Registered Care Manager?

As the Registered Care Manager, I am responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operations within the Care Setting.  I must ensure the service is delivering care that meets the national requirements set out by the Care Quality Commission. I also have to make sure that staff and customers are happy and content.   It is a fast paced and dynamic environment where no two days are the same.  We work to five set standards, known as the Key Lines of Enquiry, to ensure we deliver a Safe, Caring, Responsive, Effective and Well Led service.  Bluebird Care policy and procedures aim to go above and beyond those standards and to deliver true excellence in Care. 

What do you like best about working with Bluebird Care Rochdale?

The team we have developed is like a small family, we stick together when things can be problematic especially where we have just worked though one of the biggest changes in employment history ever and the dramatic changes being implemented by the effects of a global pandemic. The delivery and changes we can make daily for individuals who access our service is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.  I can genuinely say that John and Beryl are caring and compassionate about their business and very family orientated, and this is filtered through to the delivery of care and valued by both customers and staff.  

What is the biggest challenge of being a Registered Care Manager?

Day to day running the business in the face of a pandemic, working under unprecedented times. Maintaining consistency with quality care and continuity of care when we are challenged with staffing issues because of school closure and isolation rules.   

What advice do you have for Care Staff who aspire to care management roles in the future?

Be prepared to wear several different hats daily, remain calm and fair treating people with dignity and respect. Keep up to date with changes in the Sector and with Employment Law.

What do you do in your spare time to relax / unwind, what is at the top of your bucket list?

I unwind by going to the gym I also like reading and would love one day to live by the coast.

Paula is our Care supervisor, ensuring our customers receive the Care Assistant they know and have built a relationship with.  Paula helps the Registered Care Manager, ensuring we deliver on the promises we make to our customers and to be compliant within the Key Lines of Enquiry that the Care Quality Commission rightly demand.  

Paula is still very much part of our delivery team and is responsible to the Registered Care Manager.  She has bought with her  a number of years of experience working in the Care Sector and knows the challenges and rewards associated with the role.  

Paula relishes the role of solving challenges to ensure the very best of outcomes for our customers.  

Amie joined the team after we moved our offices to Heywood, her home town.  As the newest member of our office team, Amie is fast getting to grips with the technology we use to support our customers and our wider team.  Amie is keen to bring some fun into the office and has already made suggestions of how we can keep smiling in such a demanding role.  This is what Amie has to say about her role:

My name is Amie, and I am the Care Co-ordinator for Bluebird Care Rochdale.

I started working for Bluebird Care in June 2021 and I was welcomed with open arms and everyone who works here is amazing. I have already been given opportunities to progress my career by applying for my Level 3 in Health and Social Care. I have worked in care before I came to Bluebird, but I have been treated the best and always know I have support and help when needed. 

My interests are Fashion, makeup, and hairdressing. I have always been a very caring person towards everyone but especially the elderly. I always said to my mum "can we help that old man with his shopping." I have always been very passionate about care.

I like working for Bluebird Care as it is opening my eyes to more opportunities in the care industry, I was a carer for three years but I wasn't confident enough until I got offered Care Co-ordinator job role.

I have worked for Bluebird Care Rochdale for 2 years. They are a lovely company to work for John & Beryl are very passionate about their customers and staff and Michelle is a brilliant manager. During that time I went on maternity leave. While I was off I was sent a basket with gifts for my baby, they delivered a fruit basket to myself at the start of the pandemic and I also received a gift voucher for the Bellavista. They have always bought me Christmas and birthday gifts. They have always looked after me, I feel very valued and appreciated. All the members of staff are kind, passionate and supportive and customers are always commenting on how the carers always go above and beyond. I am very proud to work for Bluebird care Rochdale. 

Georgia has recently returned to Bluebird Care Rochdale after maternity leave and has been given this opportunity to support the business wider than the delivery of Care.  Whilst she still carries out visits in support of customers, Georgia has taken on the key role of recruitment for the company.  The directors and management have entrusted her with this role, confident that she knows what type of person we want to join our amazing team.  It is a great opportunity for her to showcase additional skills and talents and assist the company to grow our team.