Staff Case Study

Heather Macdonald – Registered Manager – Residential Care

“I like that there are lots of opportunities to develop personally and progress your career within the company.”

Heather attended Leeds Metropolitan University and studied Physical Education with Outdoor Education. “During my degree, I completed many placements at various different schools with a mix of children and young people from different backgrounds and abilities. In my final year of university, I applied to be a bank support worker for a residential care company, and this is where my journey working with vulnerable children and young people began!”

Once Heather graduated, she made the decision to work full time as a support worker and did so for five years, completing her qualification along the way. In 2020, Heather applied for a Senior Support Worker role and was successful, continuing to progress within the company. “After two years at Restorative, I progressed to be an Assistant Manager and completed my Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young with the company.”  Following on from this Heather continued to develop within her role and was successfully appointed the role of a Registered Manager this year.

Talking about her development within Restorative, Heather said, “I’ve gained lots of experience and knowledge working here. I’ve attended various training courses to aid my knowledge, including specialised training to help and support the specific needs of the children and young people in our care. I like that there are lots of opportunities to develop personally and progress your career within the company”.

Heather talks about her goals for the future. “I’d like become the best Registered Homes Manager I can be and guide the care team to obtain an Outstanding Ofsted grading.”

Asked what advice Heather would give to anyone looking at a career in children’s social care, she says, “My advice is to be aware that every day is different. You may have some challenging days. However, there will always be rewarding moments that make you realise how much you are actually making a difference in a child’s life”.