I graduated from university in 2021 with a First-Class degree in Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation. I initially struggled to find a role within the forensic sector, so I continued working casually in hospitality.
During the pandemic, my mum was already working for Calder and Ryburn in the COVID vaccination clinics, which sparked my interest in healthcare. In October 2021, I left hospitality to take up an administrative role in the vaccination clinics. This introduced me to the NHS and healthcare environment and ultimately led me to PGPA.
I first joined PGPA as an administrator during the COVID vaccination clinics, where I worked alongside the vaccinators to input data and record vaccinations. I also took on additional hours supporting the administrative set-up of the clinics, including contacting patients to book appointments and screening lists for eligibility.
I was then approached by the Clinical Director to apply for the Care Coordinator role, which I successfully obtained in February 2022. I worked in this role for around two years, supporting care homes, cancer screening, COVID work, weight management and a range of other administrative tasks.
In March 2024, I progressed to Lead Care Coordinator. My responsibilities expanded to include direct line management and supporting the Care Coordinator team, alongside continuing to assist with COVID and PCN work when required.
From the outset, I naturally took on additional responsibility. I have always enjoyed a challenge and looked for opportunities to support the wider team beyond my role. As one of the first Care Coordinators to join the team, many colleagues joined after me, so I naturally became involved in providing shadowing and training for new members and became a key point of contact for the team. I had also created guides and resources to help with supporting and onboarding new members.
With each COVID-19 vaccination campaign, I was given increasing levels of responsibility, providing valuable opportunities to develop my confidence, decision-making and leadership skills. My progression evolved naturally through being willing to take responsibility, supporting others and working as part of a team. These experiences played a huge role in my development and helped me grow into a more confident and supportive team lead.
As my role has evolved, I have developed stronger leadership and management skills through managing COVID clinics and then taking on direct line management responsibility for a team. I have also strengthened my communication skills, particularly when implementing new work, delivering training and chairing meetings.
My organisational and prioritisation skills have improved too, as I manage my own workload alongside maintaining oversight of a team undertaking multiple complex pieces of work.
My confidence has grown significantly as I have taken on increased responsibility. Having direct line management responsibility and leading on complex pieces of work has helped me become more confident in making decisions, managing challenges and supporting colleagues. I am also more confident in leading meetings, delivering training and communicating with different professionals.
One of the more challenging aspects of developing in my role has been having difficult conversations, particularly when managing staff or addressing concerns. I have amazing support around me and have become more confident with this through experience and support.
That support has been a big part of my development. I have received amazing support from my colleagues and managers, particularly when taking on new responsibilities and managing challenging situations. Having the opportunity to take on leadership responsibilities, lead on pieces of work and chair meetings has helped me develop my skills and confidence, while regular guidance, feedback and being able to discuss challenges with managers has hugely supported my development.
What makes me most proud is the positive feedback I have received from my team and past team members. I never set out to become a lead and didn’t have any previous experience, so to naturally progress into this role and responsibility and receive such good feedback makes me happy that I have acquired the right skills and knowledge along the way to competently support my team and the organisation.
For anyone considering taking on a new challenge or looking for opportunities to develop, I would say don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Take on new challenges, be proactive and build strong relationships not only with your team but across the wider organisation and services. This can be extremely beneficial for support and networking in the future.
And what do I like most about working for PGPA? The people I work with and the relationships I have built across the organisation. Everyone is so supportive, and without that it wouldn’t be the same.