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Career Growth at Progress: The Priya Story

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

“Being the youngest here was daunting at first, but the responsibility has matured me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.” 

At Progress, career growth isn’t just a possibility; it’s a promise. Our commitment to fostering professional development is embodied in the inspiring journey of Priya, who transitioned from a live-in carer to a respected team leader at Portland House. Her story is a testament to the opportunities and support available to everyone who joins our team. 

Priya’s journey with Progress began three years ago in October. Reflecting on her start, Priya recalls, “I really needed a job that would pay the bills. I had experienced a loss in the family and took time off. I had been working as a live-in carer, traveling across the UK to care for people in need.” 

Despite initial uncertainties when Portland House was restructuring, Priya’s determination saw her through various roles within the organisation. “I moved around quite a bit,” she recalls, “but eventually, I returned to Portland House, where I felt truly at home.” 

Priya’s ascent to team leader was a natural evolution driven by necessity and her proactive approach. “Our team needed leadership,” she explains. “I had been stepping up in various roles even before officially becoming a team leader. The support from my colleagues was incredible.” 

In her role, Priya manages shifts, allocates tasks, and ensures that every aspect of care is meticulously executed. “We’re not just colleagues; we’re friends,” Priya emphasizes. “The bond we share as a team is essential in navigating the challenges we face.” 

Youth, Maturity, and Dedication 

Despite being the youngest team member, Priya’s maturity and dedication shine through. “Being the youngest here was daunting at first,” she admits. “But the responsibility has matured me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.” 

Priya believes that the ideal team member at Portland House needs to handle challenging situations with empathy and assertiveness. “We need people who can handle tough situations with empathy and assertiveness,” she stresses. 

Looking towards the future, Priya is determined to achieve an outstanding rating for Portland House by maintaining strong team dynamics and prioritising the children’s well-being. “Completing paperwork diligently and focusing on communication are crucial,” she explains. “We want to ensure that every child’s needs are met.” 

As she continues her journey, Priya is eager to further her qualifications and explore new opportunities at Progress. “I’m content as a team leader for now,” she says, “but I’m eager to explore new opportunities at Progress and continue growing.” 

Join Us at Progress 

If you are passionate about career growth and making a difference, Progress offers the perfect environment for you to thrive. Like Priya, you can start your journey with us and grow into roles that shape your career and impact lives positively. 

Explore the latest career opportunities at Progress by visiting progresscare.co.uk/jobs and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us. 

Experience the Extraordinary with Progress: From Wireless Festival VIP Tickets to All-Expense Paid Trips to Paris!

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

At Progress, we believe in going above and beyond to create exceptional experiences for both our young people and our dedicated support workers. This July, we’re taking our commitment to the next level by offering unforgettable opportunities that blend fun and work in the most exciting ways. 

On Friday, July 12, hip-hop superstar Nicki Minaj will headline the opening night of the Wireless Festival. She will be joined by Ice Spice, Sean Paul, and tens of thousands of concert-goers, including a special group from Progress. Our young people and support workers will enjoy the concert from the best seats in the house with VIP tickets! 

But our commitment to extraordinary experiences doesn’t stop at music festivals. We’ve also treated our young people and support workers to all-expense paid trips to Disneyland in Paris. These adventures are a testament to our dedication to ensuring that everyone in the Progress family has the best experiences possible. 

“At Progress, the role of a residential support worker extends far beyond the regular activities at our services,” said Claire Rogers, Managing Director of Progress. “We believe in providing access to fun and enriching events such as festivals and international trips. This not only enhances the lives of our young people but also ensures that our staff enjoy their work and feel valued.” 

If you’re someone who loves concerts and outdoor adventures, Progress offers the perfect opportunity to reimagine support work. Our approach ensures that while you’re making a difference in the lives of young people, you’re also creating unforgettable memories and having fun along the way. 

Join us at Progress and be part of a team that values exceptional experiences. Explore our latest career opportunities and see how you can make a difference while enjoying unique perks. Visit progresscare.co.uk/jobs to apply today. 

Together, let’s create a brighter future and extraordinary experiences for everyone at Progress. 

Portland House: Join Us on Our Journey to Outstanding Care

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Portland House, a standout within the Progress network, is on an inspiring journey towards achieving an outstanding rating from Ofsted. Under the dynamic leadership of Dani, the registered manager, the team at Portland House embraces a philosophy of individualised care, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the children they serve. 

Dani emphasises the unique approach of Portland House, where challenging cases are not shied away from, but embraced with a steadfast commitment to each child’s journey. “We don’t shy away from difficult cases,” Dani explains. “Here, we take on those challenges and remain committed to the journey with each child.” 

The strength of Portland House lies in its cohesive team spirit, especially during tough days. Dani reflects on the collective resilience of the staff, highlighting how they unite to navigate challenges. “Even on the hardest days, our team comes together, shares a laugh, and supports each other,” Dani remarks. This camaraderie among staff ensures that young people receive a consistently high level of care, even in the face of adversity. 

Looking to the Future 

Looking towards the future, Dani envisions building on the solid foundation laid over the past 12 months. The goal is clear: to demonstrate outstanding elements of care for even the most challenging cases. “We aim to continue what we’ve been doing—showing outstanding care for very difficult children,” Dani states optimistically. 

Dani also emphasises the impact of this outstanding care on the children’s lives, citing instances where Portland House provides opportunities that may not be available elsewhere. “Ofsted recognises that we offer experiences like going to the beach or the fire park, which might seem simple but are profound for these children,” Dani explains. 

Why Join Portland House? 

Portland House’s vision is to push boundaries further, demonstrating how the team’s approach achieves exceptional outcomes safely and consistently. “I would like to see an outstanding rating,” Dani declares, highlighting the commitment to evidencing the remarkable progress made by the team. 

Working at Portland House is not just about meeting standards; it’s about surpassing them and showcasing what exceptional care truly looks like. With Dani’s leadership and the dedicated team’s unwavering support, Portland House is poised to continue its transformative work, ensuring that every child receives the care and opportunities they deserve. 

Career Opportunities at Progress 

If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team that values compassion, resilience, and unity, Portland House is the place for you. We are looking for dedicated individuals who are eager to join us on our journey towards outstanding care. 

Explore the latest career opportunities at Progress and join us in making a real impact. Visit progresscare.co.uk/jobs to apply today and be part of something truly exceptional. 

Team bonding and building at Progress

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

At Progress, fostering strong team bonds and collaborative spirit is a cornerstone of our culture. Whether it’s through team meetings, bootcamps, or retreats, we prioritise activities that bring our team members closer together. 

Every month, the Corporate and Commercial Team dedicates an entire day at the head office to discuss their respective team’s activities, successes, and challenges. They also set aside time for cross-team collaborations, where new ideas are suggested and considered for implementation. 

Similar meetings occur across our various services. These gatherings bring all team members together to discuss operations, share updates, and collectively tackle challenges. These sessions are integral to maintaining a cohesive and effective working environment. 

Claire Rogers, Progress’ Managing Director, emphasised the importance of these regular activities. “The various meetings were intentionally instituted to enable the team members to interact more and collaboratively solve challenges they may face in their service. We know the importance of creating a safe and relaxed environment for our staff members to connect with one another. The sector is very busy, and we are very intentional about ensuring that we support our workforce to achieve a safe and conducive working environment for everyone,” Claire said. 

If working in a conducive environment with open communication and freedom of expression is a top priority for you, consider applying for a role at Progress today. Visit progresscare.co.uk/jobs for our latest career opportunities. 

Bootcamp for Progress’ team leaders

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

One of the familiar activities at Progress is training and sharing learning. Various cadres of team members have regular training sessions and late May 2024, it was the turn of team leaders from across the various services to participate in a bootcamp that featured sessions that were led by Progress’ Managing Director, Claire Rogers, and Tina Bhardwaj, Head of Children’s Services at Progress. 

Team leaders are critical to the smooth running of Progress’ services. While the training enables team leaders to further improve their capabilities, it is also preparing them for the next stages of their career development. 

During the bootcamp, Claire and Tina extensively spoke on the responsibilities of a manager and how to be an effective at it.  

At Progress, we are proud of our team leaders and our entire workforce who we are actively supporting, training and equipping to succeed in their current roles, and to be prepared for the journeys ahead. 

If you consider support in your career journey a top priority for you, we welcome you to be part of us at Progress. We have career roles that you can apply for here: progrescare.co.uk/jobs  

At Progress, we value respect. Here’s what that means.

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

At Progress, respect isn’t just a value—it’s a cornerstone of our diverse and inclusive environment. Managing Director Claire Rogers emphasises, “Respect is crucial at Progress. We work with individuals from varied backgrounds and cultures, and it’s vital to listen, hear, and value these differences.” 

Our commitment to respect enriches our community and enhances the support we provide. Differences make society vibrant and rich, and recognising this allows us to foster a more inclusive environment. 

If you prioritise respect and seek a workplace that values diversity, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us at progresscare.co.uk/jobs. Join us in making a difference through respect and understanding. 

A deeper dive on respect 

Respect is more than just a polite gesture; it’s a fundamental principle that underpins healthy relationships, effective collaboration, and personal growth. At its core, respect acknowledges that every person has inherent value and the potential to contribute. It goes beyond surface-level politeness and recognises the uniqueness of everyone. 

When we treat everyone with respect, we create an inclusive environment. This means embracing different perspectives, experiences, aptitudes, knowledge, and skills. In a diverse workplace, these differences become powerful tools for innovation and growth. Respect involves seeing people as individuals rather than making assumptions based on group identity. It’s essential to recognise that no one characteristic defines a person entirely. Avoiding an “I’m better than you” attitude fosters a culture of openness and understanding. 

While it’s natural to gravitate toward people who are like us, intentionally building relationships with those outside our usual circles broadens our horizons. It enriches our experiences and enhances our ability to learn and contribute. 

At Progress, our leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone. By demonstrating respect in their interactions, it sends a powerful message to the entire team. Truly hearing and valuing others’ perspectives is a sign of respect. At Progress, we encourage open dialogue and create spaces where everyone feels heard.  

We intentionally address unconscious biases that can affect behaviour through training and retraining. Rather than viewing differences as obstacles, we celebrate them. We recognise the richness that diversity brings to problem-solving and creativity. We also teach effective conflict resolution techniques—respectful disagreement leads to better outcomes, whereas disrespect can escalate tensions. 

We believe that embracing respect isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for human progress. By treating each other with dignity, we create a workplace where everyone can thrive. We remain committed in our resolve to continue to prioritise respect and build a more inclusive world together!  

If you’re seeking a workplace that values diversity, consider exploring career opportunities at Progress. 

Amanda’s Inspiring Journey into Fostering with Progress

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

“It’s like when you have your first child yourself. You don’t know what you’re doing, but you’ve read it in a book. With fostering, you do know what you’re doing but again, you’ve read it in a book and putting it into practice is different.” 

Fostering is more than just a vocation; it’s a heartfelt commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and young people. Amanda, one of Progress’s dedicated foster carers, recently shared her journey into fostering, shedding light on the profound impact it has had on her life and the exceptional support she has received from Progress. 

Amanda’s interest in fostering was ignited by a Facebook advertisement specifically highlighting parent and child foster care. “Fostering is something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember,” Amanda reminisces. Although she initially explored fostering several years ago, the demands of raising three young children led her to put her plans on hold. When she saw the recent advertisement, she felt it was the perfect time to revisit her fostering aspirations. 

Upon reaching out to Progress, Amanda was immediately impressed by their responsiveness and support. “They offered me loads of information, answered all of my questions, and supported me completely through the application process,” she says. Progress addressed her concerns about balancing work, home life, and the specific requirements for fostering, ensuring she felt confident in her decision. 

The journey through the application process was smoother than Amanda anticipated. “I’ve heard a lot of stories about how long it might take and some of the apprehensions I might have, but that didn’t play out. The journey was great,” Amanda shares. With the support of Progress’ Fostering Service team members, Amanda found the process manageable and even fulfilling. 

Training was a crucial part of Amanda’s preparation. “We had lots of training, lots of online learning, but it was never too much, and it was at our pace,” she recalls. Progress ensured that Amanda and her family were well-prepared, offering flexibility and continuous support throughout the training period. 

The support didn’t end there. Amanda speaks highly of the extensive network and community foster carers have at Progress. “I never felt that I was alone, which was really important,” she emphasises. This sense of community is reinforced by regular support group meetings where foster carers can share experiences, challenges, and successes. “It’s great to hear from other foster carers, get ideas on how to overcome obstacles, and share and celebrate successes,” Amanda explains. 

Amanda’s first young person came six weeks after approval, a learning experience that was both challenging and rewarding. “It’s like when you have your first child yourself. You don’t know what you’re doing, but you’ve read it in a book. With fostering, you do know what you’re doing but again, you’ve read it in a book and putting it into practice is different,” Amanda reflects. The continuous support from Progress and other foster carers helped her navigate this journey. 

Currently, Amanda is on another, a parent and child, and is finding it completely different but equally rewarding. “I’ve learned loads again on this journey and look forward to seeing where it brings me in the rest of my fostering journey,” she says enthusiastically. 

Amanda’s story is a testament to the support and community that foster carers receive at Progress. “Fundamentally, you’re not alone. Everyone is having their own challenges and successes, and it’s important to share those and support each other,” Amanda concludes. 

If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people, and you’re looking for a supportive community to join, consider starting your fostering journey with Progress. Visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering to learn more and apply today. 

A Day in the Life of Priya: Team Leader at Progress

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

As a team leader at Progress Children’s Services, Priya has a busy but rewarding day overseeing the care of the young people. “I run all the shifts that I’m on. I do all the allocations and then I’m in charge of the other support workers making sure that they’re doing their job,” Priya explains of her responsibilities. 

Her day starts early, arriving at the house to check in with the overnight staff and get briefed on how the night went. “I write reports covering issues including the petty cash, logging in all the receipts,” Priya notes of her morning tasks. She then ensures the young people are up and getting ready for their day activities. 

Throughout the morning, Priya is checking in on the different staff members and young people. “Making sure everything gets done,” she says. This may involve resolving any conflicts, addressing any issues that arose overnight, or providing guidance to staff on caring for young people with complex needs. 

In the afternoon, Priya focuses on training and mentoring new staff members. “When people start here, I tend to be the one to mentor them. And tell them how to do things,” she says. She enjoys forming close bonds with her colleagues and helping them learn. 

Evenings bring more responsibilities like handling medications and doing evening checks on the residents. “We just do like the handles in the evening and just make sure the shifts go well,” Priya notes. She works to ensure a smooth transition to the overnight staff. 

By the end of her long day, Priya feels a sense of pride and accomplishment in her role. “I’ve worked very, very hard to get where I am,” she says. Sometimes tiring, she finds the work rewarding knowing she’s making a positive difference in the lives of the young people at the service. 

Second Chances: A Journey Through Foster Care

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

This heartfelt poem was written by an 11-year-old under the care of Progress Fostering Service. This young poet beautifully captures their journey and the transformative power of foster care.

My life was no fun

My fears would make me run.

Until out of the blue

I met you.

 

I became a foster child not once but twice

When I hurt myself you gave me ice.

You helped me learn

Everything I get I earn.

 

I am a little bit sad

Sometimes I get a little bit mad.

Me and my brothers would hit and hit

Until one day we got split.

 

We see each other often

We all need a correction.

I’ve learnt a lot of things

And my foster carer says

Teamwork makes the dream work.

 

I do much better now in foster care

I smile most days

I hope you can do a favour

And help people to become more able

And children who have lost hope

And start believing

Bring them in and give them a second chance in life.

 

As we celebrate Foster Care Fortnight, we invite individuals and families in the Midlands who are interested in fostering to join us. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of children and young people in need of stability and care.

To learn more about fostering with Progress Fostering Service and how you can become a foster carer, please visit progresscare.co.uk/fostering or contact us directly at 01902 561066.

A Day in the Life of Jade: A Residential Support Worker at Progress

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Jade, a dedicated residential support worker at Progress Children’s Services, brings enthusiasm and compassion to her daily routine. Jade’s commitment to nurturing young people shines through in her everyday activities. Here is what a day looks like in the life of Jade, at Progress.

Jade’s day typically begins with the important task of waking and preparing our young people for the day. This includes ensuring they are dressed, fed, and ready to start their day on a positive note. “The mornings are crucial in setting a positive tone for the day,” Jade explains. “I focus on making sure the children are ready for school with everything they need.”

Once the young people are off to school, Jade shifts her attention to various administrative tasks and housekeeping responsibilities. “During this time, I take care of paperwork, ensure everything is in order, and handle any necessary checks,” Jade elaborates. “It’s important to keep the environment organised and prepared for when the children return.”

When they return from school, Jade and her team engage with the young people to plan the evening’s activities. “We sit down with them and discuss what they would like to do for the evening,” Jade says. “It’s essential to involve them in decision-making and ensure they have activities they enjoy.”

Jade emphasises the importance of tailoring activities to each young person’s interests and needs. “We have a diverse group of children with unique preferences,” Jade explains. “Some enjoy outdoor activities like football or bike rides, while others prefer indoor pursuits such as arts and crafts or computer activities.”

Throughout the day, Jade maintains a focus on building positive relationships with the young people. “Being a good role model and fostering trust are key aspects of our interactions,” Jade emphasises. “We want our young people to feel safe, supported, and valued.”

Even when the young people are at school, Jade remains engaged with her responsibilities. “We often have one or two children who stay back at the house during school hours,” Jade notes. “This allows us to provide individualised attention and support.”

Jade’s daily routine is characterised by flexibility and adaptability. “Every day is different, and we need to be responsive to the young people’s changing needs and preferences,” Jade reflects. “It’s a dynamic environment that keeps us on our toes.”

As the day winds down, Jade and her team assist the young people with their evening routines and ensure they are ready for a restful night. “We help the children wind down, get ready for bed, and ensure they feel safe and cared for,” Jade explains. “It’s all about creating a supportive and nurturing environment.”

Reflecting on her role at Progress, Jade expresses gratitude for the opportunity to make a positive impact on young prople’s lives. “I find great fulfilment in nurturing these children and helping them thrive,” Jade says. “Every day presents new challenges and rewards, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Jade’s dedication and passion for her work exemplify the values of Progress Children’s Services. Through her daily efforts, Jade contributes to creating a safe, supportive, and enriching environment where children can flourish and grow.

Be Like Jade, join us


We have rewarding career opportunities for Support Workers across Progress children’s and young adults services. Interested? Visit progresscare.co.uk/jobs to find out more about our current roles, or send your up-to-date CV to recruitment@progresscare.co.uk