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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. 

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. 

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

Unlocking Learning Power: Progress celebrates Learning at Work Week

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

At Progress, we believe that learning is not just an event but a continuous journey, an ongoing exploration of knowledge and skills that empowers individuals and enriches our collective capabilities. As we kick off Learning at Work Week, we’re excited to delve into this year’s theme: Learning Power. 

This year’s theme, “Learning Power,” resonates deeply with our commitment to fostering a culture of continual learning and development. Learning is more than just acquiring information; it’s about embracing the power to change, grow, and achieve our goals, both personally and professionally. 

At Progress, we’re proud to champion learning at work, providing our employees with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive. From on-the-job training to professional qualifications, we’re dedicated to helping our team members reach their full potential and pursue their aspirations. 

As part of Learning at Work Week, we’re thrilled to announce a series of bite-sized modules designed to enhance skills and promote well-being. These modules, along with our ongoing commitment to learning and development, underscore our belief in unlocking our workforce’s full potential and supporting our team members to continually deliver industry-leading service quality. 

Learning isn’t just an individual endeavour; it’s a collective experience that brings us together, fosters innovation, and builds stronger connections. Through collaborative learning initiatives and knowledge-sharing sessions, Progress has grown to become a community where everyone can grow and learn from each other. 

As we embark on this week-long celebration of learning, we recommit ourselves to embracing the power of education to inspire, motivate, and empower. Together, we’ll continue to unlock new possibilities, fuelling our growth and driving progress in all that we do. 

University of Wolverhampton Acknowledges Enduring Partnership with Progress

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

The University of Wolverhampton’s Social Work Department has proudly acknowledged its enduring partnership with Progress, marking four years of collaboration since 2020, and eight years specifically with the Progress Fostering Service. This partnership has become integral to the university’s social work education programme, providing students with invaluable real-world experience and mentorship.

At the heart of this collaboration is the mutual commitment to nurturing the next generation of social workers. Progress has consistently provided exemplary support, allowing students to develop their knowledge, skills, values, and overall capabilities. This partnership ensures that students receive comprehensive training to engage positively with both children and adults, a fundamental aspect of social work practice.

The social work process, from making referrals to carrying out assessments and interventions, mirrors the operations within social care providers like Progress. Through hands-on experience, students learn essential skills in working with children, young adults, vulnerable individuals and families, including risk management and support planning.

One of the key strengths of this partnership lies in its emphasis on practical learning. Progress facilitates opportunities for students to liaise with various agencies, honing their ability to collaborate and share information effectively. Additionally, students benefit from structured supervision and monitoring, ensuring they receive the support necessary for their growth and development.

Deborah Sharman, Practice Placement Development Worker at the University of Wolverhampton, expressed gratitude for Progress’ unwavering dedication to social work education.

“The contribution of Progress to the quality of social work education is invaluable. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone at Progress for their ongoing support and commitment to shaping the future of our profession,” Deborah said.

Phil Mcdonald, Head of Adult Services at Progress expressed Progress’ joy in supporting social work students, especially in the area of gaining experience.

“We are more than happy to support students in gaining invaluable frontline experience, mentoring them specifically around the importance of relationships and how they can navigate challenges that can present themselves in working in social care and specifically social work.  Our partnership with the University of Wolverhampton has been consistent and vital to supporting the next generation of social workers,” Phil said.

Progress’ dedication to nurturing talent and fostering excellence in social work education is commendable. As the University of Wolverhampton continues to prioritise practical, hands-on learning experiences for its students, collaborations like this one will remain essential in preparing the next generation of social workers to make a positive impact in their communities.

A day at Oak Cottage: Progress’ Children’s Residential Service

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Visiting Oak Cottage feels like stepping into a peaceful sanctuary where every child is welcomed, every voice is valued, and every moment is cherished. It’s a place where compassion, dedication, and commitment are woven into every interaction. 

The staff here aren’t just titles like support workers or managers; they’re companions on a journey with the children, showing empathy, respect, and genuine care. 

One morning, I joined a team meeting at Oak Cottage. While the team discussed passionately, the guinea pigs playing nearby provided a calming effect. The team’s focus was on providing exceptional care for the children, ensuring each child has memorable experiences daily. 

Each team member shared insights, all driven by a desire to provide the best care possible. Oak Cottage is a sanctuary where every individual is understood, supported, and uplifted. 

At its core, Oak Cottage believes in understanding everyone’s dreams and rights to a purposeful life. Challenges are seen as opportunities for growth, and every moment is cherished. 

Through care and companionship, Oak Cottage creates an environment where love prevails, forming strong bonds between staff and children. 

Within Oak Cottage, qualities like love, compassion, and resilience shape lives. Every interaction holds the power to transform, thanks to kindness and support. 

As the meeting ended, a sense of purpose lingered—a commitment to continue uplifting and empowering every soul at Oak Cottage. 

Oak Cottage isn’t just a service; it’s a beacon of hope, showing the transformative power of empathy and community. The sign at the door says it all: “Welcome to our home.” 

If you would like to find out about current opportunities at Oak Cottage or any of our other services, please visit www.progresscare.co.uk or contact the Recruitment team directly on 01902 561 066 for a confidential chat about our roles.

From stay-at-home mum to vibrant team leader: Harjeet’s progress at Progress

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

“I do want to make a change. I want to be that person that that child can look up to, somebody that’s going to be there for them.” 

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we shine a spotlight on Harjeet, a remarkable team leader at Progress Children’s Services. For this article, Harjeet shares insights into her career journey, the challenges she faced, and the importance of supporting women in the workplace. 

Harjeet’s journey into the social care sector was fuelled by a passion for making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families. She reflects, “I always wanted to be that person that a child could look to, somebody that’s going to be there for them.” Despite the demanding nature of the job, Harjeet’s commitment to providing love, stability, and support to those in need has remained unwavering over the past six years. 

Although Harjeet has transitioned from a support worker to a team leader, encountering various challenges along the way, she found Progress at a jobs fair at a period when she was trying to get back to work after years of being a stay-at-home mother.  

Her instincts as a mum have also helped her to navigate complex situations with empathy and professionalism, earning her the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Beyond working with her colleagues, her passion for her role is to support and be the voice for the children under her care. Harjeet remarks, “I want to be able to advocate for them because they don’t always have that voice.”  

In her current role, Harjeet plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of her team and the delivery of high-quality services to the children under their care. 

One of the highlights of Harjeet’s career was being recognised for her outstanding contributions over the past five years during the awards ceremony at Progress Staff Conference 2023. Although she was not in the hall when her name was called, the resounding applause served as a testament to her hard work, dedication and warm personality. Despite the demanding nature of her job, Harjeet finds fulfilment in knowing that she is making a positive impact on the lives of others. And she is always wearing a smile. 

As we reflect on Harjeet’s journey, she personifies the resilience, strength and unlimited capabilities of women in leadership, particularly at Progress where women are encouraged and supported to aim higher. Harjeet acknowledged Progress’ support of her passions and desires to achieve her goals. While she remains ambitious, Harjeet reiterated her commitment to continuous development, and giving her best in her current position.  

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us honour Women of Progress like Harjeet who inspire us to dream big and break barriers. 

From student placement to managerial role: Nicole’s Progress journey

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

At Progress, Nicole’s remarkable journey from a dedicated care worker to a visionary manager spearheading innovative solutions for supporting and helping vulnerable children, resonates, inspires and endears.  

Her meteoric rise is an attestation to Progress’ prioritisation of enabling its workforce to achieve their goals, while being unwaveringly committed to supporting them to bring their passion into fruition all with an overarching goal of transforming challenges into opportunities and paving the way for positive change in the lives of children and young adults. 

Nicole’s journey began with a humble start in community care work, where she provided essential support to individuals in need. Her compassion and dedication quickly became evident as she navigated the complexities of caregiving, offering not only physical assistance but also emotional support to those under her care. As she recounts: 

“I started off as a community care support worker… providing that company, that emotional support, personal care, administering medication, ensuring they’re safe.” 

Driven by a profound sense of purpose, Nicole transitioned to working with children, particularly those facing mental health and behavioural challenges. In this role, she found herself at the forefront of providing critical care and guidance to some of society’s most vulnerable members. Reflecting on this period, she shared: 

“I worked my way up to Deputy Manager… working with children with mental health and emotional behaviour disorders.” 

One pivotal moment in Nicole’s journey was her decision to become a connected person’s foster carer, providing a stable and loving home for siblings in the care of the local authority. This experience deepened her understanding of the complexities of the foster care system and reinforced her commitment to improving outcomes for children in need of care and protection. She reminisced: 

“I was a connected person’s foster carer… I looked after two siblings for around six years.” 

Nicole’s passion for social work led her to pursue further education, culminating in a degree in social work and a subsequent role within Progress’ fostering team.  

At Progress, she honed her skills in assessment and support, gaining invaluable experience that would later shape her approach to leadership.  

“I joined Progress for my placement, following my placement ending, they offered me a job within the fostering team as a supervising social worker.” 

Recognising that Nicole’s experiences align with Progress’ commitment to providing better alternatives for children in crisis, Nicole was appointed to lead Progress’ latest innovative service that provides unique support to children. 

A sneak peak inside the Nicole-led innovative service

“I’ve always wanted to open my own children’s home… Progress presented me with the new service, which was opening. They want the service to be social work-led. That’s how I got here.” 

The service which is now fully operational and is open to welcoming similarly personate qualified individuals to join Nicole and the rest of the team, is not just yet another offering but is a manifestation of Progress’ unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child has access to safety, stability, and support during times of uncertainty. The service provides a lifeline when it is needed most. 

As the Nicole-led service continues to make positive impacts and positively transform lives, her story reinforces the power of visionary determination, and the critical roles of Progress in supporting and guiding the workforce to reach full potentials.  

From her humble beginnings as a care worker to her current role as a visionary leader, Nicole’s impact, enabled by Progress, on the lives of vulnerable children is undeniable. And as she looks to the future, one thing remains certain: Nicole’s journey is far from over, and her passion aligns with Progress’ values that continue to inspire the entire workforce and the people the organisation serves. 

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

Progress is Proud to Support Employees to Become Foster Carers

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Progress Children’s Services Ltd and Progress Adult Living Services Ltd, collectively known as Progress, are happy to announce we are part of the Fostering Network’s ‘Fostering Friendly Employers’ programme and as such, we have implemented a fostering friendly policy for employees who foster or applying to do so. Through this policy, Progress offers up to five additional days of paid leave, to enable staff to complete their fostering commitments, training and other critical activities in the role or in the application and approval process.

Angeline Freer, Head of Corporate and Commercial Services at Progress explains “In addition to always looking for more ways to support our workforce, I felt it was important as a fostering agency to support this initiative and our employees to foster, given the critical need for more families for children who need them, which is ultimately why we exist”.

The Fostering Network, a membership body, is the UK’s leading fostering charity. Their Executive Chair, Mervyn Erskine says ‘becoming a fostering friendly employer is something to be really proud of. Foster carers are the bedrock of children’s social care, for the difference they make to the lives of children. It is important that this vital role is not only recognised, but also encouraged by employers.  

Angeline added, “By supporting our employees to foster, be that through us or another agency, we can help to address the thousands of extra fostering households needed in the UK, for the children who need them most”. 

The fostering community is open to people from all walks of life, no matter your age, gender, relationship status or sexual orientation. If you are considering fostering, please get in touch with Progress via enquiry.fostering@progresscare.co.uk to find out more. 

Progress is Supporting The Care Workers’ Charity

Posted on by Paul Adepoju

Progress Children’s Services Ltd and Progress Adult Living Services Ltd are proud to be supporter members of The Care Workers’ Charity. According to Neil Flack, the National Accounts Manager for The Care Workers’ Charity, this collaboration goes beyond mere financial assistance. Instead, it embraces a holistic approach to support the dedicated care workers the charity supports.

The Care Workers’ Charity, founded in 2009, has been on a steadfast mission to amplify the voices of care workers. Actively participating in government discussions, policy forums, and academic centres, the charity is committed to providing a robust voice for care workers. Neil emphasises, “As the UK’s charity for Care Workers, we are invited to represent the care workers’ perspective, translating the workforce’s experiences into high-level analysis and guiding sustainable reform”.

Renowned for its diverse support initiatives, The Care Workers’ Charity places a significant focus on mental health and overall well-being. Neil highlights, ” The CWC offer Care Workers access to free mental health counselling and non-repayable one-off crisis grants.” Our confidential guidance acts as a safety net for care workers, supporting dignity in times of adversity.” The comprehensive financial support extends to various needs, from utility bills to unexpected expenses like car repairs, replacement white goods or daily living costs.

The aim is not solely to address immediate financial needs but also to provide ongoing support for the broader well-being of care workers.

“Progress is delighted to direct our social responsibility focus to The Care Workers’ Charity and their critical support of the amazing and dedicated care workforce on which we, and the individuals we exist to support, completely rely,” said Angeline Freer, Head of Corporate and Commercial Services, Progress Children’s Services Ltd and Progress Adult Living Services Ltd.

By actively engaging with The Care Workers’ Charity, Progress is also enhancing the overall well-being of their staff, recognising the broader impact on mental health, job satisfaction, and work-life balance.

“Supporter membership enables care providers to show their commitment to the sector and opportunities for active engagement” … Supporter members can be asked to nominate Care workers to attend panel discussions, participate in Professional Care Workers’ Week and receive regular updates on events and opportunities,” Neil said.

UK care workers can also access free therapy sessions, providing a confidential space to discuss job-related challenges or personal issues. Progress’ support for the charity is also intended to create a supportive environment for their care workers.

Neil emphasises the critical role of effective communication and the distribution of relevant information within care organisations. He notes, “Ensuring the guidance material is well distributed in areas your team can easily access is vital.”

As the collaboration unfolds, Neil expressed a commitment to ongoing communication and a readiness to address any needs or concerns that may arise.

The partnership between Progress and The Care Workers’ Charity aspires to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of care workers within and beyond the organisation. Together, they aim to foster a culture of support and well-being, creating a ripple effect that resonates across the UK care sector.