I’d like to say that my main attribute is my sense of humour. Comes in very handy with this type of work sometimes. I enjoy most sports, but my main hobby is rugby, watching my beloved Exeter Chiefs. I love walking, reading, and watching mixed martial arts. I used to do a bit but getting too old for that now.

I spend time in my caravan in South Wales, where I spend time in the sea falling off my paddle board

When did you start work at PCG? And what was your first role?

It was on the 10th of July 2022. I completed my PACB course then drove immediately to Manchester to join TEAMWK.

What attracted you to the position at PCG?

I was looking for an opportunity to work within the care industry, where I could apply my life experience and passion to help. Then immediately after my first contact with PCG, I was all in. I’d not experienced this relaxed and kind atmosphere during an initial meet and greet phase before. I met Liza (CEO), Dean (ops manager), Katie (FOAK) and Matt (CQC), all of which made the interview and induction phase a pleasurable and enjoyable day. Oh, how the office has changed!

What did you do before you worked at PCG? Did you have any experience in care?

I was in the Royal marines for 22 years; I then did some time offshore completing anti-piracy security in and around the Indian Ocean. Following that, I accepted an offshore job working for a company completing offshore seismic surveying for 6 years as a workboat coxswain. During this time, I traveled most quarters of the world, from Brazil to the far corners of Russia. After spending 19 days in quarantine, secluded in a hotel room in Brazil, I had a desire to change my career, and spent the following 3 ½ month deployment studying mental health and wellbeing, life coaching certificate and a Neuro linguistic programming foundation course.

The next phase of my career was closer to home, starting has a project manager for 9 months in South Wales. This was followed by an administrator role during Cov’d in the Gatwick vicinity. I was still determined to work within the care industry, and fortunately luck was on my side. A friend during a phone conversation mentioned a new company called PCG, who were looking for carers and I should send them an email.

What have been the most challenging bits of your role?

Crisis management within the care profession, when working with young people with autism presents unique challenges that require specialised attention and support. Verbal de-escalation and coping strategies, which were taught to us during our PACB course, are of great help. However, when an incident is triggered and the young person is heightened and need our care, the challenge to be calm and act with compassion can present your own inner struggles.

What do you enjoy about working with PCG?

Most of the job entails face to face communication with the young person. This can at times be a challenge with getting a point of view across to them, in a way they can comprehend. But using the skills, and with a bit of life experience thrown in, most of the time, the young person will eventually take on board your suggestions and thank you. This often becomes a true light bulb moment for me.

What are your goals/ambitions within PCG?

All I say is, move over Dean, you’ve kept my seat warm for too long.

Joking aside, my main goal is to leverage my background in the Royal Marines, coupled with my compassionate nature to contribute meaningfully to the well-being and happiness within the care profession. I believe everyone deserves to be treated equally with dignity and respect, and I’m committed to learn and grow with PCG, embodying these values in my professional journey.

Currently I am focused on completing my Level 5 diploma, that PCG is funding, and then to move up the ranks.