TEN QUESTIONS


10 Questions with... Dianne Underwood


Each issue we ask an industry professional the Tomorrow’s Care 10 Questions. This time, we chatted to Dianne Underwood, Director of Quality & Care at CRG Homecare.


1


HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE CARE INDUSTRY? My first foray into the industry was at college, where


I worked part time as a support worker for people with learning disabilities. Working at a small learning disability home in Meir, Stoke-on-Trent, I supported four individuals who had lived in a long-stay mental health institution all of their lives. This was one of the most rewarding roles I have ever undertaken, and I will be eternally grateful to Greg Millar who appointed me.


2


WHO, IN ANY OTHER INDUSTRY, DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? I think it would have to be Nelson Mandela and the


amazing work The Mandela Foundation do. Mandela followed three rules in life, “free yourself, free others and serve every day” – it wasn’t just a mantra, it was how he led his life and it’s something I try to incorporate into everything I do.


working with providers to address this issue alongside the skills needed for a career in care.


6


IF YOU COULD HAVE A DINNER PARTY WITH ANY THREE PEOPLE, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE?


John Townley, one of my colleagues, because he always manages to make me laugh and has a brilliant sense of humour, James Corden and my father who passed away 17 years ago, as he would keep my glass topped up and play great music.


7 8


WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU COULD GIVE TO SOMEONE NEW COMING INTO THE CARE PROFESSION?


Work alongside someone who inspires you, who gives you confidence and can share your weaknesses and your successes – I’ve learnt so much from others along the way.


WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN A FUTURE ISSUE OF TOMORROW’S CARE?


It would be interesting and insightful to see examples of care models used in different countries. Knowledge is power and sometimes it can be useful to see how other countries work and where we might take inspiration or learn from their experiences and, indeed, mistakes.


9 3


HOW DO YOU THINK THE CARE SECTOR COULD BE IMPROVED?


The new prime minster will be a huge part of how and what can be delivered, and how the service we deliver can be improved upon. Policy makers have outlined their ambitions to provide joined-up care closer to home since 2014, and again in 2016. Leaders need to work collaboratively to address person-centred care, putting physical plans in place – there can be a lot of talk around the subject, and little action.


4 5


IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER FOR A DAY WHAT WOULD IT BE?


I’d fly to work – the motorway is not a good use of time.


WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE CARE INDUSTRY TODAY?


Recruitment, everybody is having such difficulty hiring talented people, we are certainly missing skilled and highly qualified people. The government needs to raise the profile of the sector – it is pleasing to see so many local authorities


- 32 -


WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THE CARE SECTOR?


I think over the next few years we are going to see more and more talented people who are driven to succeed and who have the passion to raise the quality in services, alongside those who have the integrity to make the right choice at parliamentary level.


I’m sure we will see more competent people working alongside leaders within organisations, given the money the government has invested into the apprentice levy – this really excites me. If we are mutually accountable, we will certainly be more visible.


10


KEV POPAT, MANAGING DIRECTOR, RIGHT AT HOME SOLENT, ASKED: WHAT THREE PERSONALITY TRAITS


DO YOU SEE AS MOST IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CARE STAFF? I believe our care staff need to be committed, courageous to speak up and speak out, and able to deliver compassionate care that is communicated in a competent way. If we can deliver this each and every day whether delivering care, in a meeting with teams or in a board of directors meeting, we will certainly live and breathe our own values.


www.crg.uk.com/homecare/ www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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