I have many years of experience within different care settings. I started my career as a qualified nurse working in many disciplines from Special Care Baby Unit to Elderly End of Life Care, and every age group in between. I have even been in the army (Queen Alexandria's Royal Army Nursing Corp), although I don't think I was a very good soldier as I don't particularly like being told what to do!! I had a break to bring up my children, and on returning, I worked for an agency who sent me to a local hospital for Adults with a Learning Disability who were in crisis. That was the start of working with this group of people for the last 25+ years. I have worked from Support Worker, working my way 'up the ladder' to Registered Manager and now Regional General Manager, where I oversee, guide and support 8 Residential Care Homes to maintain the best quality of care and support possible. I firmly believe in the rights of the individuals we support to be as individual as they can possibly be. Giving opportunities to develop and supporting and recognising each individual as a person in their own right. The individuals are at the centre of everything I strive to do. 25 years is a long time, but my enthusiasm and dedication to my chosen field of care has never diminished. I am as devoted and passionate about supporting the rights of individuals today as I was all those years ago.