From a Bank Support Worker to Project Manager

Hayley Ranford, Lifeways Interim Project Manager for the South Coast tells us about her progression throughout her Lifeways career.  

"My career in care started with Lifeways in February 2005, I had no previous experience. I was a student at the time and worked around my studies as a Bank Support Worker. When I finished university, I got a full-time contract as a Support Worker for several years but was later asked to cover as a Team Leader. This was only meant to be temporary, but then it became a permanent position! 

In 2014, an opportunity arose for a Service Manager position, which I thought was way out of my reach, but my Area Manager encouraged me to apply and I was successful.  
 
I wanted to take on new challenges and get a more in-depth understanding of different parts of the business so in 2018 another opportunity came up to become the senior service manager of the Devon area where I was supporting the area manager in both Plymouth and Exeter. In April 2019 I agreed to help out in the North East for a few months. I was the interim Area Manager of Living Ambitions Newcastle. Since this time I have supported the South Coast area as an Interim Project Manager, supporting the Area Manager in different parts of the area. 

As an Interim Project Manager, I have been supporting the transfer of our Portsmouth service into Lifeways. This has been a positive project to work on, welcoming the new teams to Lifeways. I’m also working alongside the Business Support Manager to review the residential services within the South region. 
 
On a personal level, I’m grateful for the various opportunities I have been given during my time with Lifeways, be that through qualifications, various promotion opportunities, and the chance to work in different parts of the country. I’ve also been fortunate to support some great individuals and it’s been really lovely to see how much they’ve developed their skills to become more independent. 
  
If a Lifeways employee is looking to progress, I would suggest to have a chat with your manager and find out if there’s something available for you to support with. Take opportunities when they are offered to you and have some faith in yourself- it might sometimes feel out of your comfort zone, but that’s where you can grow!"

To see how you can join the team at Lifeways, visit our careers page.