No qualifications? No problem. How Jessica left school with nothing but now manages 19 services at Lifeways

Albert Einstein famously said: “The only source of knowledge is experience.” And in Jessica O’Boyle’s case, it couldn’t be more accurate. 

Her inspiring journey from leaving school without formal qualifications to leading 19 Lifeways services as an Area Manager shows what’s possible with passion and purpose. 

When she first thought about her future, a career in social care wasn’t part of the plan. At school, she struggled to focus on lessons unless they truly interested her, leaning more toward practical activities and sports. Initially, she imagined a path in the military. But life had other plans... and what started as a hands-on support role has grown into a leadership position that impacts hundreds of lives. 

As an Area Manager for Lifeways, she is responsible for ensuring quality and consistency across 19 services in Staffordshire and Walsall. It’s a big job - bigger than she imagined when she took it on. “The most challenging part is ensuring consistency of quality across the board,” she says. “But it’s also very, very rewarding.” 

So, what Makes It Rewarding? 

For Jessica, the reward lies in seeing people grow - both the people supported by Lifeways and the team mates she works alongside. “It’s about building confidence, helping people develop skills, and supporting colleagues to grow into careers within social care,” she explains. “That’s what makes it worthwhile.” 

Starting From Scratch 

Jessica’s own journey began without any formal qualifications. Her first role was as a frontline support worker, where she approached every day with a simple but powerful question: How would I want my loved one to be supported? That person-centred mindset became the foundation of her career. 

After getting a foot in the door, she soon began gaining qualifications, starting with Level 2 in Health and Social Care, then progressing to Level 3, and eventually completing Level 5 in Leadership - all while balancing work and family life. “I remember doing coursework during maternity leave,” she recalls. “I could tell you about social care, but writing it down was a challenge!” 

Rising Through the Ranks 

Jessica’s commitment to quality quickly stood out. Within three months of stepping into an acting manager role, she faced an inspection and successfully turned the service around in just six to nine months. Her leadership delivered outstanding practice, earning praise from senior leaders. 

Despite being approached several times for higher roles, Jessica says her motivation was never about climbing the ladder. “For me, it was about how much I could give back and help others deliver the quality I would expect,” she says. That mindset eventually led her to apply for - and secure - the Area Manager position at Lifeways. 

The Values That Matter 

Jessica believes qualifications alone don’t define a great care professional. “You’re born with the values needed,” she says. “We can teach skills and provide qualifications, but that natural empathy and commitment to doing the right thing - that’s what makes the difference.” 

Her story is a powerful reminder that a career in social care isn’t just a job - it’s a calling.  

“Not just anyone can do this,” Jessica said. “But if you have the right values, we can help you build the skills and create a career.” 

Are you a school leaver wondering what your next step could be? If you have care at your core, then explore a career with Lifeways here: www.lifeways.co.uk/careers