“The main reason I joined Helping hands was because of the ethos of the company and that its goals were not profit-based, but client-based. I have worked in both the private and public sector and seen how companies that say they care about people don’t actually focus on them, and for me it is about the people we support and making a difference to them and their families.
“I’ve worked in care since I left school and began volunteering at nursing homes to help the residents. I specialise in autism care and have worked in the learning disabilities sector for 17 years. I also have a seven-year-old son with autism, so I understand from both a professional and personal point of view how to put the right support in place for those living with autism.”
Career Pathway
After Kevin left school, he worked on transport buses for residents from nursing homes before becoming a full-time visiting carer in and around Chester and Ellesmore Port. Two years later, Kevin transferred to the learning disability services in Cheshire and then moved into the specialist autism services until 2010.
Kevin has worked for several large domiciliary care providers as a Branch Manager including AMG Nursing, Lifeways, Voyage Care and Home Instead Senior Care, as well as being an Operations Director for Bloomsbury Home Care. Kevin has also worked as a Village Manager at a retirement village, during which he was responsible for the building of properties, accreditation, moving the residents in and overseeing the care and support.
Whilst working in specialist autism services, Kevin worked closely with a young gentleman with autism, who was considered very challenging and had limited understanding. Kevin spent time getting to know him and created ways to help him communicate with others. Within a two-year period, he formed a new two-way communication method with him that included pictures, objects and gestures. Kevin went on lots of different days out with ‘H’ and even went on several holidays to Spain! Kevin sums up his experience with ‘H’: “His family told me I changed their son’s life, but to be honest, H changed my life and helped me to understand how important it is to listen to everything and not just what is said.
Qualifications and Professional Development
Kevin has been a Registered Manager for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for over 10 years and has previously been registered with the Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW). He has also led services that are accredited by the National Autistic Society (NAS) and the Associated Retirement Community Operators (ARCO).
Kevin holds Level 3 and 4 NVQs in Care, a Basic and Intermediate Counselling qualification and a National Association for Maternal and Child Welfare qualification in Child Studies. He has completed certificates in Social Care, Home Nursing and Practical Work from the University of Lancaster and has also completed a vast amount of employment-based training in topics including challenging behaviour, autism, Asperger’s, mental health awareness, Mental Capacity Act, sensory awareness and deprivation of liberty.
