My journey with ubu

On 22nd February 1993, I started my employment with ubu as a service manager in Blackpool. What, is she really that old I can hear you ask!! Surely not.

Well, it’s true, and I can still remember how excited I was to finally be able to support four people to move into their own home after they had spent long years in institutions – Fran, John, Raymond and Michael who have all now sadly passed, but had a great time first.

I never imagined still being here 30 years later having had a number of roles including Area, Regional, Development, Training Manager, and then the Lead for service delivery before being offered my current role as Chief Operating Officer.

My first “claim to fame” was being the first manager in the company to achieve my D32 and 33 assessors award which was celebrated via a flyer sent to all services. Not only did we not have email then, but we didn’t have laptops or mobile phones!....... I was given a mobile phone eventually although it was difficult to fit into my bag, being the size of a brick.

People sometimes ask me why I am still here after 30 years; the real reason is that I am lucky enough to have experienced a sense of fulfilment throughout.

This includes seeing people we serve living the life they should, recognising and developing others, skills and talents, being supported to develop my talent and of course working with amazing people.

I have loved the last 30 years and if I had one wish, it would be that I could do it all again……this time with a tablet, SMART phone, and Microsoft Teams from the beginning though!

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to my journey, and I hope yours is just as enjoyable.

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