Building a Career in Care: From Carer to Senior Lead

By Lucy Styler, Senior Lead – Torbay & South Hams Hub

Back in 2017, I came to a crossroads in my career and personal life. I was a single mum, my daughter was 6 years old, and I was working as an NVQ assessor all around Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. Life was busy and I depended a lot on my parents to help out with childcare. Suddenly, both my parents became unwell. My mum had a heart attack and my dad received a cancer diagnosis.

Things needed to change. I applied for a local carer role that offered flexible working hours to suit family life. I completed an application form, attended an interview, and was delighted to be offered the job. I started working school hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, as well as every other weekend. I carried out this role for two years, picking up extra calls whenever I could to help out. During this time I completed my mandatory training and more in-depth mental health training. I was also promoted to Team Leader, working alongside two others to support the manager and help keep everything running as smoothly as possible.

Growth Through Challenge

Then 2020 hit like a hurricane. I was working and home-schooling at the same time. My daughter and I moved in with my now husband and his two children so I could fulfil both roles as a healthcare professional and a mum. I felt very supported during this time. We were provided with full PPE and NHS guidance as it changed, and we managed to keep ourselves up to date while continuing to provide the best possible care under the circumstances.

Towards the end of that period, I was asked how I would feel about supporting the manager more directly in a deputy role. I said I would really enjoy it, and began once we were allowed to return to the office. After a couple of months, I discovered I was pregnant.

Returning to Work and Moving Forward

In October 2021, I went on maternity leave for nine months. During this time I asked myself a lot of questions. Should I return to work? Should I change my hours? Did I want the chaos of on-call, evening and weekend work again? The answer turned out to be yes.

By September 2022, I placed my baby with a childminder and returned to work. Thanks to my colleagues supporting my new hours, I became part of the team again and it felt like I had never been away.

In December 2024, the service became part of District Health. At first, I worried about what this might mean. Would our hours change? Would our roles look different? Would clients notice a difference in the care we provided? Thankfully, those concerns soon eased. District Health kept the things that worked well in place, while introducing more structure, clearer progression routes and stronger support for staff. Carers and clients alike felt reassured, and the improvements behind the scenes have benefitted everyone.

My Role Today

Since progressing to a Senior Lead role, my week now includes managing new care referrals, writing care plans, inducting new staff, carrying out community support checks, and supporting colleagues in the office. I also take part in the on-call rota and still go out into the community when needed.

The role is varied, rewarding, and allows me to balance family and career. I can spend time with my children and husband while continuing to develop professionally.

Looking back, I would not change a thing. I have been able to grow in confidence, learn new skills, and support others to do the same. And, in case you are wondering, my mum and dad are both fighting fit again and now enjoy helping me with my two children.

Why I’d Recommend a Career in Care

If you are looking for flexible work, a supportive team, and clear opportunities to progress, care could be the career for you. I have gone from part-time carer to Senior Lead, with training and development at every step of the journey.

Ready to start your journey? View our latest roles near you and apply today.