Bernadette Fairclough
CHELTENHAM,Gloucestershire
Summary
Experienced Senior Support Worker with a strong background in care services, specialising in supporting vulnerable individuals, including refugees and young people transitioning to independent living. Demonstrates expertise in stakeholder collaboration, documentation management, and safeguarding policies, ensuring compliance with confidentiality and data protection standards. Skilled in coordinating services, managing competing priorities, and fostering professional communication to deliver high-quality care. Adept at staff supervision, training, and mentoring within fast-paced environments while maintaining a person-centred approach. Career focus includes enhancing service delivery through meticulous organisation and a commitment to promoting dignity, independence, and well-being for all service users.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Support Worker
CCP (Caring for Communities and People)
03.2024 - Current
- Facilitated coordination of services for refugees transitioning into employment, education, and long-term housing, collaborating effectively with multiple stakeholders.
- Accommodation Based Services, Refugee Unit. Supporting refugees who have achieved the right to remain in the UK, to access education, employment and future housing, while living in a 3 month temporary placement.
- Coordinated team meetings and staff supervision schedules, preparing agendas and documentation in advance to ensure effective follow-up on agreed actions.
- Contributed to the preparation of monthly service reports for senior management, ensuring information was accurate, clearly presented and submitted within deadlines.
- Served as key contact for internal colleagues and external partners, including housing providers, local authorities, and education services, responding to enquiries and disseminating relevant information.
- Maintained accurate documentation and records, ensuring compliance with organisational procedures and confidentiality requirements.
- Managed competing priorities within a fast-paced environment, ensuring urgent requests were addressed promptly while maintaining a high level of organisation and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive personal information and complex cases.
Support Worker
CCP (Caring for Communities and People)
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
03.2022 - 03.2024
- Provided independent living support to young people aged 16 to 18 years.
- Supporting children living in care to attain the skills necessary for living independently post 18.
- Promoted independence and community engagement among service users through tailored support and encouragement.
- Developed trusting relationships with service users and advocated on their behalf.
- Provided support in social, physical and emotional areas to assist clients with integrating into local community.
- Guided clients in financial management and budgeting to enhance their financial independence and security.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to coordinate care services, ensuring a holistic approach to client health.
- Conducted regular risk assessments in clients' homes to identify potential hazards and implement preventative measures.
- Coordinated with social services and other agencies to access additional support for clients, facilitating comprehensive care.
- Documented client behaviours, activity engagement and skills development to inform personalised care strategies.
- Maintained detailed records of client progress, interventions, and any changes in condition, contributing to continuous care improvement.
- Evaluated programme effectiveness by monitoring and reporting on client progress.
- Participated in training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge, staying informed about best practices in care.
Carer
The Good Care Group
Scotland
09.2019 - 03.2022
- Delivered ongoing live-in care to client, adhering to care plan to promote well-being and comfort.
- Completed tasks outlined in client care plan and additional responsibilities to ensure high-quality care delivery.
- Remained on client’s premises throughout assigned four-week period, collaborating with another carer to provide consistent support.
- Participated in required training to ensure compliance and effective service delivery.
- Delivered compassionate care as a dedicated professional carer.
Day / Night Care Leader
Ashley Intermediate Care Centre, The Orders of St. John Care Trust
Cheltenham
12.2012 - 09.2019
- Facilitate an ongoing assessment of service user / family needs, and implementation of interdisciplinary team care plan.
- Promoted privacy, dignity, independence, choice, rights and fulfilment for all service users while managing risk effectively.
- Guided and instructed team members to understand and endorse Unit aims and objectives.
- Established clear communication channels to ensure staff understood their duties through regular team meetings and an effective key carer system.
- Led day and night care operations for service users, ensuring quality support and adherence to care plans.
Carer
Dean Healthcare Agency
Gloucester
11.2011 - 12.2012
- Responded promptly to urgent assistance requests, ensuring immediate support for clients.
- Providing care to people with a diverse range of abilities and needs.
- Collaborated with individuals and teams to effectively meet project goals, fostering a cooperative environment.
Education
Foundation Degree in Science - Health and Social Care
Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology
Cheltenham, GLS09-2009
NCFE CACHE Level 2 certificate - The Principles of Dementia Care
North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College
07-2020
Certificate of Higher Education - Health and Social Care
University of Gloucestershire
Cheltenham, GLS07-2017
EDEXCEL Level 3 NVQ -
Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology
01-2011
Skills
- Meeting organisation and logistics
- Agenda management
- Stakeholder liaison
- Documentation and record management
- Activity and service coordination
- Organisational and prioritisation skills
- Professional communication
- Confidential information handling
- Minute taking and action tracking
- Report writing
- Diary scheduling and task prioritisation
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Documentation management
- Independent living support
- Cultural sensitivity
- Emotional intelligence
- Professional discretion
- Understanding confidentiality legislation
- Record-keeping
- Health and Safety Compliance
- Excellent communication
- Personal hygiene awareness
- Safeguarding policy knowledge
- Protecting vulnerable adults training
- Positive outlook
- Training and mentorship
- Safeguarding vulnerable adults' rights
- Understanding of safeguarding policies
- Record-keeping and documentation
- Person-Centred Approach
- Staff supervision
- Patience in difficult situations
- Record management
- People-Centred approach
- Activity planning and management
- Respectful attitude
- Reliability
- Data protection compliance
- Staff training
- Empathetic communication
- Housework and cleaning
- Sensitivity towards cultural diversity
- Building trust relationships
- Issue reporting procedures
- Critical incident stress debriefing
- Social skills development
- Client-Centred approach
- Group leadership
- Respecting confidentiality
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Emotional resilience
- Resilience and stamina
- Computer literate
Custom Section
- Meeting coordination and agenda preparation
- Minute taking and action tracking
- Report writing and documentation
- Diary scheduling and task prioritisation
- Stakeholder liaison and communication
- Confidential information handling
Timeline
Senior Support Worker
CCP (Caring for Communities and People)
03.2024 - Current
Support Worker
CCP (Caring for Communities and People)
03.2022 - 03.2024
Carer
The Good Care Group
09.2019 - 03.2022
Day / Night Care Leader
Ashley Intermediate Care Centre, The Orders of St. John Care Trust
12.2012 - 09.2019
Carer
Dean Healthcare Agency
11.2011 - 12.2012
Foundation Degree in Science - Health and Social Care
Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology
NCFE CACHE Level 2 certificate - The Principles of Dementia Care
North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College
Certificate of Higher Education - Health and Social Care
University of Gloucestershire
EDEXCEL Level 3 NVQ -
Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology