Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Samantha Gardner

yate,Bristol

Summary

I am a family person with responsibilities, I am reliable and trustworthy and loyal. I am compassionate and dedicated person with over 3 years of experience providing personalized care to individuals with Dementia.

I have a passion for helping others, providing support to individuals with a wide range of physical, mental emotional needs. I am willing to learn new skills and have many to offer.

I have good interpersonal understanding and communication skills and am a confident team worker with the ability to work on my own initiative.

I am organised, efficient and hard working person and willing to discover and accept new ideas which can be put into practice effectively.

I am a good listener and learner, able to communicate well with a group and on a individual level. I am able to communicate easily in both spoken and written forms.



Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
16
16
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Senior Day Opportunities Facilitator

South Gloucestershire Council
Yate, Bristol
10.2024 - Current
  • Provided emotional support to Service Users improving their mental wellbeing.
  • Documented reports on daily observations accurately, helping to keep track of every service users progress over time.
  • Followed Medication policies and procedures when administering medication to service users.
  • Prompt and maintain Service Users mobility through exercise e.g. light and lively which has resulted in improvements in their physical strength to carry out daily life tasks eg keep them walking. As well improvements noted in their emotional and social well being.
  • Adhered strictly to professional standards, regulations and policies at all times whilst undertaking my duties and responsibilities.
  • Carried out day-to-day duties with regards to planning activities and allocating staff to support, as well as completing risk assessments individual and generic for all activities and trips out in the community for the service users.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed. With a key focus on Carers support when required.
  • Supported team by role modelling / demonstrating respect and willingness to support all whom attend.
  • Consistently arrived at work on time and ready to start immediately.
  • Used critical thinking and initiative to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions, for example when there was a disagreement between two service users and I had to step in and resolve the situation by using distraction techniques and teamwork eg asking another member to support one service user whilst I supported the other.


I have completed the full First Aid at work qualification and I am an allocated First Aider on site and responsible for providing First Aid for all when require, ,both staff and S/users and checking First Aid equipment and documentation of any Frist Aid provided.


I have recently completed my RQF level 3 in Health and Social Care in May 2025, I am keen to develop and undertake my RQF level 4/5.

·I am completing SGC The Management Programme offered to South Glos Managers.


I have been working in the Role of Acting Up Operational Manager at Cambrian Green Day Services for 4mths. Employed by South Glos Council.

The day service is not a regulated service at this time but always adhere to practices linked to regulated standards and expectations.


This current role includes the roles and responsibilities at a Supervisory level overseeing staff team members day to day and as a Line Manager as part of the Service delivery at the centre.


My substantive post held included the roles & responsibilities of overseeing the staff teams day to day practices in developing Dementia Day care under my supervision.


My previous role employed with Extra Care Housing Scheme was a regulated service and my practices adhered to regulated standards as set by CQC.


All practices at the Day Centre follow the Care Act 2014 which include each Service User having a full assessment of their care needs completed by a Qualified Social Worker.


Should support from the Dementia Day Centre Service be required then I must ensure all care needs assessed are met and reviewed. I ensure the staff team are fully aware of how to support the individual own views and choices, are met and respected in a person centred way.


A part of the Care Act this also includes the right for family main Carers to have their needs assessed and considered by services who support. I must ensure I work with all families to support them through difficulties, challenges and support them to navigate the social care pathway when required as part of my role.


I having an understanding of how the MCA supports each individual who attends. I must take into consideration their own personal level of Capacity and ability to make and be included in all decisions they make about their Care and Support whilst at the Centre.


I also ensure that should their Capacity to be able to make decisions about their day to day life decisions made then a full MCA Assessment will need to be completed which includes their full inclusion in any decisions being made in their best interests.


This will include any person who has the legal ability through POA

( Health and Welfare) to make any life changing decisions made.

Working alongside and in partnership with any key professionals at multi-disciplinary meetings when required. This ensures the viewpoints, facts and opinions form the Service Users are represented.


As well as taking into consideration feedback from the service and team that support the person who attends via review process and closely monitoring any changes identified linked to Dementia, Mental Capacity and understanding.


As part of the MCA I understand fully the Key Principles of the MCA Act and follow the Key Principles in my practices as a Manager, ensuring that all individuals are able to make their own decisions unless they have been deemed to lack Capacity.


I regularly supervise staff teams practices. This will be on a day to day basis whilst service delivery is occurring at the Centre for example at Daily report where allocation of tasks and updates on changes may be required of the staff team.


Also overseeing staff teams practices during the delivery of activities.

I meet with allocated staff team members regularly to undertake 1to1 meetings linked to personal supervisions and performance review. As well as chairing staff team meetings when required. I will request and work alongside HR advice and guidance when required to support Employee performance at the Centre.


As an Acting Operational Manager a key part of the role is personal time management of tasks. This requires me to make decisions on what are the priority tasks for that day, to support me with this I keep a "to do list" on my desk so that I can prioritize the workload ensuring that everything is completed but the most urgent is dealt with first. As well as dealing with the day to day queries from the team, the Service users and family members.


I need to be able to have a reactive style of management and deal with situations professionally as they arise. An example of this was when I dealt with a service user who came in very distressed one morning and discovered that she had not been treated very kindly by her Carer and I had to complete and raise a safeguarding alert.


I am willing to ask for support and guidance from my colleagues when I am unsure of anything. I need to make use of my own initiative to problem solve and follow up all tasks presented in a timely manner.


During my time as an acting Duty manager I have developed good working relationship with a Service Users and their families as well as staff.

I have been working closely with the wife of one of our service users who had phoned to raise a concern and I have worked with her closely to resolve the situation and reassure her that his needs were being met. I have also signposted her to where she could get additional support and information.


I am a Fire Warden and carry out regular fire drills. I am trained in using the Evac Chair to support people out the building in the event of a fire.


I have been involved in monitoring supplies for the Centre for infection control and hygiene as well as staffing levels. I deal with the petty cash and amenities fund on a daily basis ensuring that I work within these budgets.


During my time as a Senior and acting Operational Manager I have been developing my IT skills using Databases and inhouse systems such Mosaic and D365, emails, reports and completing care plans as well as updating information stored about our service users. I have developed effective communication skills with the staff, Managers, Service Users and families, ensuring that when sharing information I work within General Data Protection and Confidentiality


I always work within Policies and Procedures, working within the Care Standards 2010 and the Care Act 2014 to ensure that both service users and staff are supported with dignity and respect , treated equally and fairly following the Equality Act 2010. Ensuring that they are Safeguarded from harm and abuse and any concerns are raised immediately


I have an inner drive and motivation to continue to develop my understanding and knowledge, to improve upon my own skills in the provision of Dementia care and support in our community.


This requires a personal understanding of new research and evidence based support linked to local and National Dementia Care strategies. Moving forward which will influence changes needed for all who have and live with Dementia and require our support and service.






Care assistant

Housing 21
St George / Yate, Bristol
06.2022 - 01.2023
  • Administered medication to Residents in accordance with GP instructions and ensuring that medication policies and procedures were followed
  • I worked within Health and Safety policies and procedures ensuring a safe working environment and raised any concerns immediately.
  • Responded promptly to emergency situations, maintaining a calm demeanor to help reassure the residents and ensure their safety at all times. I ensured that they received the correct medical treatment if required and completed all relevant paperwork afterwards such as accident forms.
  • Monitored the health and wellbeing of the residents ensuring their individual correct diet and care needs were met to prevent health complications.
  • Adhered strictly to professional standards, regulations and policies at all times while executing duties.
  • Encouraged independence among residents whilst assisting them with tasks.
  • Documented reports on daily observations accurately, helping in keeping track of every resident's progress over time.
  • Respected privacy and dignity of each resident during provision of personal care activities
  • Helped individuals with day-to-day activities while consistently encouraging independence and self-belief.
  • Maintained confidentiality and compliance following GDPR regulations and confidentiality policies
  • Monitored client health conditions and reported immediate issues to manager.
  • Monitored individual's physical and emotional wellbeing, promptly reporting changes and providing suggestions for care plan adjustments.
  • Adapted to service users' needs and requests to maintain personalised care.
  • Supported them with changing bed linens, washing clothes and cleaning their flats to maintain healthy personal environments.
  • Used manual handling techniques and lifting aids to position clients in safe, comfortable postures following policies and procedures and keeping my training up to date.

Community Social Club Manger

St Anne's Social Club
Redfield Bristol, Bristol
06.2004 - 05.2022
  • Managed stock levels to avoid unnecessary wastage or shortages.
  • Handled challenging situations calmly, resolving issues promptly for patrons' satisfaction.
  • Learned extensive beverage menu quickly to make recommendations based on customer preferences.
  • Recognised signs of intoxication in guests, refused service when necessary for safety compliance.
  • Improved customer engagement by maintaining a friendly and approachable demeanour.
  • Maintained cash register operations for accurate financial transactions.
  • Collaborated effectively with team members to ensure smooth operation.
  • Enhanced bar efficiency by keeping work areas clean and well-stocked at all times.
  • Performed closing duties, ensuring the venue was ready for business the following day.
  • Checked identification to prevent underage drinking in compliance with legal requirements.
  • Fostered a welcoming atmosphere through polite conversation and prompt service.
  • Operated till, handled cash accurately whilst balancing receipts at end of shift.
  • Prioritised cleanliness, resulting in an inviting and hygienic bar environment.
  • Maintained bar stocks, replenishing daily as necessary.

Education

St George Community School
Bristol
09.1988 - 07.2004

Skills

  • Calm under pressure
  • Problem-solving
  • Communication skills
  • Leadership
  • Safeguarding policy Knowledge
  • Health and Safety Compliance
  • Medication Administration
  • Activity planning
  • First Aider
  • Moving and Handing
  • Listening Skills
  • Understanding change and developing the skill to adapt
  • Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • Clear Communication and understanding

Timeline

Senior Day Opportunities Facilitator

South Gloucestershire Council
10.2024 - Current

Care assistant

Housing 21
06.2022 - 01.2023

Community Social Club Manger

St Anne's Social Club
06.2004 - 05.2022

St George Community School
09.1988 - 07.2004
Samantha Gardner