The best possible care
Caremark Kirklees strives to provide the best possible care to our customers, and ensuring we meet with all legislation and regulations is the job of Compliance and Office Manager Natasha Farnsworth.
Natasha started off with Caremark in home care support and is a great example of how career progression is open to all who want it.
“There is the opportunity to gain qualifications on the job and I’m proof that, wherever you start, if you gain the necessary skills and show loyalty, this is a company that will offer a chance to progress your career,” said Natasha.
“When you feel valued and supported by a company you give that back in your work and that’s good for you, the company and most of all the customers.”
All care providers are subject to regular inspection by the industry watchdog, the Care Quality Commission, and have to adhere to strict standards concerning the treatment of customers and the handling of medicines.
Natasha, 35, said: “In my new role I’m helping the business to maintain and if necessary improve standards and also interacting with staff to support them and ensure we offer the best possible service to customers.”
After leaving school Natasha gained a counselling degree at University. She also volunteered with a youth offending team and after a spell working in financial assistance, worked in a residential care setting for children.
It was a job she enjoyed but in 2019 decided it was time for a change and joined Caremark providing home care support to mainly elderly people, helping them to remain in their homes.
“I’m one of six sisters and was one of the eldest. I helped mum a lot with my younger siblings so I feel I’ve spent a lot of my life trying to help people and to make them happier in their lives,” said Natasha.
She worked in home care support throughout Covid and says the landscape has changed since lockdown ended.
“There has definitely been an increasing number of people wanting to stay in their own homes and we face enormous pressure to meet this demand as we don’t have enough carers. It’s a demanding job but also very rewarding, both in terms of job satisfaction but also in terms of a career. Hopefully we can get that message out and recruit more people.”
Natasha has continued to further her professional development and recently successfully gained her diploma to become a registered counsellor. She believes this and her experience in home care support puts her in good stead for her role as Compliance Manager.
“It’s so important to have had that experience in home care support. I understand how demanding the role can be and the real empathy and understanding carers need when they go into people’s homes,” said Natasha.
“I’d urge anyone considering becoming a carer to give us a call at Caremark Kirklees. The whole team is amazing and management so supportive. It is a great place to work.”