Five years ago, Wendy Shield joined Bluebird Care Stevenage & North Herts as a Care Expert. Today, she is a Field Supervisor and has achieved her Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker qualification — another important milestone in her career.
Wendy’s journey with Bluebird Care is a great example of how a role in care can develop into a rewarding career, with opportunities to learn, gain qualifications and progress.
From cleaner to Care Expert
Wendy’s route into care was perhaps not the conventional one.
Before joining Bluebird Care, she was working as an independent cleaner and one of her customers happened to be a Bluebird Care customer.
“I was working as an independent cleaner at a Bluebird customer’s house and really wanted to do more to help people,” says Wendy. “So I went for an interview — and five years later, I’m still here!”
It was the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives that attracted Wendy to care, and it is something that has remained at the heart of her work ever since.
Asked what she enjoyed most about being a Care Expert, Wendy says simply: “Supporting and helping customers.”
Progressing her career
Wendy was keen to develop her skills and progress within the care sector. She first completed her Level 2 qualification before going on to study for her Level 3.
Her hard work and commitment paid off. After four years with Bluebird Care, Wendy was promoted from Care Expert to Field Care Supervisor.
“I completed my Level 2 and then went on to my Level 3 to progress in my career,” she explains. “After being with Bluebird for four years, I was promoted to Field Care Supervisor.”
Now, five years after joining the company, Wendy has achieved her Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker qualification, marking another significant step in her professional development.
What is a Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker qualification?
The Lead Adult Care Worker is a Level 3 care standard focused on providing high-quality, person-centred care while also developing the knowledge and skills needed to take on greater responsibility and support colleagues.
It covers areas including supporting people to maintain their independence, dignity and choice, contributing to care plans, recognising changing needs, working safely and professionally, and providing guidance and support to other care workers.
For Wendy, achieving the qualification is particularly relevant to her role as a Field Supervisor, where she combines hands-on care with supporting other members of the care team.
No two days are the same
Ask Wendy what a typical day looks like in her role and her answer is clear: there isn't really a typical day!
“I do regular care for customers, go and do observations on the care staff, get involved with care plans, help in the office and generally support carers and customers wherever I can.”
It is a varied role that allows Wendy to continue doing what she enjoyed as a Care Expert — supporting customers — while also helping colleagues deliver the best possible care.
Her experience on the frontline also gives her valuable insight when supporting other Care Experts. Having worked her way through the organisation herself, Wendy understands the challenges and rewards of the role and can draw on her own experience when helping others.
Five years of care — and counting
Looking back on her five years with Bluebird Care, Wendy has progressed from a Care Expert to a Field Supervisor, gained additional qualifications and taken on new responsibilities — all while continuing to put customers at the centre of what she does.
And although we asked Wendy to sum up her five years with Bluebird Care in three words, perhaps the most fitting description of her journey is one of progress, commitment and care.
Her story demonstrates what can happen when someone who wants to make a difference is given the opportunity to develop, learn and progress.
Congratulations, Wendy, on achieving your Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker qualification — and thank you for everything you do for our customers and care team!