The Start of Saj’s Journey in Social Care
Saj’s career in social care began in 2009, when he initially took a job as a support worker simply because he needed employment. What he didn’t expect was how quickly the role would challenge him, shape him, and ultimately become the career he wanted to pursue. He describes those early days as being “thrown into the deep end,” with a steep learning curve that taught him not only about the job, but about himself.
As he progressed, it became clear to him and to others that he had a natural aptitude for the work. But despite his commitment, he realised he wasn’t progressing at his previous company. That changed when a friend told him about an open Senior Carer position at Bishopsfield Court, where Hales provided care. He applied, got the role, and stepped into a new chapter of his career.
Finding the Right Career Path within Quality Centred Care
The transition wasn’t easy; Saj openly reflects on the challenges that made developing into the role more difficult. But his determination kept him going. He persevered, learned, and slowly grew into the senior position, proving to himself that setbacks don’t define your direction. He often sums up this period with the line, “Sometimes you go the wrong way to get to the right place.”
In 2020, Saj was introduced to the quality side of care, a side he discovered he excelled in. With the support of Charlotte, his manager, Saj took the leap into domiciliary care and broadened his skillset.
In 2021, he stepped into the role of Quality Assurance Officer at our Peterborough branch, a position he had truly earned through years of commitment, resilience and hard work.
Progression Into Leadership as a Quality Assurance Officer
Working in domiciliary care challenged Saj to develop new skills quickly and adapt to a different side of the sector. Over time, he discovered that the quality-focused elements of the role were where he truly excelled, strengthening his communication, teamwork, adaptability and professional confidence. Supported by colleagues who recognised his potential, particularly Charlotte, Saj was encouraged to explore new career pathways and grow into roles he once doubted he could achieve.
During his time at Hales, Saj has:
- Developed new skills rapidly after transitioning into domiciliary care.
- Excelled in quality-focused work, enhancing his communication, teamwork and adaptability.
- Benefited from mentorship.
- Completed his NVQ Level 3 qualification.
- Progressed to his NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social Care, supporting his ambition to move into management.
- Built extensive frontline experience, giving him deep insight into service users’ needs and the realities of care delivery.
- Earned the respect of colleagues and new starters through his honesty, knowledge and lived experience.
- Become an informal mentor to new staff, offering guidance and motivation through his well-known “pep talks.”
- Contributed to a positive team culture, taking pride in encouraging passion, commitment and genuine care within the workplace.
Why Choose Hales: A Workplace Built on Support, Development and Meaningful Care
As Quality Assurance Officer at our Peterborough branch, Saj is now able to guide and support others, sharing his journey, championing quality, and encouraging new carers to grow with confidence and conviction.
After nearly eight years with Hales, Saj sees himself moving toward a management role in the future. He is determined, capable, and ready for the next step at Hales. He added, “I’m proof that you don’t need to be perfect to progress, you just need passion, honesty and the willingness to keep learning. At Hales, that effort is recognised, supported and genuinely valued.”