Jo Bolton never imagined she would have a lifelong career in the care industry, but 30 years later she holds one of the most senior positions in Norse Care.
“In 1991 I became a domestic and kitchen assistant. I had no intention of doing it for very long, but the care industry is something you become so passionate about, once you’re in it,” she says.
“The people you work with and the people you look after become like a work family.”
In 2002, she took up her first post as a manager of a residential care home, going on to manage two other settings, including Westfields in Swaffham, in Norfolk, which became the first Norse Care home to be rated Outstanding by the Quality Care Commission (CQC).
“When I applied for my first manager’s role, I had a two-year-old and there were people who wondered if it would be a good idea. But the time was right for me to progress in my career.
“As any woman with children knows, it can be a challenge sometimes trying to balance work and home life, but, for me, the step up paid dividends.”
Jo went on to become a Multi-Site Manager, then Strategic Support Manager and today she is an Interim Regional Director. Currently, only four people hold the position, and the other three are men.
“I wanted to stretch myself and to have my voice heard and Norse Care has enabled me to do that in the role I have now. I can make a difference to the people we support and live with us, as well as the people who work for us.”
Jo thinks it is important to mark International Women’s Day and to celebrate all those women out there who are successful in their jobs, while also bringing up children.
“Care work in general is more female orientated and this means we have people we can invest in and support to develop within their careers,” she says.
“I love being able to do that now. I like being able to invite women to take part in projects or to step out of their day-to-day role and experience something different.
“It is important to appreciate the skills of those people who aren’t always recognised and to support them so they can go to achieve so much more.”
Q: Is there a woman you particularly admire?
A: I have a very good friend who grounds me when I need to be grounded! She is a strong woman, an absolute ‘go-getter’ and I try to model myself on her as much as possible.
Q: What advice would you give to a young woman just starting out on her career?
A: Whatever you decide to do, you need to have an absolute passion for it. In the care industry, in particular, you have to put your heart and soul into everything you do and, if you believe something is right, then fight for it. It is also important, however, to ensure you also get your work-life balance right: learn to delegate or hand over, so you can really switch off.
