Tracy Marsden is one of our team of dedicated Registered Managers who oversee the running of our care provisions across the East Midlands, specifically supporting our Chesterfield and Bolsover Care Team.
Having worked for Premier Community since 2019, Tracy has become a fountain of knowledge for many of our team members and her passion for delivering quality, personalised care continues to inspire the next generation of carers looking to join the ranks.
We met up with Tracy, to find out more about how she started out in her journey and what she thinks makes Premier Community different from other care providers.
Tracy, tell us about your previous work experience before becoming a Registered Manager for the Chesterfield and Bolsover Care Team at Premier Community.
When I left school, I started working in retail, but eventually changed direction at the age of 27 when my Mum had a stroke and sadly passed away. After spending months looking after her, I decided that care was something I wanted to do professionally, so I became a Carer at Leonard Cheshire Disability Services.
I travelled all over, just like our Carers do now, and delivered care to adults with various disabilities, and I loved it! I progressed with Leonard Cheshire to take on a more senior role and then became a Locality Assessor, which meant that I went out and did all the assessments for care. I then became a Service Manager. I am very proud of this; it gave me all the experience I needed to take the next step into home management.
Where did you work as a Nursing Home Manager?
I managed care homes, from the smallest 25-bed residential setting to a 75-bed nursing home—all for people with dementia, something which is very close to my heart.
What made you change back to community work?
I have always advocated for people to remain home as long as possible. Having had many a battle trying to get someone from a Care Home back into their home!
On one occasion, a gentleman came into one of the care homes I was managing, and he and his wife both cried each day. He had been married to his wife for 65 years, and she visited daily. They begged me to help them get him back home, which was against all the odds, but after weeks of meetings with social workers, we did it!
Watching him leave the care home and return to his wife was one of my proudest achievements. Three weeks later, they called me, and I was so happy. These moments are priceless, and that is why I do my job.
What qualifications do you have (Level 3, 4 in Adult Health and Social Care, etc.)?
I have an NVQ Level 3 and 4 achieved in 2006 RMA, the Registered Managers award in 2009 and an ILM 5 in Management, which I completed in 2011. I have a D32/D33 achieved in 2007, which meant I could assess carers who were doing their NVQ in care.
What do you enjoy the most about working for Premier Community?
I enjoy making a difference in someone’s life and helping people remain in their homes for as long as it is safe. As CQC Registered Manager for the Chesterfield and Bolsover Care Branch, I can remove any obstacles that stop this from happening by working with their social worker and other social workers. Nothing in life comes with no risk, and it’s about minimising that risk as safely as we can and weighing up their physical health against their mental health.
What’s different about Premier Community?
Premier Community value its Service Users and staff, ensuring we can keep everyone safe. I love that they have family values that align with my values. I am glad I am part of that.
And tell us a bit about yourself!
I am 60 years old and married to Tim, who is now retired after 38 years as a Social Worker. I am very proud of him as I know he was respected by all who met him for his kindness. I have a grown-up son who is my world. He married in 2021, and just recently, I became a grandma to George who is a joy.
I love dogs, and in July 2020, we decided to rescue a 6-year-old Long Haired Chihuahua named Nala. We love her very much. People tell us how kind it is to rescue a dog, but it’s a two-way street, and I think she saved us.
I also love to travel and sightseeing. One of my most memorable holidays was touring around India and seeing the Taj Mahal. It was absolutely breathtaking. I am a great supporter of Sheffield Wednesday, and we are so excited about the season ahead!
