This month, we discover Nikita’s journey as she steps into her role as the new Registered Branch Manager in our Erewash Care team.
When did you start working for Premier Community?
“I started working for Premier Community as a carer for Ilkeston and Long Eaton in September 2019.”
Could you tell us about your journey to your current position within the Premier Community family?
“I started out as a carer initially for the Long Eaton team, but during my training, I was asked if I would be happy to support in Ilkeston. I spent my shifts working across Long Eaton and Ilkeston before applying for an LCC position for Derbyshire South in March 2021. This role included supporting with covering rotas, training new staff out in the field and various other factors. I thoroughly enjoyed this position as every day was different, and there was lots of variety to my day.
“I then went on to apply for what was then the Team Manager role (now Care Co-ordinator), and I joined the Derbyshire South office team in May 2022 and undertook further training; I then went on to manage the Long Eaton team. I really enjoyed this role. It was a pleasure to work so closely with some amazing staff during this time while providing care and support to a lot of service users I used to care for myself. It was amazing to watch the area grow and flourish.
“In September 2022, I became a Lead Team Manager, taking on the added responsibility of providing extensive support out-of-hours without the presence of a Registered Manager whilst continuing to line manage the Long Eaton Team.
“In June 2023, I put myself forward for the position of Deputy Manager for Derbyshire South and was successful in my interview, leading me to work much more closely with Sabrina Bennett – the Registered Manager for Derbyshire South. Here, I relinquished the rotas and direct management of the Long Eaton team.
“More recently, I have taken the next steps to become the Registered Manager for the Erewash Care Team in preparation for the Derbyshire South branch split; I am currently going through the registration process.”
Do you hold any qualifications in Health & Social Care?
“I do. I completed an A Level when I was at college and recently finished my Level 4 Diploma. I am signing up to complete my level 5 next.”
Can you describe a typical day for you with Premier Community?
“There is no such thing as a typical day; every day is different! It’s always fast-paced, and I enjoy being busy.”
What do you enjoy most about working at Premier Community?
“I really enjoy being a part of making a difference for our lovely service users. It is such a rewarding position to work in, especially when we have helped and supported individuals to become more independent.
“I think the only way I can describe it is that I really do care, which is why I enjoy what I do. Working for Premier Community is a caring and friendly environment; someone is always there to help and support me.
Tell us a bit about yourself outside of work…
“I love travelling abroad or in this country; I always try to do something different, and love exploring new places. I also really enjoy driving and do try and join track days on occasion, which is really fun; I’m an adrenaline junkie. I also thoroughly enjoy reading; I would rather sit and read a book than watch TV.
As the new Registered Branch Manager for the Erewash Care Team, is there anything you’re specifically looking forward to or hoping to implement in the future?
“I’ve been extremely privileged to work alongside Sabrina since she became RM, and I have had her help to develop me throughout this time, so I am ready to take the next step. I want to continue working in the way I was taught to continually improve and develop the area.
“I am very much looking forward to working with a more localised and smaller team of carers and spending more time in contact with them; I very much feel communication is key. It can help and support trust from the carers and will give me a better opportunity to work with them to deliver the highest standard of care.
“Of course, I’m also very much looking forward to working more closely with service users – some I already know and used to care for and others that are new to us. I would like to be more accessible to them and their families through home visits and phone calls again to instil the trust needed to assure them they will always be heard.
“Care is my passion, and I feel very strongly about ensuring it is always person-centred; we have great systems in place, particularly with the introduction of Connecteam, which allows us to be responsive quickly and easily to the needs of staff and service users. I am striving to implement a positive and safe environment with the service users at the core of this.”
