Being a Deputy : Insight from Pat Lucas

We caught up with Pat , one of our delightful Deputy Managers to ask a few questions about her role at Care Hubz.
1
What is your background? And how did you become Deputy Manager at Care Hubz?
“My background is varied, I started initially working in IT before being made redundant – running IT desk to becoming career and working with young people. 10 year foster carer with teenagers and I learnt a lot about myself and how to manage I improved educational outcomes and still advocate for these young people who still remain in contact with me. I then went into education as LSA and moved to form tutor then supervisor. I enjoyed educational setting. My first social care role was in London – CSE, UCAS, working in a 7- bed in London, learnt so much about social care, thoroughly enjoyed the role and would mentor newbies into role. I relocated to Yorkshire with my partner, I worked up here in educational setting with SEN young people as contracted agency work. I was offered fulltime job. I came to care hubz as RSW due to word of mouth. I came is an a RSW and soon promoted to senior. I have worked multi bed home all my life, solo setting is slightly different. I will be working between two homes and one will be multi-bed so I am looking forward to having a variety. I know I have got the deputy role which I started In May 2024 despite been offered position last year due to the home not opening it has been postponed. I will work with paul closely to induct new staffs."
2
What is most rewarding aspect of being Deputy Manager?
“the satisfaction of being able to support the team and give them additional skills their looking for such as fresh challenges like these new roles to upskill staff but also support the staff to ensure we get an outstanding. I am an older person here and I get called ‘Granny P’ and often will be asked for a ‘Granny P Hug’ which I find so rewarding as I think its my maturity which maintains an order in the home. I also believe if you make a connection, you can make correction.“
3
What does a typical day look like as Deputy Manager?
“I will work closely with home managers, organising shifts, rotas liaising with other homes when managers are absent, so I always need to be aware of what is going on with managers such as HR. My main role is to support my home manager to improve our ratings. The days of deputy vary but my main focus is continuing to improve our home to evidence to Ofsted one. I will also support induction of new staff I also am trying to upskill each staff in home by providing new job roles to champion them such as; E safety, social inclusivity, independence, LAC reports and Life story work and enforcing all the rules such as keeping high standards and always completing the minimum standards despite busy shifts”.
4
Do you feel supported in your role?
“Yes I do, I feel like I have lot of experience where may I wasn’t initially but now in my new role I feel like I am supported.”
5
What do you think makes Care Hubz stand out compared to other Children’s Homes in the area?
“We organically grow our staff so there is career progression which can be highlighted by the development internal staff.”
6
Would you recommend joining Care Hubz?
“Yes I would, I am passionate about the model of care PACE approach is something I eat, breath and sleep and it is fantastic model.”
7
What would your advice be to someone who is joining the Care Hubz Team and awaiting induction?
“I would say be patient, we do have a structure of induction which is improving, we will do everything we can to support you to meet your induction objectives and also just know we will support you right up to your probation is complete which I will be personally involved which should you find yourself in one of my homes.”

April

Floating Support keyworkers
After leaving school, I worked in the textile industry for over 20 years. To support and encourage my daughter to attend college I completed an access to higher education course, where I had the chance to volunteer at a homeless shelter as part of the curriculum.

My passion for helping others then led me to start working with young people, initially in a mother and baby unit. In 2003, I joined Calderdale Council as a casual residential worker, becoming a permanent staff member in 2007. I then moved to a short break unit for children with learning disabilities in 2011, where I stayed until 2015 before changing my career path to focus more on support than care.

For the next 8 years, I had the privilege of supporting 16-18 year old care leavers, and I was even promoted to manager in 2018. It was a very rewarding experience, but I was eager for a new challenge when the opportunity to become a team leader working with Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) became available. I'm really enjoying the new experiences and the chance to support these young people as they navigate the asylum process and work towards living independently developing skills for community safety and involvement, personal hygiene, and basis English.

Outside of work, I cherish my time with my children and grandchildren. It brings me great joy to be able to spend quality time with my loved ones.

Babita Mehta

24/7 Operational Manager
Babita has worked with children for over 20 years. She has worked in the Education sector in a safeguarding role, before transitioning into Safeguarding Lead with Youth Hubz Semi Independent Support where she has worked for the last 18months. She is currently completing Level 4 in Children, Young People and Families Practitioner and ensures she keeps up to date with her role by attending various Safeguarding Leadership courses with new legislation and guidance. Babita has been Safeguarding Lead since 2021. She supports the implementation of policies and procedures with safeguarding practices. She ensures staff are up to date with all the developments in child protection policy, research, practice and guidance. In 2023 Babita was promoted to Operational Manager for 24/7 support.