Patrick Golds’ Blog – Career Progression and Building Relocation

Patrick Golds’ Blog – Career Progression and Building Relocation

Patrick Gold, Team Manager, at Surrey Choices tells us why he joined the organisation, how he has risen through the ranks, and overseen a building relocation.

Tell us about why you like working in Adult Social Care?

I have always enjoyed working with people and having a hands-on approach. Being able to work in an industry to see first-hand the changes you can make on a person’s life is incredibly fulfilling and motivating.

What made you apply for a role at Surrey Choices and what was that role?

I started out as a Community Support Worker, then moved up to a Senior Community Worker. During that time I witnessed the positive impact great management can have on a service, the thought of empowering the staff and inspiring new sessions made me want to embark on a new challenge.

So, I applied for the role as Team Manager and my ideas and drive got me this new role which is great!

Tell us about your time at Surrey Choices so far?

I have had great management while working for Surrey Choices, I have been given great advice and guidance in my time. Because of the ethos of our company and the genuine kindness of its employees, I have always wanted to progress within Surrey Choices. I do truly appreciate the opportunity for progression and look forward to what the future holds.

Describe the feeling you get when you make a difference to someone’s life?

I hope to give our colleagues the freedom and creativity to mould our work into more person-centred sessions, this was my driving force to apply for the role.

An example of this was to run with all day outings. Once a month different members of staff are empowered to come up with an all-day outing with the customers. Since this has been put into place, we have had multiple day trips to London and have many exciting trips planned to include Harry Potter World and Brighton and much more.

I feel proud for setting up this monthly session as we have had reports from customers not being on a train for 30 years and some didn’t believe London would be an option for them.

You have moved out of one building and into another, how has that transition been?

Transitions are always difficult, having a positive staff team and ironing out some of the unforeseen issues once moved in the building has meant we’ve successfully given our customers a stress-free move though I am not sure I can say that for some of the staff.

Now we have found our groove, everyone is happier over at Thameside. This will only improve with our additional garden storage and equipment, sensory room and ceiling tracking hoist, along with any other improvements needed. Therefore, producing a smoother, streamlined, superior service.

What are people getting up to in your new building Thameside?

Thameside community hub have multiplied their community sessions, having entire days out on Mondays and Tuesdays and lots of other local community and greater community sessions now using public transport and successfully having more customers travel trained. We are also excited to have our sensory room built and to utilise our gardening, collaborating with outer hubs and continue to build on our community networks.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The reason my transition into management has been smooth is because of the support from the staff team, listening and acting on great Ideas has been an enjoyable experience. Seeing staff’s passion and Ideas come to life and improve our service been a pleasure. Might I add how impressed I am as a company how driven, useful and approachable all departments of Surrey Choices are. Be it HR, Finance, IT, Coms and more, and all the Leads from different areas, (Mental Health First Aiders and Positive Behaviour Support) I am impressed with their In depth knowledge and grateful for all the assistance and patience over the years.

If you want to support people with disabilities to live the lives they choose in their communities you can apply by clicking on the link here Community Support Worker – Surrey Choices.

Alternatively for an informal discussion about any of our roles you can get in touch by emailing: recruitment@surreychoices.com or call 01483 806806

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