Next phase of social care recruitment drive launches

Residents in Bridgend County Borough are being encouraged to ‘consider a career in social care’ as part of the council’s recruitment drive.

The latest phase of the campaign, which kicks off next week, focuses on why choosing a career in social care is a strong and rewarding choice.

A mix of videos, social media posts and graphics will introduce potential candidates to staff already working in the sector and their stories of building careers for life in social care.

Penny, a care home manager, is taking part in the campaign after forging a 32-year career in social care despite having ‘no intention’ to stay in the profession when she started out as a casual worker.

She said: “I never intended to have a career in care, but it turned out to be the best move I’ve ever made.

“I think being in a job which allows you to help others is incredibly rewarding. You have a chance to make a real difference to people’s lives, form strong relationships with the residents and your work colleagues, and have loads of fun along the way.

“Along the way, I’ve worked with people who had relatives on the Titanic, have taken part in literacy workshops with Dylan Thomas, been founder members of the Welsh National Opera, been the parents of pop stars and famous business-people and fashion designers.

“Our older people have wonderful stories to tell and it’s been a privilege to hear them.  I would recommend a career in care to anyone with a kind heart and an interest in others.”

Leon is another taking part in the recruitment drive. He started out as a Casual Day Services Assistant as a ‘temporary stopgap’ – but 22 years later, and having progressed his career, Leon hasn’t looked back.

He said: “For someone who left school with minimal qualifications and believing I’d never have an opportunity to complete a degree.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities the authority has given me.”

Keep an eye out across Bridgend County Borough Council’s social media platforms in the coming weeks for more incredible stories from those working in care.

It is no secret that the extreme pandemic pressures that we are continuing to operate under are having a significant impact on recruitment to the social care sector.

That is why we hope that this next phase of our recruitment drive will reach as many potential candidates as possible.

The campaign will build off the success and popularity of similar recruitment drives launched by Welsh Government and Adult Social Care and will include a heavy emphasis on why staff find working in social care to be both professionally and personally rewarding and satisfying.

Councillor Jane Gebbie, Cabinet Member for Social Services and Early Help

As well as the social media campaign, there will also be a recruitment event held in Bridgend town centre on 18 February 2022.

A full list of social care vacancies at Bridgend County Borough Council can be found on the local authority’s website.