03.11.2025 Juanita
From being in care to becoming a leader in care: a powerful story to motivate us all!
Join us this International Women's Day to celebrate and honour the inspiring career journeys of some of our fantastic customers in social care. Together, let's highlight their achievements, share their inspiring stories, and recognise the invaluable contributions they make to our communities every day.
Shining a spotlight on Caroline Inch, Director of Care and Operations and a qualified specialist in dementia care at B&M Care
Making a meaningful difference in people's lives
Caroline has extensive experience in the social care sector, having excelled in virtually every role available within a care home setting. From her early days in care homes, she has touched every aspect of care by undertaking many roles, and there is no job in the care home that she has not done.
Her journey includes working in the kitchens and leading activities, showcasing her versatility.
Moreover, this has equipped her with a profound understanding of staff teams' current challenges and how to support them. With each step, she has progressed to senior assistant manager, deputy manager, home manager, operations manager and now, director of care and operations.
Caroline's expertise and qualifications in dementia care make her a valuable asset at B&M Care, reflecting her unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those she serves and making a meaningful difference in people's lives.
During Caroline's childhood and teenage years, which she describes as a very tough time, she notes that her own experiences within the social care system as a child not only shaped her experiences and perspectives but allowed her to gain firsthand insight into the complexities of the social care system.
Gaining firsthand insight into the complexities of the social care system
"Reflecting on my journey, I realise that the experience was quite challenging, and I didn't receive the greatest level of support and intervention. Despite the difficulties I faced, there was always a strong desire within me to create positive change in the world. I always knew that I would work in an industry that would, in some way, improve lives.
I may not have known the exact path I would take, but I was driven by the belief that I would find a way to make a difference. After leaving school, I set my sights on becoming a social worker. I envisioned a career where I could advocate for others and ensure that no child experienced the same challenges I did.
I did a BTEC National Diploma in Health and Social Care, as it aligned with my passion for helping others. During this time, I had the opportunity to complete a placement where I worked with children with learning disabilities and caring for and supporting older adults.
I found myself gravitating toward working with older people, and I truly flourished during my care home placement. I loved every moment of it. While we often talk about meeting the needs of older people, I realised that they were also fulfilling many of my own unmet needs.
They became an extension of my family, almost like a handful of grandmas and granddads. It was a wonderful experience. I discovered my calling in this field and haven't looked back since."
Improving dementia care through higher education
After completing her studies and placement, Caroline began her first job in a care home at 18. Since then, she has worked in various care homes, steadily advancing her career while pursuing higher education. In 2013, Caroline did a degree in dementia studies at Bradford University, which she completed with a first-class honours degree. She also received the Davida Fortinsky Award for outstanding achievement in dementia studies that year.
In addition to her role as Director of Care and Operations, Caroline is a qualified Dementia Mapper who leads a team of 13 Mappers, ranging from the senior leadership and quality team to home managers.
Caroline's drive for innovation has led her to ensure that each of the group's care homes delivers B&M's Rose Model Dementia Care - a person-centred approach to care that focuses on a resident as a 'whole person' to improve their physical, psychological, social, and emotional wellbeing.
Caroline is passionate about delivering research and evidence-based dementia care and cultivating her depth of knowledge to steer B&M Care's vision for providing exceptional benchmark standards in each of the group's homes.
To the people who inspire me every day
"I draw inspiration from people who show strong integrity and share a mindset that aligns with my values.
Being around people with a positive, can-do attitude energises me, boosts my motivation, and enhances my creativity and enthusiasm. Whether they're carers, cleaners, or sector leaders, those who are kind, honest, and committed inspire me in lots of ways.
I'm particularly inspired by those in dementia care who show genuine concern for their residents and try their best to be person-centred, as well as the families who provide unwavering support and care for their loved ones.
Throughout my career, I have met exceptional individuals whose influence has been instrumental in shaping my development and success. I worked for three remarkable individuals in my early career: Martin Gerrard, Paul Sargeant, and Jason Ball. Each acknowledged my ambition and saw my potential to grow and succeed in my field. They didn't just provide me with a job; they saw my desire to grow and pushed me to reach new heights. They encouraged me to pursue additional training and education, understanding that as a small company, there might come a time when I could hit a glass ceiling.
My current chairman, William Hughes, is the most significant person in my career. He took a substantial step by offering and encouraging me to undertake my first care home management position at 29. This opportunity was a turning point in my career. He knew the care home had its issues at the time, but he believed in my ability and wanted to give me the chance. His trust in my abilities inspired me to strive for further leadership roles and continue to do so.
In addition to my employers, I was fortunate to have an excellent care inspector, Jeffrey Orange. Forever a true professional, he advised me, and quite rightly, on advancing and undertaking my degree in dementia, informing me that such qualification and skill would serve me better in my career and be instrumental in helping me develop the skills necessary for my job.
Looking back, it is clear that these influential people were vital in shaping my path. They provided encouragement, mentorship, and opportunities that helped me navigate challenges and pursue my goals.
Without their encouragement, guidance, and belief in my potential, I would unlikely have achieved the milestones I celebrate today.
Because I have experienced firsthand the profound influence that the right support and encouragement can have on one's career growth, I strive to empower and uplift other people in their professional journeys.
While many of us may assume that women naturally support one another in the workplace, both research and my personal experiences indicate that female-to-female relationships are not always as positive as we might hope. Unfortunately, I know many women who can relate to this experience. This lack of solidarity among some women in professional settings can be disheartening, leading me to question the underlying reasons for this dynamic.
Nevertheless, regardless of the root causes, in a world which often pits women against each other, it's crucial to remember the importance of supporting and uplifting one another, especially on a day like International Women's Day. We can create a more empowering environment that benefits us all by fostering a culture where women actively encourage each other on our professional journeys."
What does International Women's Day mean to you? And why do you think celebrating women in social care is important?
International Women's Day is important to me as it provides an important opportunity to acknowledge women's countless contributions in shaping our society. This day reminds us that every woman has played a crucial role in our collective journey toward progress and equality. Their efforts, often overlooked, have helped to pave the way for future generations.
In particular, it is essential to celebrate women in social care, as they form the backbone of this critical sector. With over 80% of the workforce in social care made up of women, their commitment, compassion, and leadership are instrumental in driving the field forward. These women dedicate their lives to providing essential services and support, ensuring the wellbeing of individuals and families in need.
Recognising their invaluable contributions raises awareness of their challenges and highlights the importance of empowering them as we strive for a more equitable society.
Shining a spotlight on Claire Picton, Registered General Nurse at St. Mary's Convent and Nursing Home
From NHS emergency care nursing to social care: a compelling career journey to inspire us all!
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Shining a spotlight on Lisa Stevenson, the Lead Activities Coordinator for Kingsmead Care Home
An extraordinary individual committed to uplifting the lives of others and making a positive impact in their community.
Shining a spotlight on Jemma Robinson, Chief Operating Officer at Person Centred Software
From administrator to care home manager to chief operating officer, we celebrate International Women's Day by highlighting Jemma's remarkable career journey in social care.
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