05/06/2026
Get to know our Registered Manager! https://www.firstcitynursing.co.uk/news/2026/05/kay-registered-manager/174
We asked Kay to talk us through her journey into the care industry and joining First City...
I joined First City 14 years ago, coming from a Managerial background in pubs and hotels. I was persuaded to help out by my mum and her colleague, who was also a familiar face to me. At the time, I had a very naïve view of care. My mum had worked in care homes with older people, and I assumed care was only about personal care and supporting the elderly.
I agreed to help in the office for a couple of days answering phones, which quickly turned into covering a maternity leave role for 12 hours a week alongside my pub role. In reality, I never actually did the role I was meant to cover — I ended up coordinating for what was then the First City Agency.
Within the first few weeks, a new package of care caught my attention, and I completed specialist training before I’d even attended my standard induction. I was fascinated. Supporting someone my own age completely changed my perspective on care and opened my eyes to how varied and impactful the role can be.
I started supporting that customer during evenings and weekends, and seeing their progress over the years has been phenomenal. Honestly, that customer is probably the reason I stayed in care. We still support this person, and her journey has been a complete privilege to be a part of.
Over the years, I discovered I loved both the fast pace of short-term homecare services and the complexity of supporting people who others may have underestimated or not seen the potential in.
Eventually it became clear I wasn’t leaving First City. I moved into a full-time coordinator role, progressed to Senior Coordinator and continued developing from there.
When I first joined the care team, I felt nervous, but the team were incredible. Watching the level of care and dedication they showed was genuinely inspiring — and it still is today.
One thing that really changed me was realising the impact care has on the people receiving support. So many people make assumptions about the industry without understanding how much of a difference carers make every single day.
One phrase I really dislike hearing is, “I’m just a carer.” There’s no such thing as “just” a carer. Carers keep people safe, independent, supported and valued. The responsibility they carry is enormous, and I wish the profession received the recognition it truly deserves.
If I could change one thing, it would be for the world to see care for the skilled, professional and compassionate role that it is.
The longer you stay in the industry, the more you see the impact you can have on people’s lives — and that’s what keeps you committed to it.
