We’re shining a spotlight on Sarah, Deputy Manager in SCS Ipswich, for completing her Level 5 Leadership and Management Diploma—a huge achievement alongside full-time work and family life.
Sarah’s journey with Swanton began in October 2017, when she joined as a support worker with Inroads (now part of Swanton Care). Over the years, she’s progressed through various roles, gaining experience and confidence that led to her becoming Deputy Manager in August 2023.
Incredibly, Sarah completed her Level 3 Diploma during the pandemic and bravely took on the Level 5 in October 2023—just as she was adjusting to a new role, new systems, and new expectations. She credits her manager, Vicky Cole, with giving her the confidence to keep going when things felt overwhelming. “Vicky’s encouragement meant a lot—she helped me believe I could finish strong,” Sarah said.
Speaking about her motivation, Sarah shared, “After my Level 3, I knew I had more to learn. I wanted to grow as a leader and prove to myself that I could take that next step.”
Balancing the demands of leadership, study, and motherhood was no small feat. “It was tough—really tough at times,” Sarah admitted. “As a mum with school-age children, my time is already stretched, and being in a leadership role brings a lot of responsibility. But I kept my goal in mind and reminded myself why I was doing it. The support from Vicky and my colleagues made a huge difference and helped me push through the toughest moments.”
One part of the course that stood out for Sarah was the in-depth focus on safeguarding and whistleblowing. “It gave me a much deeper understanding of how to apply these principles confidently in everyday situations—it’s strengthened the way I work.”
The result? A major boost to both her personal and professional confidence. “I’ve proved to myself that I’m capable of more than I thought. This is the highest academic qualification I’ve ever achieved, and I’m so proud.”
Kat, Head of Learning and Development, summed it up perfectly: “This qualification isn’t a walk in the park. Working full-time while studying at this level is a massive achievement—and one to shout about! ”
Sarah’s advice for anyone considering the course? “Go for it—but know it’s a commitment. You’ll need support, and you’ll need to make time for it. But it’s so worth it in the end.”
As for what’s next, Sarah’s keen to take a break from formal studying and focus on applying what she’s learned. “I want to keep developing as a leader and see where it takes me next.”
Congratulations, Sarah — we're so proud of everything you’ve achieved! 👏
We are an established service provider predominately based in both Suffolk and Essex and available to support referrals from other counties.
We provide both flexible and person centred residential services and supported living services for children/young people concentrating on promoting individuals life skill and independence.
Suite 1, Ground Floor,
North Kiln, The Malt Works,
Felaw Street, Ipswich, IP2 8SJ
Autism
Learning disabilities
Complex needs
As a Registered Manager for over 5 years, I am passionate about providing support to people in a way that they chose. We strive to ensure that people have great opportunities to try new experiences and have the life that they want.
Our teams are well trained to encourage the people they support to make choices and provide care and support in a meaningful and person-centred way. We never shy away from trying to make a person’s dream come true, involving them at very stage of their plans. Involvement with family, loved ones and friends is encouraged so that the person’s potential is strengthened, and positive achievements are made.
My career as a registered nurse for people with a learning disability has allowed me to experience a wide and varied career in hospital setting and community-based services. My passion is to encourage all people despite their complex needs to embrace community life, and with the right support from value-based staff, this has been achievable at Swanton Care.
I very much look forward to the journey ahead, making Every Moment Matter.
I joined Swanton Care & Community in September 2021, as the Regional Director for the East Anglian Region, since then I have had the opportunity to become the Divisional Director for the East of England.
I have been a Registered Nurse (RNLD) for over 25 years, and during that time have enjoyed a varied career within a range of settings and services at a senior level.
I have an MBA and APMP qualification.
I am proud of the team that I work with & the passion that they have for their roles and the people we support. I embrace being able to make a positive difference to the lives of the people we support and our team members.
Chief Operating Officer Rob McAfee is the Responsible Individual for SCS Suffolk. To find out more, visit our Meet The Team page.
SCS Suffolk is the domiciliary branch in Essex and is an independent provider of a range of flexible services, for people with learning disabilities who have additional complex and challenging needs. It also provides support to neurotypical people including elderly people and people with dementia in their place of residence whether that be home /respite /holiday or hospital environment.
We strives to enhance the lives of individuals through personalised support, enabling them to promote or maintain independence, enjoy a range of educational, vocational or leisure activities, to take advantage of opportunities as they arise and to support them to live in their own homes.
SCS Suffolk has developed a highly skilled team of individuals who are able to help with and have impartial input on some of the more specialist areas of support and care planning. Some such as our PBS specialist, psychotherapist and safety first instructors are full time members of staff.
Others such as our occupational therapist, communication adviser, and mental health first aid consultant are retained by Inroads on a consultancy basis to ensure our staff team have access when it is needed.
We also have a full time trainer allowing us to do bite sized training sessions in-between full training days to ensure our staff remain upskilled in the most important areas of their work such as first aid, medication training and safe guarding.
