Swanton’s Emma Brownsill has reached an employment milestone this year as she celebrates 20 years of working with us.
During her fantastic career, Emma has worked in numerous roles in the organisation and is currently a Practice Development Partner for Wales.
She also has the responsibility of managing UK-wide training events for all services.
Emma’s career at the company began in 2004 when she took on an admin position at Swanton’s Maesteilo Mansion service, a role that would change her life dramatically.
Just one year later, at the young age of 21, Emma was asked to be involved in the planning and preparing of a 17-day trip of a lifetime to Florida for 40 people we support.
This was a turning point in her career as she recognised – along with her then-manager – her potential and dedication to the health and social care sector.
Emma said: “I knew then this was the career path for me.
“Working with the people we support didn’t feel like work. I enjoyed being at the service and around the people we support.
“Having a passion for learning and developing in the sector, I was keen to move up the ladder and within six months, I made it to Team Leader with the help and support of my colleagues and line manager.
“My journey was just starting, and as the years passed, I soaked up every opportunity, which meant a lot of extra hours and dedication to my work and to achieving qualifications.
“I was brave to apply for a Deputy Manager position at Cartref Croeso, and Swanton recognised my potential and encouraged me to keep going.
“I recognised I had a lot of knowledge and experience under my belt and wanted to share that with others coming into the sector.”
It wasn’t long until Emma’s career path took her in another interesting direction.
Emma said: “My enthusiasm to take on extra responsibility was driven by wanting to ensure those we support were given the best opportunities we could offer.
“This passion resulted in my career taking a turn, and I took the path into Learning and Development.
“My first experience was becoming a NAPPI trainer, which consisted of a residential ‘Train The Trainer’ course, fully funded by Swanton.
“After that, I was hooked on sharing knowledge and experience with my colleagues.
“When I became a Practice Development Partner in 2016, it was a bonus – yet again, I landed a job that didn’t feel like work!”
The work Emma does continues to challenge and inspire her.
Emma said: “Being a PDP is hugely rewarding.
“I get to know all the teams and the people we support, and I also work closely with external stakeholders to ensure all our opportunities meet both the needs of the people we support and the Welsh workforce.
“Learning and Development is a national team, and working across the UK brings its challenges.
“However, it’s a positive challenge which keeps me focused and energised because no day is the same in L&D, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
“Being a PDP and the National Events Manager allows me to excel in my professional development, utilise my management skills, and continue developing the workforce.
“I love working for Swanton because this organisation lives and breathes its ethos, and the team are true to what they say.
“It’s amazing to think it’s been 20 years, but I’m still excited about my work and what the future could bring. I look forward to seeing where the next few years will take me.”
