Lucy Christie – Working as an Administrator in Glencairn

My name is Lucy and have worked in Renaissance At Glencairn care home since August 2020 (2 years and 6 months). 

I currently work in the role of Administrator on a part time basis. Over the past few years we have seen lots of changes and developments within the care home, this was particularly relevant during and after COVID-19. I’m so glad we’re now able to welcome back all the friendly, fun and people orientated aspects of the care home that we were unable to focus on during the pandemic, we really missed that part of care home life.

The current feel in Glencairn is very positive, supportive and enthusiastic – that’s the same for residents and staff, we’re excited about our activity and wellbeing plans for the future. We are very fortunate to have a great staff group here and we really benefit from having people from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. This is something that benefits our residents too.

Something we’re particularly good at here at Glencairn is teamwork. We work really well together and genuinely want the best for each other, not just within work but on a personal basis too. We make sure we all look out for each other, and ‘check in’ on a regular basis. If we notice someone is not quite themselves , there’s always a supportive ear to listen or offer advice, it’s good that we can build each other up and empower each other – I think that’s important within a team. It’s definitely a ‘feel good’ attitude and it’s the little things that make a difference – simply chatting in the staff room on our breaks, or helping a staff member with a problem or swapping shifts, it’s always a little bit of give and take. 

In my role as Administrator, I’m a big advocate for the staff here at the home and always do my best to help with any queries. I quite often liaise with our central office and help provide information back to the home.

What makes a big difference within any workplace is having support, here at Glencairn we have this in abundance. I feel really supported in my role and our Manager Jozi is always around if I have any questions regarding my work, or just a general chat regarding life!  My colleagues are also fun to chat with, and I really feel part of something special working here.

One of the biggest changes post-pandemic was the introduction of the flexible working culture within Renaissance Care. It’s really benefitted me by enabling me to study part time at Edinburgh College whilst continuing in my job - I am very grateful for this opportunity and it’s only possible thanks to this progressive approach to creating a balanced working life. I think the pandemic has shifted attitudes towards flexible working, and I believe it’s something that benefits not only me, but Glencairn as well. 

For someone looking to join our team, I’d say that it’s a great time to start thinking about a career in care. There’s lots of different roles available suitable a variety of skills and ability but some of the key qualities I think a person should poses would be: hard-working, conscientious, and good at communicating. 

For me, I had not worked in this industry prior to working at Glencairn, I didn’t really have perceptions, but I would say although the sector faces many challenges, Renaissance at Glencairn is a great place to work.