Kathryn – Acting Assistant Director of Older People and People with Disabilities

Acting as an Assistant Director, I now oversee all older people and people with physical disabilities services. I have responsibility for a range of resources for clients. I deal with varied crises and emergencies on a daily basis, the good and bad; it happens and I became resilient and adapt quickly. Despite it being busy, I still think that – There is something magic about Southwark that keeps you going!

Whilst on holiday in Australia I was interviewed for a role in Southwark virtually.  This was so innovative way back in 2005. I was given the opportunity to ask questions and it left me thinking that Southwark was the borough I should join when I returned to the United Kingdom.  I joined shortly afterwards and have stayed here since.

When I started I thought you pronounced Southwark ‘South-wark’ which was amusing to my new colleagues.

I started working as an Occupational Therapist in Southwark.  Originally my role focused my role focused on equipment and adaptation provision for people with physical disabilities; which I found enormously rewarding. After a couple of years I was encouraged to apply for an act-up opportunity as a Senior Practitioner which enabled exposure to other areas, including paediatrics. Whilst this was a steep learning curve, I enjoyed it and it proved to be the best outcome for the advancement of my career.

It was during this period that had my children  and I benefitted from flexibility in my working patterns to manage my return to work after having children. On my return in 2016, a new Occupational Therapy Team manager role was created, which was perfect for me.  I applied immediately and was successful.

This role required a more strategic vision as I was part of the restructure, and I was able to use my previous knowledge and experience to guide the team to embrace new ways of working. My managers at the time were really supportive gave advice to me as a new manager.

Acting as an Assistant Director, I now oversee all older people and people with physical disabilities services. I have responsibility for a range of resources for clients. I deal with varied crises and emergencies on a daily basis, the good and bad; it happens and I became resilient and adapt quickly. Despite it being busy, I still think that – There is something magic about Southwark that keeps you going!

In this role I am conscious that I draw on the skills and experience of having been an Occupational Therapist.

When I started as an Occupational Therapist and I accessed a broad range of core training. Later in my career I was also supported to access management specialist course such as with the Institute of Public Care (IPC).  Southwark invests in staff development and helps everyone to flourish. We want to grow our own!

So if you are thinking of moving to Southwark I would say find a contact number and speak to the recruiting manager informally, ask any questions you have and develop a relationship. This will help you make your decision or whether it’s part of your career journey to join us. Interviews are always nerve wrecking but once you have prepared your application based on the criteria you will find the interview experience a learning one.

Southwark is fantastically diverse and that’s what makes its different from other London boroughs. There used to be areas which are noticeably better-off than others, but that’s changing, as different people are moving in and out of the borough. We have staff from all over the world here in Southwark and we frequently celebrate that with share team lunches.  Food is a great way to share experiences about home and learn about your colleagues backgrounds.

There is something about Southwark gets under your skin. There are a lot of people who are passionate about what they do, and passion helps us do our work to the best of our ability.

Acting Assistant Director Older People and People with Disabilities

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy