Meet Vicki, Deputy Manager at The Beehive

Find out more about Vicki’s role at Diverse Abilities:

I would describe myself as organised, dedicated and caring.

I became involved with Diverse Abilities 29 years ago as a volunteer, when I turned 16 this became paid employment in the children’s team. Even when I stepped away for four years while fostering, I was still involved as a parent governor for Langside School. Then in June this year I made the move from children’s services to adult services.

I’m still learning about my role at The Beehive! As one of the deputies at The Beehive I’m there to support the manager in the daily running of the service, overseeing the needs of the people we support, ensuring care plans are kept up to date and liaising with families and outside agencies.

My biggest challenge was while fostering and two of the children I cared for passed, both unexpectedly, within 8 months of each other. One of whom was supported by Langside and Shapes. It was an incredibly difficult time.

Looking to the future, I want to continue advocating for the needs of the people we support, and to become settled and accomplished in my new role at The Beehive.

My advice to new starters is to take the opportunity to ask lots of questions from staff during your shadows, they can give you lots of tips on what works well with the different individuals we support, and don’t forget to ask the individual themselves.