The top of her profession
Date of news/blog: 25th September 2023Pamela Norfolk is a perfect example of someone who has worked hard to get to the top of her profession after entering it later in life.
Bramshott Grange’s Home Director hadn’t even thought about a career in care until her 40s, but after being made redundant from her job in sales (previously she ran a successful business with her ex-husband), she decided to take a different path altogether.
Pamela says: “I thought to myself that I could anything I wanted and liking older people and with a natural caring nature, I decided to begin a career in care.”
In her case, this meant starting on the very first rung of the ladder.
“I had no previous experience, so I started as a carer on £5.50 an hour and haven’t looked back since, 13 years later,” she says.
Pamela quickly worked her way up in the previous homes she worked in and performed several different roles before taking up the role of Deputy Manager at Bramshott Grange in 2018.
She became Home Director in February 2022, although she admits this came as a surprise to her.
Pamela explains: “I gave the worst interview I have ever done and was convinced I hadn’t been successful, but Helen, the CEO of Dormy Care Communities, likes to grow from within and she obviously had confidence in me and offered me the job.
“I fell in love with Bramshott Grange the first time I visited, so it was an honour to become Home Director.
“I have received fantastic support from Helen and continue to learn from her to this day. She knows all the residents, families, and staff, and this all helps to create a lovely working environment.”
Like Helen, Pamela still very much likes to be hands-on.
“If I hear a bell ring and staff are attending to other residents, I often go and provide some personal care for one of our ladies and gentlemen, or make them a cup of tea, or just have a chat,” she adds.
“I don’t expect my staff to do anything I wouldn’t do myself, and that’s a good example of the ethos we have here.
“I love my work, the people I work for, the staff who work here, and of course the people who live here, so I count myself very fortunate.”
Outside of work, Pamela enjoys walking her dog, spending time with her sister and catching up socially with friends.