"Being a Care Ambassador has made me more confident in myself and in my ability at work. It's a win-win situation for everybody"

You could be a Care Ambassador if you:

• Love your work and want to tell others about it
• Are a good communicator, even if it's on a one-to-one basis
• Want to help raise the profile of your own organisation and the sector as a whole
• Want to help students and others find out about working in the care sector
• Want to be part of a proactive network which aims to promote a positive image of care and the people who work in it
• Have the agreement and support of your employer

While Care Ambassadors are chosen for their enthusiasm, commitment, and passion for their work, they should also have an ability to communicate with people and a genuine wish to inspire others to consider care as a career.  On a practical side, they should be qualified to at least NVQ Level 2 (so that they have the knowledge to convey the basic principles of working in care), be personally presentable as a role model, and be reasonably confident.

It is not necessary to have any previous experience in presenting to an audience, as you will be given training in presentation skills, but you should be enthusiastic about developing this skill. Care Ambassadors have gained in confidence and ability very quickly once they put this into practice. 

Case Study

Natalie Adams, Registered Manager

Natalie Adams started her career on leaving school, and progressed through the work-based learning route until she became the manager of a 35-bed residential home at the age of just 22! Natalie was one of the first Care Ambassadors, and still acts as a role model for many in the profession, speaking at industry conferences and seminars.

"Having a clear career path and encouragement to learn and develop within my organisation encouraged me to aim high, and being a Care Ambassador helped to boost my confidence" says Natalie, who is one of the youngest Registered Managers in the industry. "I wish a scheme like Care Ambassadors had been around when I was at school and having to make career choices. It is very important that those of us in the industry promote care as an attractive career opportunity whenever we can."

What to do now:

Get in touch with your local Project Co-ordinator, who will answer any questions you have, and send you an information pack and application form.  Contact details for co-ordinators can be found by selecting your area on the left menu.