Employee Spotlight: James Peacock, a shining example of a great career journey
“It’s exciting being a part of a new employee’s journey and being able to offer some additional guidance and support. I hope the work I am doing helps practitioners to develop their knowledge and skills and recognises their hard work and commitment to the wider community.”
James giving a presentation on Career Pathways in Social Care with colleague Victoria
James has worked at the council for just over eight years. He recently gave a fascinating seminar at the MK Job Show (the first-ever presentation given by Buckinghamshire Council at the event) covering the nature and importance of social care, prospects, and career pathways into the field at Bucks, as well as valuable hints and tips about career progression within the care sector.
He has accumulated a rich variation of training and experience in the world of social care and is a strong role model for anyone who has an interest in the field. Follow his story for a perfect example of a well-rounded career in social care!
So, James, talk us through how you got to where you are now. What training and experience led you to your current job?
I have always worked in social care-related roles but immediately prior to rejoining Buckinghamshire Council, I was managing a Health & Social Care training company as well as delivering face-to-face bespoke training sessions. I have also managed several care homes and a domiciliary care provider across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. I returned to the council in 2015 as a Social Work Assistant and have since completed the BSc (Hons) in Social Work followed by the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme. I worked as a social worker for a couple of years then as an Advanced Practitioner for six months on secondment before starting my current secondment as a Practice Supervisor earlier this year.
That sounds like a very thorough background in the field. And what about your current role, can you tell us more about what you do now?
The Learning & Wellbeing Hub (L&WBH) is an internal Adults and Health provision to support our colleagues looking to progress their careers. As Practice Supervisor, I support as the traditional ASYE Supervisor would, and work collaboratively with other Quality, Standards & Performance colleagues to ensure best practice across locality teams, as well as supporting the council’s ‘grow our own’ initiatives. I work jointly with different organisations including Skills for Care, Buckinghamshire New University, and various community agencies in support of employee career development. Social care involves so many different aspects and it’s easy to become so preoccupied with our own roles that we forget the importance and significance of others. I rely on others as they do on me to ensure a cohesive, joined-up approach to any task, therefore, ensuring the best possible service for residents of Buckinghamshire.
What do you find to be the most rewarding part of your job?
I really enjoy working with the different cohorts of people, including newly qualified social workers on the ASYE programme, return to social work practitioners, social work, and occupational therapy assistants. It’s exciting being a part of a new employee’s journey and being able to offer some additional guidance and support. I hope the work I am doing helps practitioners to develop their knowledge and skills and recognises their hard work and commitment to the wider community. I work with amazing people who make such a difference to those more vulnerable residents of Buckinghamshire every day. I hope that by offering additional support through the L&WBH we can help improve practice and provide much-needed support for employees’ general emotional and mental health.
What’s the best thing about your team?
The people: everyone has been so welcoming and supportive since starting in my new role. Although the team is large with different aspects, we work closely, and I am learning so much from colleagues every day. I have been given many opportunities during my time at Buckinghamshire Council to develop my career. I have always had very supportive managers who encouraged me to make the most of training offers which has enabled me to continually progress and develop both personally and professionally.
You’re involved with two staff networks as a Mental Health First Aider and Domestic Abuse Champion. Tell us a bit about the role of those networks and what you do.
I have always enjoyed being part of other networks and consider this an important part of my role. As a Mental Health First Aider, I have been able to support colleagues through difficult times by offering a listening ear and signposting when additional support is required. I am currently training to be a counsellor and whilst this is a different role there are lots of transferable skills that have helped me support others. I enjoy being a Domestic Abuse Champion and worked voluntarily for almost a year with a local agency in support of this. During my time working in the Early Resolution and Safeguarding team, I found being a member of both networks invaluable when supporting others.
Thank you, James. And finally, what would you say to someone considering a career at Buckinghamshire Council?
Go for it, the opportunities are endless!
