One year of Katie Wright in Cardiff

It’s hard to believe that Katie Wright rejoined Safehands a year ago in April 2024 – she has firmly settled back in and has been making waves!

We caught up with her to reflect on her last 12 months.

1. Hi Katie! Can you believe it’s been a year already? What are your biggest highlights from the past 12 months?

I know! It has flown by. So many highlights but the ones that really stand out are meeting my old workers and clients from when I was here before and seeing how happy they were that I was back. That felt really good.

2. How do you think the Cardiff branch has changed or grown since you joined?

The branch and our services have continued to evolve, and we now have a well-defined structure and clear processes in place to support our growth and efficiency.

3. What has surprised you the most in this past year – either about the team, the role, or the sector?

Compliance is the big one for me – it has changed a lot over the last year. It’s much stricter, training requirements have increased, and more referencing is required now. We’ve also noticed that many healthcare settings have transitioned to online systems now. I’m not necessarily a believer that this is a good thing – as in my opinion, it relies too heavily on agencies doing the right checks, and some agencies just don’t. It also takes away the human aspect of the job.

4. What accomplishments are you most proud of from your first year back at Safehands?

We have had no staff changes over the past year and our lovely Cardiff office has developed into a well-established, close-knit team that works exceptionally well together.

5. Have there been any standout success stories – maybe a client partnership, or a staff member’s journey – that have stuck with you?

I am incredibly proud of watching Annie, who worked for me as a support worker at a previous agency, grow to be such a good 360 consultant. It shows my instincts in bringing her on board were right.

I’m also proud of bringing on Cardiff’s first 24/7 care package.

6. What are your goals or hopes for the Cardiff branch in the next 12 months?

To bring on more packages and clients and to work more closely with the NHS.

7. Are there any new projects, services, or locations we should keep an eye out for?

Absolutely! We are still looking to expand in the Pembrokeshire area – watch this space!

8. How would you describe the team culture in Cardiff now? Has it evolved since your first month?

Yes it has evolved so much this year. We work so well as a team, we enjoy socialising with each other and we’re always happy to help each other out.

9. What would you say are the key strengths of the Cardiff branch team?

Communication, compliance and resilience.

10. What’s the most rewarding part of your role as Branch Manager?

Hearing client feedback about our staff – I’m always so proud to hear clients singing their praises! Lots of this feedback makes it’s way to our social media too – we love to shout out about them!

11. Outside of work, what’s kept you motivated or inspired over the last year?

I love a sunny holiday and I am currently redecorating my house. There’s a lot of talk about paint colours in our office at the moment!

12. Has there been a particular piece of feedback from a client or candidate that really made your day?

Yes a social worker contacted us who was referred by a colleague for how well Elly and I deal with issues that didn’t fall within our remit, but we always do as much as we can to help anyone. Getting this referral made us double down on the mantra ‘help everyone where when we can’.

13. If you could go back and give “newly returned Katie” one piece of advice last April, what would it be?

GET SOME SLEEP!

14. And finally – in three words, how would you sum up your first year at Safehands Cardiff?

BUSY, eye opening, challenging!

To get in touch with Katie and learn how she can support your healthcare or education setting, call her today on 02921 681 950 or email cardiff@safehandsrecruitment.co.uk.