Orchard House Manager's Shares Career Journey for International Women’s Day

International Women's Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women and highlight the importance of creating opportunities for growth and equality. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain – When we give, we gain,” encourages individuals and organisations to share knowledge, support, and opportunities so that women everywhere can thrive.

At Orchard House Care Home in Wisbech, this message is reflected in the leadership journey of General Manager Sarah, whose career with RCH Care Homes demonstrates how investment in people can create lasting impact for individuals, teams and communities.

Sarah first joined the organisation in September 2011 as a Care Assistant, beginning a career path that has seen her progress through a number of roles including Senior Carer, Unit Manager, Deputy Manager and now General Manager at Orchard House. Throughout this journey, the organisation supported her professional development through nationally recognised training including NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, NVQ Level 5 in Leadership and Management, and specialist CHAPS dementia training.

Under Sarah’s leadership, Orchard House Care Home has also gained significant recognition for its high standards of care and teamwork. In 2025 and 2026, the team achieved a Great British Care Awards Regional Award for Palliative Care, became National Finalists in the Palliative Care Award, received nine Great British Care Awards regional finalist nominations, are finalists in the Fenland Citizen Team Award, and won the National Activity Team Award at the National Activity Awards. Sarah believes her career journey highlights the power of encouragement, mentorship and opportunity in helping people reach their potential.

Sarah said: “I started with RCH Care Homes in September 2011 as a carer and have been fortunate to grow through several roles including senior carer, unit manager, deputy manager and now general manager. During my time at Orchard House, I have been supported to complete my NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care, NVQ Level 5 in Management and Leadership, and CHAPS training. I feel incredibly honoured to have been supported throughout the years to grow in both my career and confidence to manage a nursing home. I am very grateful for the opportunity given to build and lead the team at Orchard House, and to continue creating an environment where colleagues can grow just as I have.”

Supporting professional development is central to the organisation’s culture, helping colleagues build long-term careers while ensuring residents receive the highest standards of care. Pauline Manning, Director of HR at RCH Care Homes, said: “Sarah’s journey perfectly reflects the values behind this year’s International Women’s Day theme. By investing in training, mentoring and professional development, organisations can create opportunities that allow talented individuals to flourish.

Supporting colleagues to progress in their careers strengthens teams, improves care, and helps build a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Sarah’s achievements and the success of the Orchard House team demonstrate the powerful results that can come from giving people the support and opportunities they deserve.”

As the International Women’s Day “Give to Gain” campaign highlights, sharing knowledge, opportunities and encouragement helps create a more connected and supportive world. Sarah’s journey from Care Assistant to General Manager demonstrates how investing in people can help individuals grow, inspire others, and create lasting success for entire teams.

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