We talk to, Rafal Gac, who has been with Choice Care since 2008 and celebrates his 15-year Choiceversary this month! Let’s find out more...
Congratulations on your Choiceversary – how many years have you been with Choice and when did you start?
I joined Choice Care in 2008 and so this is my 15-year Choiceversary!
How has your role progressed during your time here?
I initially started working as a Social Care Worker at Ballards Ash. When I moved to the UK, I had spent my whole life in Poland managing things, so wanted to continue to do so. I stayed with Choice Care and designed a strategy to keep working up the ladder! I took whatever training there was on offer and did my level 2 and level 3 qualifications. I added a level three diploma in psychology in 2010. I then moved to be a Senior Social Care worker at Sunnyside.
In 2011, I applied for the Deputy Manager role at Beechcroft and subsequently became Acting Manager when the existing Manager moved to another role. I was then appointed Manager at Orchard End in 2012. In 2015, I was offered the job of ARD which is the role I have been doing ever since.
What do you particularly love about your role?
Since 2020, a lot has changed in terms of different structures etc. Our jobs have become more operational and creative – and I love this. I am currently coming to the end of my CMI level 5 Operational Leadership qualification. I love the variety of the role: working on development, on various projects such as onboarding and induction of new staff and analysis. I love working with the managers and sharing experience – and making sure their lives are easier and happier! I thrive on giving them new ideas to be even better leaders.
How would you sum up working at Choice Care?
I would say that it’s sort of an adventure! There’s always a challenge to look at and you have an opportunity to do lots of interesting things, whether it be a merger, a new project or training.
What did you do before you joined Choice Care?
I worked in management.
Are your colleagues supportive – if so, tell us more…
Very much so! West Ops Team is very supportive – we all have similar ways of working and working with my team and colleagues is a daily pleasure! We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. It helps us to help each other. My colleagues are very supportive.
Mark, Regional Director at Choice Care said: Raf is a fine example of the progression pathway available to all of Choice colleagues. We love developing and promoting our own employees, it’s part of what makes Choice such a great employer. Congratulations to you Raf on your 15 years, bring on the next 15!
