Belinda, Support Services Manager

How did you get into your Hospitality career?

At age 16, I went to college for 3 years and completed a Hotel Management Diploma which involved working 3 months of each year out on a work placement, I then finished college and went to work in central London for a couple of years in a large cosmopolitan hotel in Front Office. I then decided to return to Leeds and worked at the Queens Hotel before moving to award award-winning boutique hotel, '42 The Calls' when it opened back in 1991, initially on Reception but then I was promoted to the position of General Manager which I held for over 25 years before it closed for a total refurbishment in December 2019.

What skills have you learnt/developed in your current role?  

A lot of the skills and experience I had already were transferrable across to my current role as Service Support Manager at Belmont House but these obviously needed to be adapted to a Care Environment. As a total care novice, I have learnt about all the care regulations and guidelines that need to be followed but the basis of great hospitality and customer care is still the same principle but perhaps even more personable as we are looking after Residents in their home.    

What are your greatest achievements/ standout moments from your current role?  

Along with the rest of the team, I believe we have transformed Belmont House from the position it was in 2 years ago which has been a very difficult task given Covid,  no Home Manager in situ and that my position didn’t previously exist. We now have a much more permanent team who are happy to be on board with moving Belmont forward into the future.    

How have you been supported throughout your career with MMCG?  

Yes, I definitely feel supported and had a great induction down at Buckingham House.  

What is the workplace culture like at Belmont House?  

Belmont is a really happy place to work. We are like a family and visitors always comment on how friendly everyone is and what a lovely atmosphere there is.  

What is your favourite thing about working in the care sector?  

It’s the tiny things that really make a difference and seeing the reaction and joy on the resident's faces when for example you have just taken time to sit and chat to them, provided them with their favourite meal or decorated their room and put new furniture in. Some of our Residents don’t have any family so to them we are their family and that is so important.    

What has been the most rewarding part of your career with MMCG so far?  

Belmont was nominated in the finals at the Care Awards this year in four different categories which was great recognition for the whole team even though we didn’t get a winner!

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