Introducing our Chief Operating Officer
Harpreet Chohan has been with the business since the start of April 2022, having worked in healthcare for over 24 years, she brings with her a wealth of experience and passion for social care. Find out more in the interview below.
I started as a support worker in Nottinghamshire over 24 years ago. My roles have been varied having worked within local authorities, commissioning to housing such as One Housing, SBHG, and Aldwyck to homelessness at St Mungo’s. Having vast experience within CQC for over ten years I have had the pleasure to work with Allied healthcare as well as offering consultancy services for a number of entrepreneurs setting up and delivering supported housing for MH/LD and the elderly.
I started at Care is Central as COO where I supported the existing senior management team. In my new role as Acting Managing Director I am excited to be leading the company and our brilliant teams as we continue to grow and extend our services across Central Bedfordshire.
What has been the biggest challenge in your care career to date?
My biggest challenge throughout my career has been the retention of carers since Covid took over in 2021. Due to the lack of social care funding, it has been a challenge to pay care and support individuals the true salary that reflects the outstanding work that they continue to do. CiC is one of the few companies to recognise this and I am proud to be part of a company where profit is not the only driving force but at the heart of the company is the desire to recognise the teams on the ground that continue to look after our loved ones.
What are you most proud of?
I feel proud that through my journey in life I continue to work through the challenges of social care and continue to enjoy this path and be feel part of something special. I am also proud I managed to give up cookie dough since January (NY resolution)…but I might be tempted very soon!
What does high-quality care or ‘doing care differently’ mean to you?
High-quality care to me means delivering above and beyond the norm. It is easy to deliver care to our clients but genuinely going above and beyond should be part of everyday life. We need to ensure we offer choice to our residents and empower them … also having fun in care is important. We must take time to enjoy our jobs and place of work and have fun with clients. Life is to be celebrated!
What do you think makes Care is Central different?
CiC is different as it is a new company in its infancy- this means we can together( regardless of our roles) be responsible to grow and shape the way we deliver care. This is a unique position to be in, the whole team shares a passion for doing care better and that really does set us apart.
