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Early Influences and Inspiration
Born in Winchcombe, a small town in Gloucestershire, Jackie was introduced to the healthcare industry at a young age. Describing the close connection she had with both of her grandmothers, Jackie detailed their relationships with healthcare: “one of whom was a matron of a community hospital”, while the other “lived with Parkinsons disease and died when I [Jackie] was 11”. When speaking on her grandmother’s experience with Parkinson’s, Jackie recalled her fighting spirit, saying that she never gave up, even towards the end of her journey with the disease. This exposed Jackie to the inner workings of the healthcare industry and inspired her to pursue a career in which she could provide quality care to those in later life.
Jackie’s Path to Holy Cross
Starting her career as a Domestic/Kitchen Assistant in a nursing home while still at school, Jackie displayed her resilient nature from the outset. Despite leaving school without qualifications, due to family commitments, she continued on her chosen path. Jackie worked in various care and nursing homes as a Nursing Assistant, before joining the NHS to work in a unit for Elderly Psychiatric Patients. In the 1990s, she moved on to work with people who had learning disabilities; initially employed as a Care Assistant, she rose to the role of Team Leader and went on to earn her Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care in 2005.
Jackie’s commitment to her true passion (caring for those in later life) led her back to care homes in 2015, where she was employed as a Care Leader. Frustrated that she was unable to implement changes for the good of the home, Jackie soon transitioned into roles that allowed her to make a more direct impact on the lives of those in her care. Becoming the Deputy Manager of a small residential care home in need of some improvement in 2016, Jackie helped to transform the home and was promoted to Manager shortly after starting. Continuing to pursue professional improvement and growth, Jackie completed a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in 2018.
From starting her career without qualifications, to leading a care home, Jackie’s journey echoes her grandmother’s “never give up” attitude that inspired her to begin her career initially. With her unwavering commitment to quality care and personal growth, Jackie proves that no matter where you start, dedication to your values and goals can truly make a difference.
The Ideal Manager for Holy Cross
When asked what drew her to Holy Cross, Jackie described the setting as “amazing”, with a “calm and tranquil atmosphere”, stating that the home’s values were aligned with her own. In her new role, Jackie hopes to “promote and maintain a positive culture within the Holy Cross Care Team, acting as a strong role model and demonstrating quality care”. Her extensive experience, along with her leadership qualifications, make her a beacon of expertise and a source of inspiration for staff looking to further their careers.
Jackie emphasised the importance of compassion, teamwork and self-reflection when asked for advice for aspiring care home managers. “Remember where you started; get to know your team; never lose sight of why you do what you do; keep your passion alive; always speak up if you need help; you are a human being.”
Reflecting on her earlier career, Jackie’s advice to her younger self was simple, but powerful: “have self-belief, you can make a difference, accept that you cannot control everything”. Forgiveness, patience, respect, understanding, and hard work are all values that shine through Jackie’s testimony and echo the values of Holy Cross Care Home.
From overcoming educational barriers to becoming a leader in healthcare, Jackie embodies the spirit of Grace and Compassion Benedictines. Founded in a time when religious life was being questioned by many, Mother Mary required great courage to establish the charity in 1959. Grace and Compassion elegantly refer to this as going ‘against the tide’. In this regard, Jackie is much alike the sisters who worked hard to make this home a reality, by facing challenges head-on, achieving the qualifications necessary and maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality care, even in the face of adversity.
Jackie’s wealth of experience, passion for care, and commitment to improvement make her the perfect fit for Holy Cross. We look forward to welcoming her to the team on Tuesday 26th August 2025 and seeing the positive impact she will undoubtedly have.
