Social care manager reaches new heights with apprenticeship support

Paul Astley, who works with adults with disabilities at the Queen’s Cross Network disability hub in Dudley, has just gained a Level 7 qualification in senior leadership with support from the council’s Adult Social Care team.

Alongside this, he has also graduated with a master’s degree in health and social care senior leadership through the University of Birmingham.

It is the latest step on a learning journey which has taken Paul from his first job as a care assistant at the council’s former Brettell Lane day centre in 1987 to his current position in management.

Paul credited the importance placed upon partnership working within his team at the Queen’s Cross Network for his growth in the role.

Paul Astley, assistant team manager of the Queen’s Cross Network disability hub, said:

Working with different groups of people from across the community is one of the best parts of my job. No day is the same in social care and it gives you a real range of experience, supporting residents from all walks of life.

I’m very grateful to have had the chance to pursue my degree apprenticeship, drawing on my experience with Queen’s Cross Network to become a better leader. It’s been a great opportunity to reflect on how we can assist people who have a lived experience of disability, as well as those who attend or volunteer at the disability hub.

Our work is all about helping people with disabilities to live their lives to the full and maintain their independence. It’s deeply rewarding and I’m so proud of what we do.

Queen’s Cross Network also works closely with a number of external groups who offer social care from the centre, including Disability in Action Dudley, Dudley Sign Cafe, and Dudley Stroke Association.

The network recently began a partnership with the Pens Meadow School in Pensnett, working alongside Children’s Services colleagues to provide healthy school meals to pupils with special educational needs.

Councillor Andrea Goddard, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said:

Paul is a much-valued member of our Adult Social Care team and it’s fantastic to hear about his recent achievements.

We believe everyone deserves to live well and the support that he and his colleagues at the Queen’s Cross Network provide makes such a difference to the lives of so many people in our borough.

Within Adult Social Care, we place a lot of importance on giving people the opportunity to pursue professional development in their roles. This helps staff to build their confidence, identify areas for improvement, and keep their skills up-to-date.

More information on the Queen’s Cross Network is available on the Dudley Council website.

People who are interested in working in social care with the council can find out more on the Jobs in Care page.