A Journey from Conservation to Care

Phoebe (an administrator at Brainkind’s Redford Court service), has a unique background in conservation and animal management that brings a fresh perspective to the world of care administration.

From juggling academic interests in entomology to supporting the complex needs of people with brain injuries, Phoebe has found a meaningful role at Brainkind.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you ended up working at Brainkind?

A: I actually started in animal management during college, where I explored different paths — veterinary nursing, management in zoos, and the scientific side of biology.

I was passionate about science, especially biology, and even did a placement at a wildlife sanctuary, which led me into conservation. I ended up focusing on entomology, particularly bees, during my university studies. I’ve even published papers and contributed to the Cumbria Bumblebee Atlas in 2023.

However, after graduating, I felt the need for a break from academia. When my partner and I relocated to Liverpool, I started looking for jobs that aligned with my organisational skills and passion for making a difference.

That’s how I found Brainkind. I didn’t want just any admin job; I wanted to be part of something that really helped people. Brainkind offered exactly that.

Q: So what attracted you to Brainkind in particular?

A: When I relocated, I was only looking for roles in charities or trusts because I wanted to be part of an organisation that makes a difference.

I came across the administrative assistant role at Brainkind and applied.

I was also considering a job with PDSA, the veterinary charity, but Brainkind stood out. The atmosphere during my interview was great and I was impressed by how far-reaching the charity’s work is.

Watching the Louis Theroux documentary about Brainkind and learning more about the service convinced me that this was where I wanted to be.

Q: What does a typical day or week look like for you?

A: Every day is quite different, but I have some regular tasks. I always start with a to-do list and check my emails. On Fridays, for example, I update our NHS capacity tracker for the CQC, which tracks who we’ve had in for the week and other details. Tuesdays are focused on referrals. I’m responsible for tracking the referrals from the initial inquiry all the way through to arranging assessments and coordinating with the clinical team.

Wednesdays are more focused on recruitment and staff tasks. I handle DBS checks, update our personnel files, and ensure that new starters are onboarded properly. Thursdays and Fridays are often catch-up days where I complete any outstanding tasks or update records. It’s a busy job, but I thrive on organisation, so I enjoy it!

Q: Have you found any aspects of the job particularly challenging or rewarding?

A: One of the most rewarding parts is definitely seeing the positive outcomes for the people we support. I might not work directly with them, but I play a key role in getting them through the door and helping them start their rehabilitation journey. It’s very fulfilling to know that the work I do behind the scenes contributes to their progress.

As for challenges, learning the systems and processes was a bit of an adjustment at first. But I had incredible support from my predecessor, Pavel, who left me a 15-page handover! That, along with the help of the team, made a big difference in settling into the role.

Q: How does your background in conservation tie into your role here, if at all?

A: It’s a bit of a shift from my academic background, but a lot of the skills are transferable. My experience with data management and research, for example, has been really useful in handling recruitment figures, occupancy data, and budgets. I also stay connected to the conservation world, and I’m still involved in projects like the Bumblebee Atlas. It’s nice to have that balance while working in a different sector.

Q: Do you have any plans for further development within Brainkind?

A: Absolutely. I’d love to take on a larger role in managing the referrals process. It’s already a significant part of my job, but I’d like to be more involved from start to finish. The referrals are crucial because they bring in the people who will benefit from Brainkind’s services. Being more hands-on with that process would be incredibly rewarding, especially knowing I’m helping people begin their rehabilitation journey.

Q: What have you learned from working at Brainkind so far?

A: I’ve learned so much about working in the world of brain injury rehab and how vital the support roles are in keeping everything running smoothly. While I don’t work directly with the people we support, I’m part of the bigger picture that helps them. It’s been a great experience to be part of an organisation where every role, no matter how behind-the-scenes, makes a real impact on people’s lives.