Helping Teams Grow, Helping People Thrive: Gemma’s Career Story at WCL

At We Change Lives (WCL), it’s the people who make all the difference – both the ones we support and the incredible team members who make it happen every day. One of these people is Gemma Massey, who’s been part of WCL since 2021.

As our Recruitment & Retention Team Leader, Gemma plays a vital role in helping our team grow and thrive. She’s not just bringing in new people – she's helping to build a culture where people feel valued, supported, and excited to stay.

Gemma’s Journey with Us

Gemma’s career at WCL has been a journey of growth and impact. She started as a Recruitment Administrator in 2021, and in just a few years, has been promoted twice – first to Recruitment & Retention Co-ordinator in April 2023 and then to her current role as Recruitment & Retention Team Leader in June 2024.

Her focus has always been on more than just hiring. “Working in recruitment and retention has allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of human behaviour and what drives individuals to succeed in their careers,” she shares.

Through her work, she’s developed invaluable skills in communication, empathy, and relationship-building – skills she now applies in many areas of her life.

What a Day in Recruitment & Retention Looks Like

Gemma’s mornings usually start on the recruitment side – reviewing new applications, scheduling interviews, and ensuring candidates have everything they need.

“My day usually starts with reviewing the latest updates in recruitment and retention. This includes checking emails, messages from candidates, and any new job applications that have come through overnight. I prioritise responding to urgent queries, scheduling interviews, and making sure all candidates have the necessary information to move forward in the hiring process.”

But for Gemma, the real magic happens in retention – in making sure that the people WCL brings in feel valued and supported from day one.

“Afternoons are often reserved for retention-focused initiatives. This might include analysing employee feedback from surveys or reviewing new systems,” she explains. It’s all about making WCL a place where people want to stay and grow.

The Most Rewarding Part of the Job

For Gemma, the best part of her role is seeing the real impact of her work, not just in recruiting great people but in helping them thrive at WCL.

“The best part of my role in recruitment and retention at WCL is the opportunity to make a real impact on the organisation by helping to build a strong, diverse team. I find it incredibly rewarding to connect with candidates and help them understand how WCL can offer them growth and career fulfilment.”

It’s about creating an environment where they feel valued and supported.

“The culture at WCL is a place where every team member is valued, and there’s a strong sense of shared purpose,” she shares. “We work together not only to achieve our goals but to support and uplift each other along the way.”

And by bringing in the right team members, Gemma is directly contributing to the quality of care WCL provides.

“In my role, I believe the work I do directly impacts the lives of the people we support by helping to build a team that is not only skilled but also deeply aligned with WCL’s mission and values,” she explains.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Gemma?

Gemma is always looking to grow – both personally and professionally. She’s currently working towards her Level 3 apprenticeship, with hopes to progress to Level 5.

“Looking ahead, I am eager to continue growing within WCL and contribute to the organisation’s long-term success,” Gemma shares. “One of my key aspirations is to take on greater leadership responsibilities, where I can further shape recruitment and retention strategies, while mentoring and developing other team members.”

(And we have no doubt you’ll achieve all this and more! 👏)

Gemma’s Advice to Anyone Considering a Career with WCL

Her advice is simple:

“Go for it! This is the best job I’ve ever done.”

She believes that anyone considering a career at WCL should come with a passion for making a difference and a commitment to supporting others.

“The organisation thrives on individuals who are not only skilled but also dedicated to contributing to a positive and supportive culture,” she adds.

Gemma’s story is proof that when you’re part of WCL, you’re part of something bigger. It’s not just a job – it's a place to grow, to make a difference, and to be part of a team that truly cares.

If her story resonates with you and you’re looking for a meaningful career in care, WCL might just be the place for you. Explore our career opportunities here.