Leading with Heart & Dedication: An Interview with Sian

We spoke to Sian Kirkpatrick, Service Manager at Bee Fold and finalist in the 2025 Great British Care Awards (👏👏👏), to hear about her journey into care leadership, what motivates her, and how she puts person-centred care into practice every day.

From Finance to Care

Q: You came from a background in finance before stepping into care management – what inspired you to take on this challenge?

Sian: “Working in healthcare, I’ve been deeply inspired by both the service users and my team. Seeing service users face difficult circumstances with strength and determination really motivated me to do more and take on greater responsibility.

At the same time, the commitment, compassion, and professionalism of my colleagues pushed me to grow and challenge myself.

That combination inspired me to step forward and take on this new opportunity.”

Q: What was it like stepping into the Service Manager role at such a crucial time for the service?

Sian: “It was both challenging and rewarding. The service needed strong leadership and stability, and I knew my decisions would have a direct impact on the staff and the people we support.

I had to quickly assess priorities, build trust with the team, and maintain high care standards. I wouldn’t have taken on the challenge without the clinical lead. Their expertise and support gave me confidence to step into the role, knowing I had a trusted partner for key decisions.”

Learning, Growing & Making a Difference

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of your learning journey?

Sian: “Definitely the personal and professional growth I’ve experienced along the way! I’ve developed greater confidence in my decision-making, learned how to lead through challenges, and deepened my understanding of delivering person-centred care at a managerial level.

Seeing the positive impact of my development reflected in the quality of care we provide—and in the growth of the team—has been so incredibly fulfilling. It’s also been rewarding to learn from others, whether through mentorship, feedback, or collaboration.

Q: What keeps you motivated in your role?

“It’s remembering why I do this work. It’s the difference we make in people’s lives, even in small ways.

Seeing someone we support achieve something meaningful or knowing that I’ve supported a colleague through a challenge, reminds me that the difficult moments are part of a bigger purpose.

I’m also motivated by the team around me. We support each other, and that sense of shared commitment really helps. Reflecting on progress, staying focused on solutions, and reminding myself of the positive impact we’re having really helps me stay grounded and motivated.”

Leadership & Supporting Others

Q: You’ve also been supporting a new manager – what’s been the most important thing you’ve learned about leadership?

Sian: “The most important thing I’ve learned about leadership is that it’s not about having all the answers—it’s about listening, supporting others, and creating the right environment for people to do their best work.

Good leadership means being approachable, consistent, and leading by example, especially during challenging times. I’ve learned that trust is built through actions, and that recognising people’s strengths, giving clear direction, and showing empathy can really bring a team together.

Leadership is as much about empowering others as it is about decision-making.”

Recognition & Looking Ahead

Q: How did it feel to find out you’d been nominated (and shortlisted!) for a Great British Care Award?

Sian: “I was genuinely surprised and really touched to be nominated. It’s easy to just focus on the work and not always stop to think about the impact you’re having—so to know that someone took the time to recognise that meant a lot.

It made me feel proud, not just of myself, but of the whole team, because everything we achieve is a team effort.

It was a real boost and reminded me why I do what I do.”

Q: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the people you support and your team?

Sian: “Looking ahead, my hope for the people we support is that they continue to lead fulfilling lives with as much independence, choice, and dignity as possible. I want them to feel truly heard, valued, and empowered in their journey, with support that’s flexible to their changing needs and aspirations.

For the service, I hope we continue to grow in a way that maintains our high standards while also embracing innovation and learning. I want to see the team feel confident, supported, and proud of the work they do—because when staff feel valued and developed, it directly benefits the quality of care. Ultimately, I want us to be a service that people trust, where both staff and service users feel safe, respected, and inspired.”

Values in Action

Q: Which WCL value resonates most strongly in your day-to-day work?

Sian: “For me, respect is the value that resonates most strongly in my day-to-day work.

In healthcare, respect is the foundation of everything—respect for the people we support, their choices, their dignity, and their individual journeys. It also means respecting colleagues, valuing each person’s role, and creating a culture where everyone feels safe, heard, and supported.

When respect is present, trust grows, communication improves, and care becomes truly person-centred. It’s a simple value, but it has such a powerful impact on everything we do.”

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We’re so proud of Sian and everything she’s achieved – for the people she supports and her team! Being shortlisted as a Register Manager finalist in the 2025 Great British Care Awards is a huge recognition of her dedication and leadership.

Good luck at the awards ceremony, Sian! 💙