Celebrating the key role of admin teams across the South Eastern Trust

Senior Administration and Facilities Manager for Cared for Children and Young People, Carole Wright, has praised her Admin Teams, describing them as the people who keep services functioning behind the scenes: “Our Admin staff are what keeps the place going. Admin just do it all.”

Carole manages a number of Teams across a wide range of services including Fostering, Adoption, Children’s Residential Homes, Children’s Disability, Early Years, the SCAFFOLD Consultation and Therapeutic Service, Leaving and After Care and the Unaccompanied Team, all based across various Trust locations.

Often working behind the scenes, Admin Teams play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations. Their attention to detail, professionalism and dedication help services run efficiently and effectively.

Carole said: “Without my Admin Team, the services just would not work. They are very much the glue that holds the services together. They are the first point of contact for our Service Users and visitors. They are an amazing group of people and I am incredibly proud of them.”

Carole also highlighted the highly skilled nature of the work carried out by the Teams, particularly in relation to minute taking: “Our Minute Takers are really experienced.

"They have to record detailed minutes, some of which may be presented to Court, so they need to be of an exceptionally high standard.

"That is just one aspect of the role. We have Secretaries and Admin Managers who provide support to Teams right across our Trust locations.

"Our Admin staff really do deserve to be appreciated, as sometimes their work remains in the background.”

In post for the past four years, Team Secretary for Children’s Disability Team, Orla Breen added how her role is both demanding and rewarding: “I support the Community Social Work Teams and Community Disability Nurses.

"A huge part of my role is minute taking and it is so important to capture, with precision, the care plans and action plans that come out of meetings.

“I am also the first point of contact for callers and I help direct them to the right person, ensuring all calls are actioned. It is a busy work environment and the Team does its best to help and support as many families as possible.

“I love gaining experience across the services and I love helping people and getting the job done. I am constantly learning.”

Admin Support Manager for Children’s Residential Services, Carys Boyd commented: “My Admin Teams support the seven Children’s Homes within the Trust and the day-to-day services that come with that. “The staff organise meetings, take minutes, which are extremely important to document and ensure any actions arising from them are followed through.

“My role is really rewarding because I see, first hand, how our staff genuinely interact with and care for these young people who are often in a difficult and vulnerable place in their lives. “Our Admin staff are there to ensure they have everything they need when they come to our children’s homes.

“It is very rewarding to know that you are helping a young person and it is a privilege to be part of this service.”