Phil Lang
“If you are interested in progressing, and your values are good, then my experience is that Discovery will nurture and develop you, and provide a wide range of career opportunities. Personally I have done more new things in two years at Discovery than in 20 years at Somerset County Council.”
So says Locality Manager Phil Lang, who transferred to Discovery as a Team Manager. Phil’s career started in Children’s Services as a support worker, then supervisor before making the jump to supporting adults.
“I saw a job ad for a “Performance Coach” and straightaway I knew I wanted that experience. I was in that role for a year, supporting local teams all across the West of Somerset with safeguarding, reviews, investigations and much else besides. It was not only really interesting, but also great experience that I could use for the next stage of my career.”
That next stage came along as part of November’s restructure. Phil secured a role as one of Discovery’s 31 Locality Managers. Phil is temporarily responsible for the closure of Oak crisis support centre and setting the two people we support there up for the future, with tailored support to meet their individual needs. Next on his list is taking on responsibility for the people we support at Ashbury and Brambles, two care homes on the current Six Acres site.
“I think there’s huge scope to make a difference there,” Phil says, “Have the people who live there ever been asked if they like who they live with and where they live, for example? Are their support plans truly person-centred? Are they being supported to build their independence? There will certainly be a job to involve families properly and to build a truly person-centred culture – but that’s something I am very much looking forward to getting to grips with … ultimately it’s all about doing the best for the people we support.”
“There’s so many opportunities at Discovery. Try to get a place on the Aspire career development programme. Keep an eye on the Dimensions jobs boards. Make sure your manager knows you’re keen to progress. Take opportunities when they come your way. And above all, get stuck in, go the extra mile, demonstrate your values every day.”