At Pertemps Social Care, we take great pride in celebrating our incredible team. If you’ve partnered with us before, you’ve likely built a strong rapport with our recruitment staff.

However, you may not be familiar with our unsung heroes: the operations team. This dedicated group works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything runs seamlessly. Today, we’re shining a light on our Compliance Team Leader, Katie Prescott, and the crucial role her team plays in maintaining our high standards. 

Katie’s Journey into Compliance 

Like many in the industry, Katie didn’t initially set out to work in compliance. In fact, she stumbled into it somewhat by chance. Originally, Katie was lined up for a role in our sales team, but just before she was due to start, the pandemic hit meaning plans changed. Instead, she spent a few months as a call handler for the North West Ambulance Service. Then, an opportunity in compliance came up, and she hasn’t looked back since. 

“I was referred to the Director of Social Care, Jackie, and asked if I was available for a vacancy in the compliance team. With my background in customer service, admin management, and qualifications in law and HR, it felt like a great fit. I’ve never felt more comfortable in a role or a business before!” 

What Does a Day in Compliance Look Like? 

Katie’s role as a Compliance Team Leader involves much more than just ticking boxes. It’s about ensuring that every aspect of compliance is handled with care, from auditing and problem-solving to managing projects and team development. But it’s not all behind-the-scenes admin. Katie spends a lot of time working directly with candidates and building relationships with other teams in the business. 

“Communication is key. We work closely with various teams to make sure everything is in place, and that everyone is on the same page. It’s about more than just compliance—it’s about making sure that every candidate is ready to go, and that clients can trust us to deliver.” 

Why Compliance Matters 

In the world of social care work recruitment, compliance is critical. It’s about safeguarding everyone involved, from the service users to the candidates and the business itself. For Katie and her team, every check matters, and overlooking any detail just isn’t an option! 

“Our job is to make sure that the right checks are done before anyone starts work. Social care involves working with vulnerable people, and it’s our responsibility to ensure that the candidates we place are ready and safe to do that. That’s why compliance is so important—it protects everyone.” 

The Rewards and Challenges of Compliance 

One of the things Katie loves most about her job is the sense of order that compliance brings. There are clear requirements to follow, and meeting those requirements provides a sense of accomplishment. 

“There’s nothing ambiguous about it—compliance is structured, and I like that. You know exactly what needs to be done, and when you get someone ready to start their role, it’s a great feeling.” 

Of course, the role isn’t without its challenges. Delays can happen, especially when waiting for external responses or DBS checks. But for Katie, overcoming these hurdles is just part of the job. 

“One of the biggest challenges is relying on others to complete their part of the process, like waiting for references or DBS applications. It can be frustrating, but communication and perseverance are key to keeping everything moving.” 

The Importance of a Supportive Team 

As a leader, Katie believes in leading by example. She’s always there for her team, whether that’s checking in with them, offering advice, or showing them how to be proactive and productive in their roles. 

“If my team can see that I’m working hard and staying positive, I hope they’ll feel inspired to do the same. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels supported and motivated.” 

The Heart of the Recruitment Process 

Katie’s team is bridging the gap between candidates and clients. Once a candidate is placed, it’s up to the compliance team to make sure they meet the necessary standards. 

“Our role is to ensure that the candidates we place are the best possible fit for our clients. We’re regularly audited to make sure we’re meeting the high standards set out in our contracts, and failing to do so can have serious consequences, like losing contracts. But we’re here to safeguard both the candidates and the clients, and to ensure we deliver on our promises.” 

Looking Ahead 

Since joining Pertemps Social Care in 2020, Katie has progressed from Compliance Officer to Team Leader, recruiting a fresh team along the way. As she looks ahead, Katie is excited about what the future holds, not only for her career but for the entire compliance team. 

“This past year has shown me just how resilient and driven I am. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, and I can’t wait to continue developing into more senior roles within compliance and operations.” 

A Team That Drives Success 

The operations team plays an essential role in maintaining the high standards we promise our clients and candidates. With dedicated team leaders like Katie Prescott and a culture of collaboration, our behind-the-scenes work ensures that every candidate is fully equipped to succeed in their roles, and that clients can trust us to deliver.  

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