After a good few years in recruitment (more than I care to mention!), I’ve seen a lot of changes in both the social care sector and my own role.

When I first started, my primary focus was on building a strong network – connecting with talented social workers and developing relationships with organisations in need of their expertise. In those early days, much of my time was spent searching for the best candidates, learning about social care, and building trust with clients. I knew that placing the right people in the right roles had the potential to change lives, and that was what drove me.

Deep understanding

As the years passed, I established a robust talent pool of candidates and built a network of clients who trusted me to understand their needs. My understanding of the social care sector deepened, and I saw first-hand how vital social workers are to the well-being of vulnerable children and adults. It became clear that my role wasn’t just about filling positions – it was about making meaningful connections that help social workers do what they do best: support those in need.

Mentoring responsibilities

Recently, my responsibilities have shifted as I’ve taken on the role of mentoring junior and more experienced recruitment consultants. Leading a team has given me the opportunity to pass on the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years. I’m committed to helping my colleagues grow, not just in their understanding of recruitment, but in their dedication to the social care sector. My goal is to ensure they build rewarding and satisfying careers by providing them with the tools to support social workers in their critical roles.

Investing time

Social workers face immense challenges every day, and it’s the responsibility of recruitment consultants like us to ensure they have the support they need to succeed. I believe in the importance of investing time in understanding the candidates we represent, advocating for their strengths, and building relationships with clients that are based on trust and respect. It’s not just about recruitment; it’s about contributing to a sector that makes a difference in people’s lives.

Long-term value

I wouldn’t be doing what I do if I didn’t enjoy my work and believe that what my colleagues and I do has long-term value. The satisfaction of helping social workers find roles where they can thrive, while also mentoring the next generation of recruitment consultants, is what makes this job so fulfilling. The social care sector is a challenging but rewarding space, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

Yusuf Memon is a Team Manager at Pertemps Social Care. He can be reached on 020 3906 4079 or by email: yusuf.memon@pprsocialcare.co.uk