Total Care Direct - The Management Team
Total Care Direct was originally founded by Julie Morris and local family GP, Dr Adam Cutts. Today it is run by Julie and her strong team of professionals; Gemma Wilson (Operations Manager), Sandra Kretzschmar (Finance Manager and PA), Joyce Young (Training and Development Manager), Emma Mason (Care Co-Coordinator) and Kerry Punter (Finance Assistant).
Julie Morris
Joined our team: Here from the beginning!
Role at TCD: Managing Director
Julie says:
“The care we give as a team at Total Care Direct, both to our service users and our staff, reflects everything I stand for. Since founding the business in late 2007, we have deliberately built solid foundations based on core principles and a strong code of values so that we create and reinforce a circle of respect and companionship throughout everything we do.
Day-to-day, I am responsible for the general management of the company which includes overseeing inspections and keeping up to date with the latest guidelines and Government legislation. Reviewing staff training requirements, carrying out staff appraisals, reviews and supervisions are also key aspects of my role.
Guidelines and legislation in the care industry are constantly changing. I take my responsibility to read, understand and implement the required changes to our practices very seriously. By ensuring continued compliance with legislation, best practice and the effective communication of this, our service users and their families have the peace of mind that, regardless of personal circumstances, we provide the very best care.
Among the qualifications gained during my 12 years of extensive experience are a BTEC Diploma in Care, a Foundation Certificate and NVQ Level 2 in Health & Safety and completion of a six month course in Workforce Learning Champions. I am currently completing my NVQ Level 5 in Management and a course in Equality and Diversity. My current total of training and health care course certificates is 48 but, as keeping up to date with the changes in the care industry is almost a full time job, I will shortly have some to add!
I am really passionate about providing the best care for our service users and the best opportunities for our staff to develop both their personal and professional skills. I am immensely proud to be leading such a dedicated and motivated team.”
Sandra Kretzschmar
Joined our team: December 2007
Role at TCD: Finance Manager & PA to Managing Director
Sandra says:
“Over the years I have worked as a Support Worker, Teacher and Assistant Manager in various organisations but have always been on the lookout for new, rewarding opportunities to broaden my horizons. When the opportunity to work at TCD as Finance Manager and PA arose, I just knew that I had found a great role at a great company. I work closely with the Managing Director as her PA providing day-to-day support in all aspects of running the business including dealing with general enquiries about the company and our services. Part of my role is also to support and oversee Kerry’s role as Finance Assistant and to process the payroll once prepared.
I have been with TCD for over three years and during this time not only have I seen the company go from strength to strength but I have also managed to achieve numerous additional qualifications. To date I have gained a NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care, a Level 3 in Palliative Care and a NCFE Level 2 in Health & Safety. I am currently working towards completing a course in Equality and Diversity.
I am proud to be part of the growing team at TCD and look forward to a long and happy career with them.”
Gemma Wilson
Joined our team: January 2008
Role at TCD: Operations Manager
Gemma says:
“My role as Operations Manager is to support our service users and staff in everything they need, and to ensure that our excellent quality of service and personal touch is maintained at all times. As well as managing the staff rotas and co-ordinating service user assessments and feedback, I am responsible for carrying out job interviews, CRB checks and validating all staff backgrounds prior to their employment with us.
Since I joined TCD, I have completed two NVQ level 2 qualifications - in Team Leading and Health and Social Care, and gained a number of vocational certificates in completing courses to help my career progression – something I thought that I could never do!
I have watched TCD expand over the time I have been here and am very proud to say that every step of their success always has the service user’s and staff’s best interests at the heart.”
Emma Mason
Joined our team: July 2008
Role at TCD: Care Co-ordinator
Emma says:
“I joined TCD as a Healthcare Assistant having worked in a similar role for another agency. Just over a year after joining the team I began working at Head Office as a part-time care co-ordinator ensuring that our service users always have a member of the team to visit or call on at all times, whether day or night.
Total Care Direct’s encouragement for personal development is fantastic – I now have two NVQ Level 2 qualifications (in Health and Social Care and Business Administration). I really enjoy both responsibilities and I am really pleased that I have been able to continue my carer role whilst helping out in the office - specifically with the recruitment of new staff from placing the initial advert to arranging the initial interviews. My role is extremely rewarding and I look forward to my future with TCD.”
Joyce Young
Joined our team: March 2010
Role at TCD: Training & Development Manager
Joyce says:
“I have worked in the care sector for 15 years and during this time I have held various positions that have given me experience in different aspects of this industry. Since joining Total Care Direct, I have worked as a care co-ordinator, NVQ assessor in Care and in my present role as Training & Development Manager.
The skills, knowledge and experience I have gained over the years from these various positions have been a huge benefit in assisting me to deliver training which continually promotes good practice and ensures that all our services users and their families are provided with excellent care and support.
Over the last year I have continued with my own personal development, gaining new skills that have enabled me to provide appropriate support and training to our care workers in helping them to carry out their duties to the highest standard.
I have successfully completed a number of courses to improve my skills and further my career including, Train the Trainer Common Induction Standards, Train the Trainer Moving & Handling, Train the Trainer Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults, a NVQ Level 2 in Team Leading and Level 3 in Palliative Care. More recently, I have undertaken and successfully passed P.T.L.L.S (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector). It doesn’t stop there! My plan for future training includes a Train the Trainer First Aid Awareness course and a NVQ Level 2 in Customer Services.
When I’m not busy training or being trained, I still continue to provide hands on care on a regular basis and take pride in reinforcing the strong personal values that I have to care for people in the same way that I would like to be cared for myself. I look forward to being a part of the team of Total Care Direct in the future and the opportunities this will give me to work in an environment that I find rewarding and worthwhile. I am pleased to have been offered the opportunity to apply to be a registered manager for the company, I look forward to this fantastic challenge with enthusiasm.”
Kerry Punter
Joined our team: February 2011
Role at TCD: Finance Assistant
Kerry says:
“My role as Finance Assistant includes the day to day processing of accounts, production of all invoices, the preparation of our payroll and monitoring the monthly costs for the company.
Although I came from a finance background, this is the first time I have worked in the care industry and since joining the team in February, I have been really impressed with the company’s ethos and practices which are reflected in every aspect of TCD’s work, both internally and throughout their care programmes. More recently, I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to update and expand my skills and I am currently studying a course in equality and diversity. I really enjoy being part of the TCD team and am very much looking forward to my future with them.”
