Care home manager Liam Palmer is making a name for himself as an author and broadcaster, after boosting his confidence on leadership and management qualifications at Telford College.
Liam, who lives in south Birmingham, currently works for Runwood Homes, a private residential care homes group in Warwickshire.
He came to Telford College to complete his level five leadership and management in health and social care, and children and young people’s award – a two-year course which he passed in just over 12 months.
Since completing his apprenticeship, Liam, 47, has gone on to level seven, equivalent to master’s degree level . . . and become an author, and podcaster.
He has written two books on raising quality standards in care homes through developing leadership skills. The second, ‘Leadership Secrets of Care Home Managers’ was inspired by meetings with the chief inspector of industry regulator, the Care Quality Commission.
And in his new podcast series – ‘Care Home Quality: Meet the Leaders and Innovators’, which is backed by Nurses.co.uk, Liam interviews inspirational social care and care home leaders and innovators.
Liam said: “Completing the level five course at Telford College deepened my knowledge of the legal framework that a registered manager operates in. It made me a better manager.
“I’ve moved onto level seven now, as completing the course increased my confidence with this form of learning. I’ve also started a care quality podcast.”
He added: “I had a great experience at Telford College – lots of support, but I also learnt a great deal.
“I really felt understood, and that helped build my confidence – which in turn helped me to complete the award.”
Liam, who previously worked at Innage Grange in Bridgnorth, said he saw it as a privilege to lead a community and get to know the residents, their families and the many professionals relied upon to provide the best and most caring service possible.
“The registered manager can be a great role. If you wish to do that, I suggest developing knowledge and experience in people management and leadership. It will help you manage more effectively.”
Liana Clarke, who was Liam’s trainer and assessor, said: “From the beginning of his course, he was enthusiastic and always achieved the assignments set him during our contact meetings to a superb standard.
“Liam is extremely knowledgeable in his roles as a care manager, and this was profoundly observed during his work with residents and staff in his care setting.
“He has always had the desire to better himself – whether that be with increasing his knowledge and skills sets or embarking on new projects to better the care system.”
