Nichola Gardner

Nichola’s career in the care industry started 30 years ago when she was 14 years old. During a school work experience placement, Nichola was given the opportunity to spend time in a residential care setting. This experience sparked a passion for care and support that has remained with her throughout her life.

At 17, she officially entered full-time employment in residential care and has continued to develop and excel in her career ever since. Over the years, Nichola has worked across a wide range of care settings, gaining valuable skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications in health and social care, leadership and management. Her background includes nursing care, residential care, EMI and EMD services, advanced dementia care, support for young disabled adults, mental health services, independent living and domiciliary/home care.

Throughout Nichola’s career, she has supported individuals with a variety of needs and conditions, including learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, epilepsy, stroke recovery, respiratory illnesses, cardiac conditions, palliative care and end-of-life care, as well as other complex health needs. Nichola has progressed through a variety of roles from a support worker to supervisor, team leader, deputy manager and into her first registered manager role of a 33 bed residential / dementia home in 2019.

Nichola is deeply passionate about the work she does and believes that every individual deserves to feel safe, valued, respected and supported to live the best quality of life possible. Nichola’s approach is centred on compassion, empathy, dignity and respect, while always upholding the values and standards of the organisations she works for.

Supporting people to maintain their independence, achieve their goals, and enjoy meaningful lives is what motivates her every day. Nichola takes great pride in building positive relationships with the individuals she supports, their families and the wider care team.

Outside of work, Nichola values spending quality time with her family and loved ones. Nichola also has a lifelong passion for animals and enjoys caring for and spending time with them whenever possible.