Lee Bovell, Manager at Elysium Care, has a career marked by a steady ascent through the ranks of healthcare management, encapsulates a tale of commitment to service and personal growth.
“It all started with Lycium,” Lee recalls, reflecting on the early days before the merger that would bring his journey under the Elysium Healthcare umbrella. “Back then, our company was a private entity known as London Care Partnership. I joined as a support worker, eager to make a difference.”
His dedication did not go unnoticed, and soon, Lee found himself climbing the ladder and transitioning to leadership, “I was promoted to a senior team leader, and in April 2019, I took on the role of home manager at London Care Partnership.”
The end of 2019 brought significant change as Elysium acquired London Care Partnership. Despite the transition, Lee continued to work at the same service, now as a registered home manager, a position he holds to this day.
Lee’s current role involves overseeing a residential care home for nine service users with diverse needs, including learning disabilities, autism, and Down's Syndrome. “They are young adults, aged between 25 and 30,” he notes, emphasising the importance of tailored care.
With over 20 staff members, including three seniors and a deputy manager, Lee ensures that both service users and staff are well looked after. “Running the service means making sure everything operates smoothly, from the well-being of our residents to the management of the house itself.”
Reflecting on his skillset, Lee acknowledges the growth he’s experienced, “I completed my level 5 in healthcare while managing the service. Before that, I didn’t have any formal management qualifications.” His previous role as a housing officer provided him with valuable experience in supporting residents and managing various aspects of their lives, from well-being to domestic issues.
Overcoming Challenges and Fostering Community
Lee’s tenure as Manager has not been without its challenges, particularly during the unprecedented times of the pandemic. “The real challenge for me was during the pandemic,” Lee shares. “Ensuring that we were following the guidance, while making sure that the staff were heard and listened to, was very challenging.”
The pandemic tested Lee’s management skills and emotional intelligence. He had to balance the safety protocols with the concerns and opinions of his staff regarding vaccinations and PPE. “It put me in an environment where I had to reflect on my own morals,” he admits. But through the hardship, Lee believes these experiences have enhanced his leadership skills. “It’s something that has made me stronger,” he asserts.
Beyond the walls of the care home, Lee emphasises the importance of community involvement and awareness. “Ensuring that the service users are amongst the community and involved in community activities is very important to me,” he says.
Lee has witnessed a positive shift in public perception over the years, attributing it to increased visibility and understanding of individuals with learning disabilities as a result of initiatives at Elysium. From attending college to gaining work experience at places like Sainsbury’s, the residents are actively participating in society. “It’s not just about coming to work and being paid,” Lee explains. “We are looking after individuals that we want to provide the best possible future outcome for.”
Challenges in the Care Sector: A Reflection by Lee Bovell
Lee also speaks candidly about the undervaluation of the care sector. “It’s overlooked,” he states, expressing a sentiment that many in the sector feel but often goes unheard. The COVID-19 pandemic brought these issues into sharp relief, especially when deadlines for vaccinations led to job losses, highlighting the sector’s vulnerability.
“The health sector is treated as if it’s disposable,” Lee remarks, reflecting on the disparity between the NHS’s response to vaccination deadlines and the situation in the care sector. This perception, he believes, is mirrored in the pay and funding levels, which do not reflect the true worth of the staff’s contributions.
Lee points out that despite the high level of responsibility, care workers are often paid less than those in less demanding jobs. “The recruitment side of things has dropped immensely,” he notes, acknowledging the challenge of attracting quality staff when the remuneration does not match the responsibility.
The community’s expectations for quality care for their family members add another layer of complexity. Lee feels strongly that the government needs to reevaluate its funding and resource allocation to the sector. “These are things that definitely need to be focused on more by our current government,” he concludes, hoping for a future where the care sector is given the appreciation and support it deserves.
The Heart of Leadership
In the care sector, the essence of leadership transcends mere managerial duties; it’s about genuine concern and dedication. With over five years at the helm of Elysium Care, Lee believes that “you have to care.” This principle is the cornerstone of his leadership philosophy.
“It’s not just a start at 9, lock off at 5,” Lee explains. “It’s a 24-hour commitment.” His pride in his work is palpable, and he sees the rewards not in monetary terms but in personal fulfilment and pride. For Lee, caring for both the staff and service users is paramount, ensuring that families are involved and informed, which he deems crucial for the service’s success.
Lee’s journey from a support worker to a manager displays his belief that care must be at the core of leadership. “It first begins from the heart,” he says, emphasising that all other aspects, such as auditing and meetings, fall into place when you truly care.
His advice to aspiring leaders in the sector is heartfelt: “You need to be on that ship. You need to care.” Lee’s narrative is a powerful reminder that in the care sector, the best leaders are those who navigate with compassion and commitment, making sure that everyone on board feels valued and supported.
