NOT-for-profit care village operator Belong, which has a care village on Loushers Lane, Warrington, has appointed HR specialist Maggie Wallace as Head of People, with the aim of attracting, inspiring and retaining the sector’s most talented people.
Maggie will be responsible for all aspects of HR, including recruitment, engagement and learning and development, at Belong. Her priorities in the role include addressing the recruitment challenges faced by the care sector, which she says will be achieved by championing the social care industry and showcasing the rewarding career opportunities it provides, as well as ensuring colleagues are well supported in their roles. It will also involve bold new ways of attracting people, including adopting more flexible ways of working.
She has over 30 years’ experience working in HR across multiple industries, including in the care sector. Her career began in hospitality, progressing to be the regional HR manager with oversight of 16 hotels, and includes establishing the HR function of a multimedia company with 10 locations across the country, as well as a period as a freelance consultant. She was also Head of People at the UK’s leading holiday letting agencies during a time that saw the company’s headcount grow from 250 to over 1000 and throughout the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Most recently, Maggie completed a six-month role at a social care company.
Explaining how this influenced her decision to join Belong, she said: “I was instantly struck by the incredible work of the social care industry and the amazing people who work in it. I wanted to become a champion for the people who support the most vulnerable people in society.
“I was drawn to Belong for its great reputation and unique model that places customers at the centre of everything and supports people to live life to the full while placing an emphasis on autonomy and individuality. I am looking forward to working with colleagues across the company to build on the foundations that already exist to make Belong a best-in-class employer for the social care industry.”
Commenting on Maggie’s appointment, Belong Chief Executive, Martin Rix said: “We are delighted to have Maggie on board at an exciting time for Belong villages. Her extensive experience and expertise gained in organisations with multiple locations, as well as in social care, will be invaluable as we offer our services to more people in more geographical areas.”
There are currently a number of opportunities at Belong villages and Belong at Home services across the North West. Find out more and apply for a position at www.belong.org.uk/jobs
