Lynn James-Wellings, Managing Director at community care provider Care First 24, shares her approach to leadership and why empowering compassionate leaders is vital to transforming social care.
After more than 30 years in social care, I’m convinced that the future of our industry rests in the hands of passionate, compassionate, and fearless leaders—especially women. Women bring unique qualities to the table: empathy, collaboration, and a natural inclination to look at the bigger picture. At Care First 24, these qualities have been at the core of our success, and I’m thrilled to pass the baton to emerging women leaders, helping them lead with compassion and confidence. In social care, it’s not just about policies or processes. It’s about people! And who better to lead the way than women who value building connections and delivering genuine care? At Care First 24, we’re not only supporting women leaders but actively empowering them with leadership development programs, encouraging innovation in complex care, and setting the stage for a future where their voices define the industry. As our sector continues to grow, so does the demand for leaders who can rise to meet new challenges with energy, empathy, and resilience.
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that true leadership comes from hands-on-experience. I’ve spent years not only leading but rolling up my sleeves, working alongside our care professionals, and experiencing the joys and challenges of care firsthand. This hands-on approach has shaped my leadership style in ways no textbook ever could. It’s made me a more understanding, compassionate leader, and it’s taught me to make decisions that are practical and people-focused. Leadership in care requires a deep sense of empathy—not just for those we care for but also for the team doing the caring. Knowing the emotional and physical demands placed on our staff means I can create a supportive work environment where people feel valued and encouraged to thrive. For those rising up in the field, my advice is this: stay connected to the heart of your work, delegate with trust, and always, always lead with empathy.
To the rising stars ready to lead, here’s some wisdom I’ve gathered over the years. First and foremost, make sure you understand social care from the inside out. Embrace every opportunity to learn from the front lines because that’s where you’ll discover what truly makes a difference. Be a mentor and empower your team members by entrusting them with responsibilities and allowing their ideas to flourish. And let’s not forget the golden rule of care: put people first. By valuing each client as a unique individual, you’ll naturally encourage a holistic approach where physical, emotional, and social well-being are all considered. Prioritise learning and growth, encourage feedback, and remember that the best ideas often come from the team around you.
Care First 24 started as a small, passionate team, and today, we’re over 150 strong. I couldn’t be prouder of how we’ve grown, and it’s all thanks to building a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and care. I’ve always believed that success in this industry comes from creating an environment where people feel they belong. Our TOTUS program, which supports the well-being of both staff and clients, is a perfect example of this—it’s one of the reasons our team sticks around, and why clients receive such dedicated, personal care. For future leaders, fostering a strong, trusting team is essential. I’ve learned the power of being open, approachable, and genuinely listening to my staff. Regular one-on-ones, team huddles, and creating space for open feedback keep everyone aligned and motivated. If you show people they’re valued, they’ll give their best and then some!
A huge part of success in social care is staying open to change. Technology, demographics, client needs—they’re all evolving fast. At Care First 24, we’ve thrived by welcoming new ideas, whether it’s implementing tech solutions or introducing new care models. For aspiring leaders, this means embracing a “yes, and” mindset. See every challenge as a chance to grow, encourage continuous learning, and lead the way by example. Adaptability and innovation are the lifeblood of our success and have set us up to keep meeting future challenges head-on. By creating a culture that’s flexible and future-focused, we’re making sure Care First 24 is built to last.
Reflecting on this journey, there are so many moments that stand out: expanding from a team of five to over 150, receiving awards, building a workplace that feels like family, and—most importantly—knowing that we’re genuinely making a difference in people’s lives. I’m thrilled to see what lies ahead for our industry and even more excited to see the next generation of leaders step up, confident, compassionate, and ready to take on anything. By creating an environment where innovation, empathy, and excellence are the foundation, we’re paving the way for a brighter future in social care. To all the future leaders: trust your vision, value your people, and let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in care! The future is yours, and the sky’s the limit!
carefirst24.co.uk
