Welcome back to your latest instalment of Brains, Banter and Brilliance! Dare we say with the recent weather that the end of the summer may be nigh – but don’t fret, we’re here to brighten up your day with tales from yesteryear.
This month we sat down with Emma Bumpstead to hear all about how one childhood careers day led her to Ben Holden Ltd (albeit with a few stops along the way). Take it away, Emma!
How and when did you first join the industry?
I first got into healthcare after qualifying as a physiotherapist in 2014. I then came across case management with a previous employer where I worked a sort of hybrid role.
I really enjoyed the case management side of things and decided to take a look at a few different companies, which is when I came across Ben Holden Ltd.
What was it about case management/occupational therapy that drew you in?
I like having an oversight into everything going on for the client and being that central point of contact. It means you get to think about the client more holistically and see them as a whole person – and make an impact really quickly. That really suits me as someone who is comfortable spinning a lot of plates at once.
Why Ben Holden Ltd?
The team really are lovely. You have access to great support too. But what I love is how everything is done right – quality assurance is seen as a priority and the admin staff are always on-hand to support you.
How does it compare to other companies you’ve worked with?
I’ve worked in roles before where you feel like you’re a cog in a machine and that it’s all about the numbers. That’s not the case here, where it’s all about the client.
You’re not micro-managed, meaning you can focus on doing what’s best for your client.
What’s your career highlight to date?
I’m working with a client at the moment who I visit fairly regularly. On my last visit, he and his wife described me as their “rock”. That’s what I want to hear – I want to be that person that takes the burden away from people and who they know they can rely on. It was a really lovely moment.
If you could change one thing about the case management sector, what would it be?
I think it’s a really positive move that professional bodies are now working to define the case management profession in more of a protected title fashion. Having clearer professional standards and expectations can only strengthen the profession and help ensure we all deliver the highest possible quality of service to our clients.
Let’s pretend I am your client, what approach might I expect from you?
I’d like to think that I’m very approachable and that I build a genuine therapeutic rapport with my clients from early on. I like to get to know people as a whole and understand how best I can help them – and I want them to know that I‘m always going to be available if they need me. I’m someone who likes to get things done.
What was your dream job growing up?
I initially wanted to be an engineer or a barrister – although when cleaning out the garage the other day I found some old school paperwork including an advert for a careers day with lots of different industries exhibiting. I had a closer look and saw I’d circled a stand for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, who’d have thought it?
What do you get up to on weekends?
I love hanging out with my husband and Bernie, our Bernese Mountain Dog. He definitely keeps us busy! We’ve just started a vegetable patch in the last year and now have more tomatoes than we know what to do with! Outside of that I enjoy recurve archery and crafts.
What is your spirit animal?
I’d probably say a wombat – although I’m not entirely sure why. Maybe because they seem nice and cuddly. I’m a homebody at heart, so something like a wombat or a koala feels like a good fit.
