We recently caught up with Harry, Executive Support Officer and a former management Graduate, to discuss his experience and how the programme has helped to shape his career and ambitions at Salutem Care and Education.
When Harry joined the Graduate Scheme, he was stepping into a totally new world, with no prior experience in Health and Social Care. Having been working at the Co-operative as a Customer Service Assistant before joining Salutem, Harry wanted a role that would challenge him, broaden his knowledge, and offer genuine opportunities for growth. What he discovered was a supportive environment that encouraged learning at every turn and opened the door to a long-term career that he hadn’t previously thought of.
Harry’s journey from graduate to professional has been shaped by the diverse experiences the scheme provided, from spending time in operations to receiving direct mentorship from senior leaders across the organisation. Now, Harry is an Executive Support Officer, working with Kirstie Jones, Chief People Support Officer, and plays a key role in delivering people-focused strategies and supporting with projects.
The biggest surprise for Harry was realising just how many people and departments come together to make Salutem’s services run smoothly. He quickly saw that social care is more than what you see on the frontline and that it also takes a lot of people and teams behind the scenes to make it all work.
One of the highlights since joining Salutem was helping to organise the National Managers Conference, an event that brought together managers from all over the organisation, seeing the impact of his work and how it helped connect colleagues from different areas was a real milestone in his development.
Throughout his time on the scheme, Harry received ongoing guidance from the Careers Team and valuable mentorship from senior colleagues including Ann Holt, Divisional Director for Adults, and Kirstie Jones herself. Their regular check-ins, advice, and encouragement gave him the confidence to take on new challenges and develop both professionally and personally.
The scheme also changed Harry’s perspective on his future. Before joining Salutem, he hadn’t considered a long-term career in social care — but now he’s certain this is where he wants to be. The combination of hands-on experience, structured learning, and a truly people-centred culture helped him find a clear direction for his career.
About the Salutem Graduate Scheme
Salutem’s Graduate Scheme offers an incredible opportunity for ambitious individuals to gain experience across multiple areas of the organisation. Graduates spend time rotating through departments such as Operations, HR, and Shared Services, while receiving mentorship from experienced business leaders. The programme is designed to build well-rounded future professionals with a deep understanding of the sector, its values, and its purpose — empowering people to lead meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or someone looking to start a new chapter, this is a scheme that offers growth, challenge, and a chance to make a genuine difference.
Find out more by following the link: https://www.salutemcareandeducation.co.uk/careers/graduate-scheme/
