For Vicki, Service Manager at Glow’s Newcastle Domestic Abuse Service, her career has been all about finding the right path, embracing opportunities, and ultimately, leading and inspiring a team that changes lives every day.
When she first started out, Vicki worked in childcare. She had studied childcare at college and went on to roles in a before and after school club, as a teaching assistant, and at a private day nursery. But she still wasn’t sure what she wanted to do long term.
It was while volunteering for Glow’s Relationships Without Fear programme that everything began to change. The programme, delivered in schools, teaches children about healthy and unhealthy relationships, helping them to recognise the signs of abuse from a young age.
“I supported the programme to be delivered and really enjoyed it,” Vicki recalls. “From there, I saw a position was available with the team in Crewe, so I applied and was successful. It combined my experience of working with children with a new challenge, and I loved it.”
After maternity leave, Vicki returned to Glow, this time as a Domestic Abuse Practitioner at refuge. The role, originally meant to be temporary, quickly became one she felt passionate about.
“I was supporting people who had left their abusive relationships and come here to live a life free from abuse,” she says. “It was about putting together support plans, putting actions in place, and helping people get ready for the next steps towards independence outside of refuge.”
Her skills and dedication were quickly recognised, and Vicki progressed into a Coordinator role, where she managed support services, oversaw key back-office responsibilities such as data and reporting, and even led the demobilisation of an entire service. This role allowed her to demonstrate her capabilities and leadership.
She then moved into a Project Officer position at our Newcastle refuge. Although the role was temporary, it gave Vicki the opportunity to further showcase her skills and continue making a positive impact.
Her next step was into leadership, when she successfully secured a Service Manager position. Now, Vicki leads the Newcastle Domestic Abuse Service team, supporting colleagues to deliver the best possible outcomes for customers.
“I love my job and no two days are the same,” Vicki says. “I love being able to support the team to deliver fantastic outcomes for our customers. At the end of the day, we’re here because of them and everything we do should revolve around our customers. Regardless of our roles or responsibilities, we’re all working towards the same goal, to support and empower people.”
As Service Manager, Vicki’s role also means making difficult decisions. “Sometimes I do have to have challenging conversations with customers, or make tough safeguarding calls,” she explains. “But it’s all about making sure people are safe, know what the issues are, and have the support they need to overcome them. It’s about standing alongside our customers and championing them when they need it most.”
For Vicki, leadership is about more than managing a service. It’s about empowering her team, making sure they feel supported, and inspiring them to bring their best every day, because together, they are making life-changing differences for the people we serve.
Ready to take the next step in your career?
Like Vicki, you may start your journey with Glow in one role and discover opportunities to grow, progress, and lead. From frontline support to management, Glow offers clear career pathways where your skills and passion can flourish.
We are proud to be part of Honeycomb Group, a team of socially minded brands working together to create safe homes and thriving futures for people across Staffordshire and the surrounding areas. All of our job opportunities are advertised through Honeycomb Group.
If you’re ready to build your career, grow as a leader, and inspire change, explore opportunities with Honeycomb Group today: www.honeycombgroup.org.uk/careers
