Julien is at present undertaking Aspiring Leaders Program provided by SJOG. This is a modular based programme that explores leadership topics of interest and applying learning into practice.

Julien progressed to this role shortly after joining as a project worker in our MDS services. He is very dedicated and showed his commitment to the service and to learning very early on. He has a proactive approach and great initiative in supporting victims of modern slavery and trafficking. He is working very hard beyond his job description to improve service and to make sure staff and residents are well looked after.

Having access to this training has really helped Robel in his role as support worker. It has given him more confidence; he is proactive and liaises well with management team and feeds into the decision-making process. He provides a high level of care and support to the people who live at TYH.

Sonilda has risen up from project worker to team leader and finally to deputy manager. Sonilda has always demonstrated a genuine understanding of the organisation's values, proving that her motivation extended beyond the job description.

Her eagerness to learn and contribute set her above the rest. Sonilda’s unique skills and perspectives continue to contribute to the growth of the London Outreach Team.

Emily started her career in social care during her BSc in Nursing. Over the three years she gained invaluable insight into social care and the standards required to support and care for people well. Her training provided by SJOG helped her nursing studies, and in December 2023 Emily graduated with a 1st class honours degree.

Emily is now working at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle as a neo-natal nurse and credits SJOG for helping her achieve her ambition to become a nurse.

Salvador has worked at the The Old Vicarage, a specialist autism service, since December 2022. Salvador is currently studying for his PhD in Public Health while employed within the service.

Salvador says, “It is my pleasure being employed at SJOG, an organisation that not only empowers the people it supports, but also its employees, which in turn improves the quality of life of people who use the services. I am personally so grateful to work for such a wonderful organisation that cares about its employees, because I couldn't continue my PhD in Public Health without their support.

My research project is focused on the exploration of the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in black children in the UK. Without SJOG’s support, particularly from my line manager who works with me when I need time to focus on my academic dream, I would not be able to complete this qualfication.

I greatly appreciate the senior management team and all that they do to fulfil the organisation’s core values - hospitality, compassion and respect. It's so refreshing to work for an organisation that cares about the people who use the services and its employees to the highest standard. SJOG is an organisation that welcomes everyone to LPA (Learn, Practice and Achieve).”

Salvador hopes that once he has finished his PhD he can continue to support others to enhance their knowledge around autism and improve the services we provide to those we support.

Ran was promoted in September 2023 to team leader of Ceuta House MDSTH Services, and he is currently studying for the Diploma in Humanistic Creative Counselling at Dunamis Therapy Hub.

SJOG considers this a valued qualification that can help people who have suffered trauma to have successful lives in the future. SJOG os supporting Ran by providing flexible working to accommodate his studies. Good luck Ran!

From Ceuta House Service Manager: “I can only say that we are proud to have such a great person growing with us every day; looking after our colleagues and service users; always following SJOG values.”

Julie is a great asset to Woodall. She has been really motivated to complete a number of additional courses. When we asked her if she would like to further her knowledge, Julie jumped at the chance.

Julie has recently completed a Level 3 in Health & Safety and also completed Fire Warden training.

Having completed my first Master’s Degree in 2018 in autism, I was able to utilise this in practice in the role I held within a previous organisation. I was however unsure at that time as to how I wanted to develop my career and my exploration of different career pathways led me to a role within SJOG. My first opportunity with SJOG was the role of peripatetic manager supporting individuals with complex care needs. This role was a great way for me to refresh my skills as a service manager whilst mapping out how I would like to move forward in work and education.

Four months into my role supporting this service, a new role was developed as part of the Operational Team. This role was in service development and this was the starting point to my own professional development moving away from a specialist practitioner and into a more strategic position. My professional development since starting with SJOG in 2019, has been championed and mentored through my line manager and people in varying roles in the charity have continuously inspired me to keep growing my knowledge. I have been provided with the autonomy to strengthen my skills and I have been supported fully by the charity to do this.

In 2022 following my annual appraisal, my line manager liaised with a business coach to support me over a series of 6 sessions to define my future needs. This after 4 years steered me to going back into education and completing a Level 7 CMI qualification in Strategic Leadership. This qualification spiked my interest into a wider curiosity of strategic career development. I am now currently 50% completed with my second Master’s Degree in Business & Leadership and hold the role of Head of Service Development & Quality.