Meet Our Team

Victoria Osborne

General Manager

What I do:
I am passionate about providing outstanding care for all our residents and creating a luxurious atmosphere in which the team can give their best. I believe Burcot provides a home from home to enable residents to feel comfortable with their surroundings. I love the fact that every day is different, with a new challenge to be met in the most open and professional manner.

I believe that the team and I go the extra mile for the residents and relatives to make them feel part of the ‘Burcot’ family.

I take time to get to know all our residents and for us to share our life experiences with each other. I took time out on my wedding day to pop in, so that the residents could see my dress and share part of my special day.

My experience:
I have 17 years’ experience here at Burcot Grange, working through all the different departments from Administration, to Housekeeping, to Kitchen and then to Care. I am a qualified adult nurse, I have gained my Registered Manager’s award and I have completed the Leadership in Management programme.

About me:
I live in the village, only a minute’s drive from Burcot with my husband, our son Charlie and our daughter Nancy. It’s a beautiful place to love with a very close community. In my spare time I enjoy dining out with friends, pampering myself at spas and going on countryside walks with my family.

My grandfather, George, worked at Burcot Grange as a gardener in 1935 when it was a private home owned by Mr and Mrs Rushbrooke. In 1937 the Rushbrookes made the magnanimous gesture of giving Burcot Grange to Birmingham Eye Hospital, where my grandmother worked as a nurse. Burcot Grange was where my grandparents first met in 1938 and went on to marry, so Burcot Grange has played a huge part in my families lives and will continue to play a big part in my life too.

Lisa Tooker

Deputy Manager

What I do:
I am here to support the home manager and our team to ensure our residents receive outstanding person-centred care in our beautiful care home, also that our residents feel supported and safe in their new home by the people who are caring for them. I am also here to support our loyal team who on a daily basis endeavour to give the best care they can to the residents who call Burcot Grange home.
I feel that myself and our team always go the extra mile to try and ensure our residents and relatives feel part of the Burcot family.
I feel very lucky to be able to look after residents who have had such life experiences and are willing to share them with myself and the team.

My experience:
I have 25 years’ experience in the care profession and in that time have worked in several places and gained lots of experience from nurses and other health care professionals I have been lucky to work with. I am also a qualified NVQ assessor which enables me to pass on my knowledge to new members of our care team who are looking to forward their career. I have also completed the level 4 in leadership and management programme.

About me:
I live locally to Burcot with my husband and my two dogs who are like my children. In my spare time I have lots of crafting hobbies that I enjoy doing. I am also mad on Disney and regularly enjoy trips to Florida were I can indulge in my passion.

Ailean Henry

Head of Activities

What I Do:
I see my role as making people smile, laugh and have fun! I fully believe that positive, physical and mental well-being comes from feeling content within yourself and your surroundings. laughter, feeling happy & secure’ is the best medicine there is. I passionately believe that the whole team has the remit of empowering our residents to feel this way & be part of the Burcot family’.
We ensure our residents’ needs are met by carrying out ‘Life History’ assessments, enabling us to fully plan each resident’s individual needs; intellectual, self-esteem, creative, social and spiritual to name a few. From these histories, I can organise and facilitate the many varied activities we have on offer here at Burcot and within our local community, with whom we have close links.

My experience
I started my working life as a WPC in the Metropolitan Police Force before changing career and going into Nursing (Learning Disabilities). This led me, in turn, to complementary therapies within the NHS. I was the first full-time complementary therapist in the country, and I was privileged to work within peoples’ homes, inpatients units, day centres, hospices and, latterly, chemotherapy units to reduce stress and anxiety for patients. I am an honorary member of a National Complementary Therapy association on whose committee I served. This involved setting national standards, writing more policies and organising national conferences. I achieved my long service medal of 20 years within the NHS.

About me
I enjoy travelling adventures with my family & sport too. My son enjoys & plays American Football, my daughter’s hobby revolves around horses & she show jumps (currently she represents her university) & my stepdaughter is a keen trampolinist! We’ve had a few visits to A&E over the years, as you can imagine with hobbies like these! We all ski or snowboard too, when we get the opportunity. My husband & I enjoy weekly Ballroom and Latin dance lessons, walking, socialising with friends and making the most of our National Trust membership. I try & get to the gym three times a week, to I enjoy Yoga & spin classes & try to get to the gym, although I sometimes swap it for a sit down with a book and a latte!

Mike Dearn

Home Admissions Advisor

What I do:
When someone makes an enquiry regarding care for a loved one, I am the person who welcomes them to the home. It can be a difficult and emotional time for the family so it is important to listen and discover how we can help. The role is very rewarding as I get to meet some wonderful people who have lived such interesting lives, listening to their life history is such a privilege. Seeing a new resident settling in to the home and making new friendships with other residents and the team here at Burcot is an indication that we have achieved what we set out to do from that very first meeting.

My experience:
I have worked in the care industry for a number of years, initially as a chef before managing many Nursing and Residential homes in the Midlands. I have always enjoyed meeting potential new residents and their families so made the move in to my current role as Home Admissions Adviser in 2019, it is a move which I have not regretted!

About me:
I am a proud Dad and Grandad and enjoy spending time with my young Grandchildren. I am an avid Aston Villa supporter and enjoy (fair weather) cycling.

Karen Firth

Hospitality Services Manager

What I do:
I am the Hospitality Services Manager. My main role is to lead the Catering and Housekeeping teams. I am passionate about high quality food and service and, with the support of the Head Chefs along with feedback from our residents, we strive to create a five-star dining experience that exceeds our residents’ expectations. Using only the freshest ingredients we create menus which are both homemade and nutritious. I work closely with the Head of Housekeeping to ensure a high standard of cleanliness. We work hard together to uphold high infection control measures.

My experience:
I started my journey at Westminster Catering College in London, and then spent the next 28 years working for various 4 and 5 star Hotels in London, Manchester, and Worcestershire working both front and back of house. Through these opportunities, I gained a wealth of experience in cooking, food service, and housekeeping. This is my first care home position and have been part of the Burcot family since 2018; I love the interaction with the residents and the challenge of providing a service that can really make a difference to their wellbeing and happiness of all at Burcot.

About me:
Family is important to me; I love spending as much time as I can with them. I also love my horses and being outside. With the time I have left in my day, I am currently learning Spanish (with a glass of Rioja on the side to get the full experience, of course).

Toma Kennedy

Administrator

What I do:
I am the home Administrator for both the Grange and the Lodge at Burcot. I provide a dedicated all-round service to the two Homes and supervise the receptionists/administrative team. I am the first point of call for all Finance and HR related queries. My team and I are enthusiastically committed to creating and sustaining good relationships with residents and their relatives alike. We are all here to help.

My experience:
I have been in the admin team, and with Burcot Lodge since it opened in 2017. I have a diverse work history, across both public and private organisations, that has given me great experience and many skills which I bring to my role. In 2019 I won the Cinnamon ‘You make the difference award’ in the Non care category.

About me:
I live in Worcestershire with my husband and two children. We love the outdoors and exploring different parts of Britain and beyond.

Melissa Hunter

Care Team Leader

What I do:
I came to Burcot as a Senior Care Assistant in April 2019 and was promoted to Team Leader in May 2019. I lead and supervise a team of care workers ensuring that high quality care and support is provided to not only our residents but friends and family. I feel it is important for our residents to feel valued and empowered to make choices regarding their care needs and any decisions that may impact on their future. I take a person-centred approach when supporting individuals and encourage social interaction to share experiences and life history.
I believe our team and I take pride in our beautiful surroundings and endeavour to provide a warm welcoming atmosphere to help everyone feel comfortable and relaxed. This is just a small part of how we at Burcot are ‘determined to be the difference’

My experience:
I have over 10 years’ experience within the care industry and working in a variety of care settings, allowed me to gain the knowledge and skills I have to date. Being a qualified trainer and NVQ assessor enables me to coach new team members along with those working towards recognised qualifications, supporting them to achieve their potential. I have a range of qualifications including level 5 in leadership and management.

About me:
I live a short drive from Burcot with my family. In my spare time I enjoy meals out and going to the gym. I am very family orientated and feel it is important to spend quality time with my loved ones as it helps build my confidence and creates wonderful memories that last a lifetime.

Dave Wilkes

Head of Maintenance

What I do

My role at Burcot Grange covers a variety of tasks, including Health & Safety, making sure all the equipment and the building requirements are kept up to date with the correct regulations in place. My team and I respond quickly to any problems or queries that arise: no job is too big or too small.

My experience

I have worked at Burcot for five years, I started part-time and was made to feel welcome straight away by the residents and staff. When the position of Head of Maintenance became available, I had no hesitation in applying for the role. Before working at Burcot Grange, I worked for myself fitting kitchens and bathrooms.

About me

I have two grown up lads and we enjoy going to watch the football together. We all support Liverpool FC and we go to Anfield whenever we manage to get tickets. I also enjoy listening to live music and I try and go to a gig as often as I can. I play Crown Green bowls a few times a week and I am the Captain of the Thursday Evening side.