Each month we meet someone working in the care sector. This month, we caught up with Emma Read, right, nursing and healthcare adviser for Somerset Care.

Q. What are your main duties/responsibilities?

A. My main responsibility is to provide support and advice to managers and their care teams across the group. A big part of my role is to enhance our clinical practice within our settings, this ranges from reviewing policies, giving advice on medication over the telephone, attending a clinical commissioning group or holding a nurse forum – my role is very varied.

Q. What made you want to work in the care sector?

A. From an early age I would get on my bicycle and visit the elderly in my home village of Martock. I felt comfortable chatting to these fascinating individuals and listening to their stories of days gone by and family life. I chose the care sector as I have always felt it such a privilege to have someone’s trust and be able to ease discomfort. By making the smallest of gestures the appreciation shown by the elderly always makes me feel my role is so worthwhile.

Q. What do you enjoy most about it?

A. The people! From all walks of life, all individuals, all striving to give the best care we can. Also making change happen to make our customers feel safe, happy and at ease, making each day count. It’s the people that make my role.

Q. What would you change or improve about it?

A. Improvement is always positive and within my role my aim is to ensure compassion and kindness is at the centre of all we do.

Q. Tell us about a memorable experience from your career?

A. Seeing a young carer without previous experience in care grow, face challenges and become a well-respected, trusted and amazing carer with huge potential for her future in care. The impact of what can be achieved is very powerful and I feel fortunate I can be a part of this.