I'm Nicola, the new Registered Manager at Sandgate
By Nicola Masters, Registered Manager at Sandgate Manor, Folkestone
When Ash, our Club Director, asked me a few questions so I could introduce myself to the Wellgate family, I thought, why not?
So here I am. Hi everyone.
Let’s start with the important stuff first.PG Tips is my go-to. I’m definitely an early bird. If you see me at my desk with headphones on, I’m probably listening to Teddy Swims.
How it all started…
I got into care almost by accident. When my son was old enough for playschool, I decided to build a career in fields that would always be needed. I trained as a chef because people always need food, and I joined healthcare because it will always need good people.
That was over 30 years ago. Since then, I’ve spent most of my career working with struggling services, the ones CQC wants to close, the ones that need someone to step in and turn things around. It’s not the easiest path, but it’s what I know best, and honestly, it’s the most rewarding for me.
Along the way, I’ve built strong working relationships with CQC, safeguarding, and mental health teams. I’ve also earned my NVQ 2, 3, 4 RMA, Level 5, and my 706/1 and 706/2 catering qualifications. Being recognised by the Safeguarding as a Most Reputable Registered Manager of Excellence still means a lot to me.
Mental health advocacy
When Covid hit, everything changed. Staff were struggling and grieving. Many blamed themselves for losing residents, and they couldn’t even see their own GPs.
I couldn't just stand by and watch that happen. I decided to take a counselling and suicide awareness course, the TUK Level 2, so I could support my team in ways that went beyond management. I was the only manager in my organisation to do this, and I truly believe it was one of the best decisions I made.
Being able to sit with someone during their worst moments, to really listen, and to help them see that what happened wasn’t their fault is priceless. It’s shaped how I lead and support my team.
Introducing Squirtle, my turtle
Yes, I have a turtle named Squirtle. He’s three years old, and when I first brought him home, he was the size of a 50p piece. Now he’s as big as my hand, which shows what happens when you feed him Baltic sprats, mealworms, and live bloodworms regularly.
He spends most of his day swimming around his tank, and his personality is honestly bigger than his shell. We’re very close.
First impressions of Sandgate
I'll be honest, my very first thought when I walked into Sandgate Manor was: this place needs redecorating. But then I took a proper look around. I saw residents who were truly happy, a team that was warm, caring, and clearly committed to those they support, and a business where everyone I’ve met, from HR and payroll to the carers, has been welcoming, supportive, and kind.
I’ve never worked anywhere quite like this. I’m not used to feeling so well looked after, and it might take me some time to get used to it. My manager, Caley, is one of the most approachable people I’ve ever worked with, and I feel I’ve made the right choice coming here.
I'm grateful to be here, and I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone better over the coming weeks and months.
And if you ever want to chat, my door is always open.
Nicola x