Celebrating 10 Years with Gloria at SIG

At SIG, we celebrate the unwavering dedication, resilience, and hard work of our team members who bring positive change to the lives of those we support. As part of our 10th-anniversary celebrations, we are delighted to shine the spotlight on Gloria Olayinka, Service Manager at Southampton Way.

Meet Gloria, a dedicated Service Manager who has been with SIG through its incredible journey of growth and transformation! From project worker to manager, her story is one of resilience, passion, and commitment to making a difference.

What made you apply for your first job at SIG?

I was with Equinox Care Limited, which merged with SIG.

Do you remember your first day?

Yes, I do. On my first day at work, the organisation was planning to change its name from Drink Crisis to Equinox Care. There was a function happening, and lots of people were coming and going from the head office. I felt it might be like that all the time, but I was assured that the busyness was due to the function.

What has been your biggest achievement or success?

My biggest achievement is that I was promoted from project worker to manager within five years. From the year of the merger – 2014, I was with the Lewisham service as a project worker.  I then moved from being a recovery worker to become deputy manager at the Brent service in 2016. Then, in 2019, I applied to become a manager at Southampton Way, where I have been since.

In all these roles, my job satisfaction has been supporting residents in transitioning to independent living and pursuing education. Seeing residents moving on to living in the community, some in their own homes, working and contributing back into the community. Some also volunteer in places such as Tesco’s and Sainsburys supermarkets.

I have supported many residents in returning to college to develop their old skills or learn a new skill.

I have created opportunities for residents to express themselves through meetings and feedback. The present residents have been allowed to represent themselves in meetings that they attend regularly, such as the house meeting and their CPA/Medical review meetings. For those who are shy or quiet or who feel unable to speak out, I have used questionnaires to get their opinions and acted on it for their benefit.

What’s your favourite memory of the last 10 years?

SIG has some good people as part of the family! There have been get-togethers such as Team Away Days for all managers, conferences, and webinars, where information is shared. The technology has changed, and this has enhanced the way we are working in a progressive way.

What’s your favourite part of the job?
“Building strong relationships with our residents and participants is the highlight of my role -being able to develop a good rapport with them. I love being their confidant during our Monday surgeries or casual chats—they know they can always count on me for support!

Another favourite aspect of my job is when a staff member is willing to learn and wants to develop from their post, and a higher post becomes available, and they can move up the ladder. I see myself in them. I give my hundred percent support to see that they grow as they wish.

How would you like to see SIG develop over the next 10 years?

SIG is on the pipeline to growth by training staff to the levels they need to be and by allowing staff to apply for posts within other services in the organisation. We need to step up on giving staff face-to-face training on topics relevant to each service and, where possible, to continue with Apprenticeships, which have stopped. There is a need to carry on with the apprentices, as it will boost the retention of staff within the services. Also, we owe more properties.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in SIG?

For those who are interested in supporting people within SIG, firstly, to understand how things work within your own service. Show interest and be willing to learn, even little things like putting notes together. Also, understand your residents and be a team player.

Gloria’s journey at SIG reminds us of the power of growth, resilience, and dedication to making a difference.