Ategi Spotlight: Gail’s 25-Year Journey with Ategi

In 1999, Gail joined what was then called Cardiff Independent Living, a company devoted to supporting people with disabilities in leading independent lives. At the time, the organisation had a large team with several supported living schemes but lacked the Shared Lives program it would later develop. Starting as a support worker, Gail quickly found her place in a team of eight, forming the foundation of what would become a career defined by personal growth, teamwork, and leadership.

Shortly after, the organisation underwent a name change to "Ategi," setting itself apart from another company with a similar name but very different values. "Ategi" means "support," perfectly capturing the mission that has driven the organisation—and Gail—throughout the decades.

A Journey of Growth and Leadership

Over the past 25 years, Gail has played a critical role in shaping Ategi’s supported living schemes. Her journey through the organisation—from support worker to team leader, then support manager in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) and Cardiff, to supported living manager, and now locality manager overseeing three schemes—has been a testament to her dedication and drive.

One of her most significant accomplishments was setting up Ty Cornel, a supported living scheme that has provided essential care and support to many individuals. Despite her leadership responsibilities, Gail remains deeply connected to Ategi’s ethos of person-centered care, often stepping in to provide direct support when needed.

A Hands-On Leader with a Frontline Spirit

What sets Gail apart as a leader is her hands-on, empathetic approach. Even though she is a manager, Gail regularly steps in to support staff and the people Ategi serves. She has developed strong, lasting relationships, particularly with Trevor, who has been supported by her team for over 17 years. This close involvement allows her to maintain a deep understanding of the challenges faced by both staff and individuals, ensuring she leads by example.

Her experiences on the frontline have profoundly shaped her leadership style. Gail is a results-driven, hands-on manager who never hesitates to admit mistakes and learn from them. She is known for her ability to put herself in others' shoes, offering genuine empathy to her team and those they support.

Nominated for the Frontline Leader Award

In recognition of her outstanding leadership, Gail was nominated as a finalist for the Frontline Leader Award at the Care Awards. This prestigious nomination reflects her commitment to excellence and her authentic approach to leadership. Gail believes certain qualities are essential for success in the care sector: honesty, trustworthiness, flexibility, reliability, positivity, a sense of humour, active listening, and a constant drive for learning and improvement.

As a finalist, Gail’s message to aspiring leaders in the care sector is clear: “Be authentic, be honest, and never hesitate to seek help when needed.” Her journey is a shining example of the power of compassion, humility, and continual growth in leadership.

A Legacy of Impact

As Ategi celebrates its 30th anniversary, Gail’s 25 years of service stand as a cornerstone of the organisation's legacy. Throughout her time at Ategi, Gail has consistently contributed to its growth while staying true to its core values. She speaks highly of the teamwork that defines Ategi, noting that “There’s no ‘I’ in Ategi; it’s a team effort.”

Gail’s leadership philosophy mirrors the values that have kept her with the organisation for so long. She is a firm believer in transparency and approachability, praising the company’s senior leadership for fostering an environment where everyone feels supported. For Gail, seeing individuals become independent and witnessing staff development have been her proudest achievements. She reflects on her work with Trevor, in particular, as one of the many success stories that have made her journey with Ategi so fulfilling.

Why Ategi is Special

When asked what makes Ategi special, Gail is quick to emphasise the company’s core values of honesty, teamwork, and support. “It’s a team effort,” she explains, underscoring the collective commitment to ensuring that everyone involved—staff and those receiving care—are valued and empowered. Gail’s three words to describe Ategi are: unique, happy, and driven.

This Spotlight on not only highlights Gail’s personal and professional growth but also shines a light on her exceptional leadership. As Ategi celebrates its 30th year, Gail’s 25 years of dedication serve as a testament to the impact one individual can have on both an organisation and the lives of the people it supports.