Interview with Vicky - Optalis Optalis Director of Operations

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to join Optalis?

I began studying Occupational Therapy, inspired by a family experience. I specialised in stroke rehabilitation during my degree but soon realised a hospital setting wasn’t for me.

Then I saw a job in a transition team supporting people with learning disabilities to live in the community. I moved to Royal Mencap as a support worker and progressed from senior to deputy and then registered manager. I learnt a lot in that role, supporting people with learning disabilities who were also living with dementia or mental health needs, and learning all about CQC and commissioning. After 10 years with Mencap, I joined Dimensions as Assistant Director and later Director for Berkshire and Surrey, leading service development for 11 years.

I joined Optalis through a TUPE transfer almost four years ago and moved into the Assistant Director role a few months later. Coming from outside local government was a big change, but I now really value working closely with commissioners and finding creative ways to make our resources work, so the people we support can lead good lives.

What is your role within Optalis, and what are your main responsibilities?

Today, as Director of Operations, I am the Nominated Individual, overseeing regulatory compliance across both boroughs. When I started, there was little alignment between operations and budgets, so over the past two years I’ve clarified funding streams, established clear cost centres, and ensured services are financially viable. I’m also focused on developing new services to meet commissioners’ needs, including nursing homes.

What do you believe sets Optalis apart from other social care companies?

The really good thing about Optalis is its adaptability and organic growth, if there’s a gap in the community, we can respond quickly. We're not a small company, but because we don’t have lots of layers of management, changes can happen quite quickly. Being closer to commissioners helps us meet local needs, and because we’re council-owned, we’re not driven by profit margins. It’s all about making sure we deliver what the community really needs.  

What is your vision for the future of Optalis, and how do you see the company evolving in the coming years?

My vision is to strengthen our nursing and residential services so we can build capacity to meet emerging needs. We need to ensure our newest services are stable, then we can grow in a way that’s responsive to the community. I’m excited about this year because we’ve got experienced managers joining in key roles, which will strengthen our foundations and allow us to evolve.

How do you work with your team to build a positive and supportive workplace culture?

I’ve always believed in being visible and approachable. Simple things like delivering certificates, acknowledging milestones, and learning people’s names show staff they’re valued. I'm used to people been able to come to me and tell me stuff. It prevents closed cultures because it only takes one staff member to speak up. It’s about showing staff we know how hard they work and making them feel part of the organisation.

Outside of work, what are some things you enjoy doing in your free time?

Outside of work, I love staying active. I played ladies’ Gaelic football for years, but now that my kids are 11 and 13, we’ve started doing fun things together. My new favourite activity is mountain biking, it’s such a great stress reliever. We enjoy cycling as a family and exploring the outdoors.