This April, Papworth Trust has been taking part in the Skills for Care’s #CelebratingSocialCare with stories from our colleagues and customers on what social care means to them.
In this blog, our CEO Sarah Miller reflects on her personal journey in social care sharing insights from her career, what inspires her, and why the sector continues to matter so much.
I didn’t exactly have a clear plan when I started out. In fact, my career in social care began more by chance than design. I’d had a few bumps early on and wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do with my life. Then one day, I spotted an advert in a local newspaper that stopped me in my tracks:
“Do you like going clubbing, going out and doing things? Are you friendly, enjoy being around people, and like helping others?”
I remember thinking, well… yes, that’s definitely me. I was 18, full of energy, always up for something fun, and was a hard worker. That was the 1980s and looking back now, it was the start of everything. Even the interview was unconventional. It took place in a pub, and instead of forms or tests, I was introduced to five people I might end up supporting. They asked the questions - real, direct, and not always easy. I walked away not entirely sure how I’d done, but certain that I wanted the job. And I got it.
I started working in a group home with nine adults with learning disabilities, and honestly, I loved it from the beginning. I was lucky - I could cook (thanks to my mum), which went down well - but more than that, I discovered how much I enjoyed supporting people to try new things and build confidence. We did everything together. Holidays to Spain and the Lake District, nights out clubbing, day trips, laughter, routines, chaos at times - but always a sense of togetherness. When I think back, I don’t remember seeing “disability.” I remember people, personalities, friendships. A group of us just getting on with life and achieving things together.
A few years later, I moved to Luton to become a deputy manager, supporting people to move out of long-stay hospitals. That experience changed me. I met people who had been institutionalised for years - people who hadn’t been given the chance to live the lives they deserved. It was rewarding but also tough. I think I grew up very quickly in that role.
After a while, I made the decision to move back closer to my family and took on a role working with older people. I was 23 and suddenly managing large teams - some of whom had far more life experience than me. I still remember one colleague saying, “I’ve got shoes older than you.” It wasn’t the easiest start when you’re trying to earn their trust and respect, but as always, with time and hard work, we found our way. That role came with its challenges - staffing pressures, limited time - but also real privilege. Sitting with people, hearing people’s stories, understanding their lives, I’ve always been really interested in people and it reminded me why care matters so much.
Around this time, I realised I wanted to build my knowledge as well as my experience. So, I started studying in the evenings and weekends - counselling, coaching, management - anything that would help me do my job better.
From there, I moved to a residential college supporting young deaf people with learning disabilities and behaviours that challenge, as it was phrased back then. I absolutely loved the energy of working with that age group. It wasn’t always easy, and I learned some lessons the hard way, but it was incredibly rewarding. Sadly, the college closed, and I found myself redundant. It could have been a setback - but it turned into an opportunity.
I joined Sense as a registered manager for a brand-new service, and it was one of those moments where everything just clicked. I built a team, welcomed people into their new home, and helped create something really special.
In the next 20 years I was lucky enough to secure an Operational Manager role with Guiness Partnership, Director and then Deputy CEO with Walsingham Support and through my love of study (which continued at evenings and weekends) I completed an NHS degree, an MSc in Adults with Learning Disabilities and an MBA.
Fast forward to the here and now; I’ve been with Papworth Trust for eight years. Like any journey, there have been challenges, but also so much to be proud of—and still so much to do. When I look back, I don’t just see a career, it’s the small things – the everyday breakthroughs – and that’s what social care really is. I’ll never forget the first time someone I supported brushed their teeth independently after nearly a year of encouragement and support. It might sound small, but in that moment, it felt huge. I remember feeling unexpectedly emotional—it was such a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
Social care isn’t always easy. It asks a lot of you, but it also gives so much back. and the truth is, everyone who works in social care—whether on the frontline or supporting those who are—is doing something incredibly important. It might not always feel like it day to day, but the impact is real.
I didn’t plan for my career, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. It has always been such a privilege to be invited into peoples lives, learn about them and work alongside them to provide support in the way they need it.
