5 minutes with: Tonianne Doyle

Ever wanted to get to know the Juno team a bit better? Well, you’re in the right place.

Each month, we’ll be spending 5 minutes with a different member of the Juno Team. We’ll ask them everything from what a typical day at work looks like, to their favourite thing about working at Juno, to what they wish others knew about working in children’s residential care (and more).

To kick things off, we sat down with Tonianne Doyle.

Having joined the Juno Oxton Team last year as Deputy Manager, Tonianne has recently been promoted to the role of Registered Manager at Juno Wallasey and will be taking on her new role in the New Year.

Tonianne’s a real success story, so we were excited to hear all about her life at Juno.

Hi Tonianne! First things first, what was life like before Juno, and what excited you most about joining the team?

I began my career in the children’s residential sector over 8 years ago as a Care Practitioner. I loved the role and spent time moving through the ranks, eventually becoming a Registered Manager. Unfortunately, I had to step down from that role due to family illness, but that led me to Juno.

I joined just over a year ago as Deputy Manager. I’d heard about Juno through social media, and when I did more research, I found out that it’s a Community Interest Company and not-for-profit, which I love.

But what impressed me most was the involvement of Juno’s Experts by Experience. It makes complete sense to me that children’s care should be designed alongside people who’ve experienced it. It helps Juno to do things differently, shifting the dial on what children’s residential homes look and feel like.

When I heard about the Registered Manager vacancy, I decided to go for it.

It might sound a bit cheesy, but I loved the opportunity to be more involved in shaping an organisation that’s making a real difference to how residential care is delivered. I also know that I’ll have the support I need from the wider team to progress and grow within the role.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

At the moment, I typically start work around 8 am. The early start lets me spend time with the young people I support before they head off to school. We’ll have a chat about their day – what they’ve got planned, and whether they’ll be doing any after-school activities.

After waving them off, I’ll make a cuppa and get started on my admin – calendar management, responding to emails, seeing what I need to prioritise, and checking ClearCare. This usually takes me until the children get home from school, and then we’ll spend time together catching up on their day and celebrating any achievements.

Most nights, I’ll head home around 5 pm, but sometimes I’ll stay later to support the children. This could look like a night of playing board games, going out for tea, doing some shopping, dropping them off at clubs they go to, or anything in between.

What’s your favourite thing about your role?

Being a part of a team that’s actually making a real difference in our children’s lives.

What’s a part of our role that can be challenging?

Sharing an office with Nina! Just kidding...

To be honest, it’s the ‘behind the scenes’ stuff that no one really sees. Trying to juggle everything that needs to be done (there are never enough hours in the day!) and trying to make sure that all the professionals involved in a child’s care are on the same page about what’s best for them. It can be really tricky, but when it goes right, it feels like a massive achievement.

There are loads of misconceptions floating around about working in children’s residential care. What’s one thing that you wish others knew about your role?

Again, it’s the unseen stuff. So much hard work goes on behind the scenes that people really don’t see. It takes a lot of skill and dedication. Another thing I wish people knew was how fulfilling it is when you get to see a young person smile and hear them laugh. It makes all the hard work worth it!

Now for some rapid-fire questions. What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Flexible, hardworking and fun.

And what 3 words would you use to describe Juno?

Child-centred, honest, friendly.

What’s something unique that you bring to your team?

Oh, that’s a hard one. The team is so good… I’m really good at Uno!

What’s something you’re working on learning?

I’ve recently started to learn to roller skate. I’m quickly learning I’m not as good as I was when I was 10.

Okay, last one. What’s something you’re proud of?

Well, I’m a proud mum and nan, but besides my children and lovely granddaughter, I’m proud of ME!

I’ve worked really hard to get where I am. I love my job and seeing the children healthy, happy and thriving, and I’m really excited to take on the responsibilities of Registered Manager.

Come join us!

If you’re looking for a great place to work and want to be part of a team that makes a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. Check out our latest vacancies.