Behind every great service are colleagues who feel heard, supported and empowered to grow. In this interview, Mollie shares her journey from frontline care to becoming Colleague Engagement Lead for the North and West in Priory Healthcare. She reflects on how training, apprenticeships and meaningful development conversations have shaped her confidence, and why following your passion, even when your goals evolve, can open unexpected doors.

1. What is your role at Priory, and what do you enjoy most about it?

My role is the colleague Engagement Lead for the North and West of Healthcare. I enjoy the variety of my role, from helping all colleagues feel comfortable, supported and listened to, too assisting with projects that help improve/ promote Priory platforms and processes. 

2. How has your career progressed since joining Priory?

I started my first ever care based job at the Priory Hospital Dewsbury in 2018 as a Healthcare assistant, through the years I moved towards the administrative roles due to changes within my family, I then started with my first external learning course (level 2 business administrator) and became the sites YSF Rep. 

In 2022 I became the colleague Engagement lead for the North and West region.  In 2024 I started the level 3 HR support apprenticeship, this has given me the confidence and tools to support with HR Processes, this has continued to develop my career. 

3. What support or opportunities have helped your development at Priory?

While I was a HCA at site, I did a lot of specialist training through Academy and face to face learning sessions due to the specialist ward I was working on, this gave me more confidence while on the wards knowing I was giving the best support and care to the patients within our care. 

During my role as site administrator I did a level 2 business administrator, as someone with dyslexia I felt for me this would give me the tools to be more officiant at work to provide as much support as possible to everyone within the team. Now as the colleague engagement lead I have started my level 3 HR support, as well as this I am given opportunities to work alongside the HR ops team and other departments in project groups. 

Throughout all of these roles I have had regular supervisions and very meaningful PDR meetings with my line managers – I was and have been given clear goals, support and development opportunities throughout my career in Priory.  

4. What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Priory?

If you have a passion, and it will make you happy go ahead and do it! It might just be the best thing you do. Even if your goals change Priory will support you. 

Ready to take the next step in your career and explore a rewarding role in mental health? Explore our latest opportunities at jobs.priorygroup.com today.