What Our People Say About Us

Cally Mannering, Clinical Services Manager

Why did you apply for a role at HCML?

I had just graduated from university with a degree in Sports Therapy and was looking for roles in the area. The role at HCML was actually the first one I applied for – just a week after I graduated!

The role was for a Clinical Assistant which appealed to me as I wanted to build on my knowledge rather than go straight into a fully hands-on sports therapy role.

I’m a naturally very organised person, and like having structure to my day, so although I’d never heard of case management before, it intrigued me because it meant I would get to combine my organisational skills with my clinical experience. Having worked in retail whilst at uni, I knew that customer experience is something I enjoyed – I love talking to people! Getting the opportunity to do all the things I’m passionate about and it being a graduate entry role seemed like the perfect fit!

How did your career progress with HCML?

After only 10 months as a clinical assistant, I moved into a case manager role, working in the Clinical Health Assessment team, conducting virtual assessments and organising the right treatment for clients.

Less than a year later, an opportunity to join the management team came up. It wasn’t something I was necessarily thinking about for the immediate future. I’d originally thought I would move into a more hands-on clinical role, but my manager suggested I go for it. HCML allowed me to shadow the role and offered mentoring to see if it was the right fit.

One of my biggest achievements early on was being awarded HCML Employee of the Year within my first year. It meant a lot to know that people in the business recognise and celebrate successes and could see further potential for me. It was really a great boost for morale!

How did you find the move into a new role?

The role meant a move to managing the team I had been working in. I felt slightly apprehensive about what it would be like to be responsible for the team, but I had a great relationship with the people I worked with and understood exactly the roles they were doing. Having the support of my manager and their belief in me as well gave me the confidence to try a different path and progress in my career.

The rest of the management team had a wealth of experience in people management. They provided all the training, and I was able to lean on them for guidance and advice when I needed. I felt supported by the people around me.

Where are you on your career path now?

Since then, I have gone on to become a Clinical Services Manager – a role I’ve held for over 2 years.

I run the day-to-day operation of the HCML private medical insurance health service as a key account manager alongside leading a team of case managers.

What do you enjoy about your role?

I’m passionate about making sure the service we provide is delivered to the highest standards, and I really enjoy using my experience and knowledge to achieve that. Over time I have been able to shape the role to ensure customer needs are met. I love the customer interaction and working with my team to provide the best possible outcomes.

I also like the fact that I get to work with lots of different departments within HCML – from the clinical team to IT to governance, and even sales and marketing. I really enjoy working with stakeholders across the whole of the business.

What makes you stay?

All the above and because of the personal development. The people here recognised skills in me that I didn’t even know I had myself, and they gave me the opportunity to progress my career in a way I had never thought about before.

With HCML I have a career and I’ve found what I want to do. Even though I’ve been with the company for 5 years, I’ve only been in my current role for 2 years. As it was newly created, I’ve been able to really take control and develop it but in the grand scheme of things, there is so much more to do. I’m just getting started!

And that’s the great thing about HCML. We want to help people progress internally and are focused on developing our own employees.
5 years ago I moved 250 miles from home and all the people I know. But the culture at HCML really helped to settle me into my new role – and my new home.

Jason Chidwick, Specialist Rehabilitation Case Manager and Amputee Clinical Lead

Jason started out as a desktop rehabilitation case manager with HCML. He began his career as a sports rehabilitator at Grimsby Town FC and Walsall FC after completing a degree in Sports Rehabilitation and a masters in Football Rehabilitation, achieving the role of head therapist with the first team at Walsall FC.

Jason decided to move into case management to develop his knowledge and experience by working with a range of clients experiencing a variety of injuries. He has a specific interest in helping people with a limb difference and limb loss, and with the support of HCML, he has been able to develop his expertise in this area.

He received HCML funding and support to complete a master’s module in Amputee Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Use, which has led to Jason progressing from desktop rehabilitation case manager to a leading catastrophic amputee RCM, receiving regular repeat customer referrals. His determination, enthusiasm, expertise and experience has led Jason to become our Amputee Clinical Lead.
“Over the course of my career, I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded with some fantastic clinicians and experts in their field across case management, specialist healthcare, amputation, technology and beyond. Their enthusiasm and commitment to their patients is the same that I strive to have now.” – Jason Chidwick, Specialist Rehabilitation Case Manager and Amputee Clinical Lead

What does it take to be a Rehabilitation Case Manager?