As part of our Every Person Matters campaign, we caught up with Operational Project Support Lead Phil Sheehan to hear more about his journey with AFG. Phil first joined us in January 2018 as a Team Leader within our Learning Disability division, before moving into our Mental Health division. In March 2022, Phil left AFG to pursue an opportunity with another provider, before returning to AFG just eight months later in November 2022.
Can you tell me about yourself and your role as Operational Project Support Lead?
I have worked in the Health & Social care sector for 8 years now, prior to this I worked in the travel industry having lived in Sorrento, Italy and prior to this I worked as a Producer for a large commercial radio station (at the time the biggest outside of London). Here I won many awards for many interviews and shows I produced. One was an interview I produced to mark the 25th anniversary on the death of John Lennon working with his first wife Cynthia and his sister Julia – this landed me with a prestigious Gold Sony Radio Academy award.
Here at AFG my role as an Operational Project Lead is to support Operational Managers and Team Leaders to ensure our properties are safe, compliant, and deliver high-quality outcomes for the people we support. My role is varied and includes monitoring compliance, supporting service improvements, coordinating projects, assisting with recruitment, and onboarding processes, analysing performance data, and ensuring actions are completed in line with AFG policies and procedures.
What originally attracted you to AFG and how did your time away influence your decision to come back?
What originally attracted me to AFG was its strong values and commitment to supporting people to live fulfilling, independent lives. I wanted to work for an organisation that genuinely puts the people it supports at the centre of everything it does, while also investing in the development of its colleagues. From the beginning, I felt that AFG provided opportunities to grow professionally while making a meaningful difference every day.
When I left AFG in 2022 I worked for another provider as a CQC Registered Manager, this role gave me a valuable insight into operational compliance and quality improvement. I also attended panel interviews with commissioners and was awarded new contracts and opened several new properties. This role strengthened my confidence and capability as a leader.
When the opportunity arose to return to AFG, it felt like the right decision. I already knew and respected the organisation’s values and culture, and I wanted to bring back the knowledge and experience I had gained to help support colleagues and contribute to AFG’s success.
What do you enjoy most about your current role and the work you do?
What I enjoy most about my current role is the opportunity to support projects that have a real impact on our properties and the people we support. The role is incredibly varied, and I enjoy being at the centre of bringing people together, coordinating activity, and ensuring projects continue to move forward smoothly.
As an Operational Project Support Lead, I work closely with Area Managers, Head of Operations, Team Leaders, and other stakeholders to coordinate operational and strategic projects across the Learning Disability Division. I enjoy tracking progress, maintaining project documentation, supporting communication between teams, and helping to ensure that project milestones and objectives are achieved. I find it rewarding to be the person who helps keep projects organised, identifies where additional support is needed, and proactively steps in to overcome barriers or complete tasks that keep delivery on track.
What advice would you give to colleagues who are thinking about developing their career or exploring new opportunities at AFG?
My advice would be to be open to new opportunities and not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. AFG offers a wide range of career paths, and every new role provides an opportunity to learn something new and develop both personally and professionally.
I would encourage colleagues to take advantage of the support available, ask questions, and be proactive in getting involved with projects or initiatives outside of their day-to-day role. Building relationships with colleagues across the organisation, seeking feedback, and being willing to learn from others can open doors that you may not have considered.
What makes AFG a Great Place to Work?
Ultimately, what makes AFG a great place to work is knowing that everyone is working towards the same goal – helping people live fulfilling, independent lives. Being part of an organisation where my contribution is valued, where there are opportunities to develop, and where the focus is always on making a positive difference makes it a rewarding place to build a career. Also not to forget AFG is certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’.