Building a Career in Social Care: We spoke with Leader of the Year, Amy Hume

When Amy Hume was named Leader of the Year at Enable’s annual staff awards last year, it came as little surprise to those who work alongside her.

Recognised for her empathy, steadiness and genuine care, Amy has built a career not just defined by professional progression, but by the meaningful impact she has on the people around her.

We caught up with Amy to reflect on her journey, leadership philosophy, and what it takes to build a lasting and empowering career in social care.

Amy’s career quickly found its direction in social care, stepping into a position located conveniently beside her home at 18 years old. She quips that her employers thought she wouldn’t come back after lunchtime - but she did. Graduating from the University of Glasgow, where she studied English and Scottish Literature, Amy's career continued in social care settings.

“I really enjoyed the work. The people I met and the lives that could be changed for the better in social care - it’s a very rewarding and challenging career choice, but it’s real, it’s real life. I’ve learned so much from the people I have supported over the years, it’s them who have influenced who I am today.”

Her early career was defined under the stewardship of fellow professionals who helped her navigate the world of work and shaped the leader she is.

In 2020, Amy joined Enable as Head of Enable All, stepping into the role at what can be described as a “pivotal point” for the sector. “I joined at a time when COVID-19 was impacting massively on the world around us and in our services,” she explains. “Operating in the pandemic, we knew that quality, compliance and remedial work needed to be at the core of what we did.”

Like many across the sector, Amy and her colleagues were navigating uncharted territory.

“Unbeknown to all of us what we were entering,” she says, “but what we did know was that our processes, procedures and the care we were giving meant we needed to mobilise and deliver our services to those most vulnerable.”

During this challenging period, Amy worked closely with teams across Enable to ensure that services remained accessible and effective for those who rely on them. Her ability to bring people together and maintain a clear sense of purpose saw her progress to Head of Development, where she has continued to lead on a number of key initiatives as Enable has diversified its offerings.

“Since coming to Enable, I’ve been part of mobilising our services and making complex services accessible to deliver for those we serve,” she says. “We strive to ensure that services are set up right for individuals who have a physical or learning disability, an acquired brain injury or a mental health issue. It’s our individual approach through Enable’s unique Personal Assistant (PA) Model that is known and respected - getting it right for every individual is our approach.”

Amy’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. Nominated multiple times by her peers at the staff awards, she is widely described as steady, reliable and inspiring. But beyond those qualities, it is her focus on people that defines her approach.

Her colleagues speak highly of a leader who never loses sight of the individual, whether that’s a team member seeking support, a person navigating challenge, or a family member looking for reassurance. One colleague reflected: “Through her leadership, I have seen first-hand what effective line management looks like.”

Enable Cares Director Mari Galletly added: “Creating a supportive environment is central to Enable’s ethos, and Amy’s leadership was recognised as she prioritises spaces where colleagues feel safe to speak up, learn and thrive, while maintaining high standards across service delivery. This balance of compassion and accountability has made her both an anchor within her team and a role model across the wider organisation.”

For Amy, her work at Enable is closely aligned with her personal values.

“Enable provides a forum that aligns with my values,” she says. “Core to its mission is building an equal society for all. Social care has many challenges for individuals, organisations and societies, but more than 25 years on, a career in social care is where I want to be - where my colleagues and I strive to provide the best care, make the right decisions for individuals and ensure that quality isn’t compromised. I am glad I went back after my lunch all those years ago.”

It’s this sense of purpose that continues to drive Amy and her colleagues, and serves as a powerful reminder of what a career in social care can offer.

Amy was recognised by Enable in 2025 as Leader of the Year.