Mark Hilditch: Business Development Manager with Care at the Core

As you can imagine, the situation took its toll. But it also made me want to help others who were going through similar experiences to my mum.

In 2001, I joined the Prison Service and never looked back. From the very beginning, my aim has always been the same: to make sure that every place I work is slightly better for the people while I’m there, and after I leave. That passion has stayed with me throughout my career.

Since then, I’ve worked across the NHS and the third sector, supporting people in mental health and substance misuse services. I’ve also owned my own business, which gave me a different perspective and valuable experience. That journey has thankfully led me to Keys Group.

In my current role as Business Development Manager, my work is more indirectly linked to the people we support, but the impact is very direct. I really enjoy working with colleagues in operations to explore new ways of working and developing new homes that meet the needs of children. I also love being able to showcase the amazing work we do across the organisation.

One of the best parts of my role is meeting the children themselves and hearing their views.

There’s nothing I enjoy more than speaking with them about how we can make our homes even better for them and for other children in the future.

What I enjoy most about my role is the people and the relationships we build. For me, it’s about trust and bringing the EPIC values to life in everything we do.

For anyone considering a role in the care sector, my advice is simple: make sure you care. It’s not just a job if you want to do it well. The people we provide homes for know the difference between someone who genuinely cares and someone who is just there for a job. If you care, you can make the biggest impact on the people who need you most.