Michael Callender

Advocating for people comes naturally to me, and I believe we are all equal, with the same rights, needs and dreams, and that everyone should be heard and involved in decisions about their own life. I am currently completing the seven-week Prepare2Care Health & Social Care Skills Bootcamp and looking to begin a career supporting people with learning disabilities, autism or mental health needs to live active, independent lives in their communities. My background in animal care and farming has given me strong transferable skills in observation, noticing what behaviour may be communicating, following individual routines, accurate record keeping and staying calm when situations are difficult.

I focus on people’s strengths, promote choice and independence, and am keen to learn Positive Behavioural Support and complete the Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care.

Drop-In Volunteer at The Beacon Centre, Banbury (2026-09 – Present)

• Help prepare and serve food and drinks as part of a team at a drop-in centre for homeless and isolated people, and chat with visitors to help keep it a safe, welcoming space.

Career break - career change into care and support (2025-06 – Present)

• Took time out of work to reassess my direction and identify where my strengths and experience would be best used. This led me towards care and support, where my background in individualised care, advocacy, observation and remaining calm in difficult situations is highly transferable.

Retail / Yard Assistant at Sturminster Newton Building Supplies (2024-11 – 2025-05)

• Delivered customer service to trade and retail customers in person, by phone and online in a fast-paced environment.
• Recognised when a customer needed more time to work out what they required and gave patient, practical support so they left with the right products and advice.

Asset & Administration Coordinator at Falkland Islands Development Corporation (2023-06 – 2024-06)

• Welcomed clients, tenants and visitors from varied backgrounds, and handled enquiries and complaints calmly and professionally through to resolution.
• Produced accurate financial documents and designed standard templates that reduced errors and helped colleagues work consistently.
• Managed banking, purchasing, post and other duties independently while contributing closely to the wider team.

Lead Dairyman at Berry Farm (2021-03 – 2023-04)

• Held daily responsibility for the health and welfare of a 240 strong herd, monitoring health and behaviour, recognising early signs of illness and escalating promptly to the vet.
• Introduced a clear tagging system so animals receiving medication could be identified immediately, reducing the risk of anyone acting on outdated information.
• Supported the farm through seasonal demands, external testing and inspections, including additional hours when required.

Animal Care Assistant at Cinnamon Trust (plus relief milking, Slydon Farm) (2019-05 – 2021-03)

• Provided daily hands-on care at a sanctuary for resident animals with complex health and behavioural needs, including feeding, medication and maintaining clean, safe and homely environments.
• Followed individual routines, diets and medication schedules, adapting care to each animal rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Planned and delivered daily enrichment activities to provide meaningful, varied days and the best possible quality of life.

Cowman / Lead Dairyman at Park Farm Ltd (Bath Soft Cheese) (2017-07 – 2019-04)

• Held day-to-day responsibility for the milking herd and calves through to weaning, including morning, midday and evening welfare checks.
• Reduced antibiotic use and lameness by focusing on prevention, improving hygiene, identifying environmental causes and adjusting routines; spoke up when change was needed.
• Worked with the vet on evidence-based treatment and introduced a clear treatment log for colleagues and relief staff, improving handovers and preventing errors.

Dairy Farm Assistant at A J Walker (Farm) Ltd, and farms in New Zealand & Australia (2014-11 – 2017-07)

• Learned the role from scratch during a working holiday and worked safely on dairy operations of up to 1,100 cows.

Dealer Service Support at ALD Automotive Ltd (2011-06 – 2014-09)

• Checked financial documentation to tight deadlines and strict policy, liaised with customers and dealers, and trained new team members on processes and systems.
• Regularly identified errors that had passed earlier compliance checks, preventing problems further down the line.

Prepare2Care Health & Social Care Skills Bootcamp in Health & Social Care – JCL Skills Solutions (2026-10)

Level 3 Award in First Aid in First Aid – Highfield Qualifications (2024 & Refresher Booked)

Short courses: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace; Complaint Handling – Open University (2023 – 2024)

GCSEs including English (C), Maths (C), ICT (B) and Science (CC, dual award)