Introducing Zach: Our New Learning and Development Manager!

We’re excited to welcome Zach as the newest member of the PCAS team! Zach joins us as our Learning and Development Manager, bringing a wealth of experience in staff training and professional development.

This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with him to discuss his background in learning and development, his career journey, and—of course—his beloved rescue cat, Gomez! We hope you enjoy getting to know him.

How would you explain your role to someone new to PCAS?

As Learning and Development Manager, my role is to oversee and enhance the learning pathways for all staff. I ensure that care staff complete the necessary training to develop their skills, knowledge, and behaviours—helping us continually improve the support we provide.

A typical day involves working with different teams to refine our learning methods, supporting staff with their development, and ensuring everyone stays on track with their training.

What inspired you to join PCAS?

Growing up, my mum was an SEN teacher, working with children with special educational needs. I saw firsthand the incredible impact she and her colleagues had on the lives of the people they supported. Their dedication to fostering independence and new experiences always inspired me, and I knew I wanted to be part of something similar.

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

In a previous role, I worked with a colleague who was struggling to grasp key aspects of his job. Despite receiving one-to-one coaching from multiple trainers, he still felt lost. I volunteered to help and quickly realised that the existing training methods weren’t suited to his learning style.

By breaking down his job description and tailoring a new approach, I helped him gain confidence and develop the skills he needed. Within three months, he had become a highly effective member of the team and went on to stay with the company for another three years. Seeing that transformation was incredibly rewarding.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

In my free time, I love spending time with my rescue cat, Gomez. He’s five years old, full of personality, and always demanding attention!

Favourite Film - Napoleon Dynamite

Favourite Artist - Melin Melyn (My friend is in them)