Saskia Fentiman

Professional Profile 

After 10 years of pursuing several diverse careers in modelling, theatre, film and television. This involved on stage work but I also did regular back stage work including Assistant Director, Production Manager, Lighting Designer and Stage Manager. But as this is an oversubscribed profession, I changed my careers paths keeping in mind in which area my skills could be beneficial. This is how decided to first start working in Health & Social Care.  I took on my first role as a waking night care assistant in an independent care home. I have since worked in the Health and Social care sector for 13 years in various roles, the main one being an Activities            Co-ordinator and presently as the Dementia Advisor for Westminster.                                                                          I continue to broaden my understanding of Health and Social care, legislation specifically in Dementia care and services. Apart from the mandatory training courses that most professionals have to undergo, I also graduated from the University of West London achieving my MSc in Dementia Care.                                                  Apart from being accepted to do another degree in Applied Neuroscience with King’s College London I also add to my Personal Development Plan by receiving regular correspondence on developments in the field of Health and Social care from SCIE, NIHR, GCS and The Lancet for Psychiatry, Neurology and Global Health. I also attend the National Care Show in Birmingham every year. It is beneficial to be aware of any potential confirmed changes in Health & Social Care, from residential and domiciliary care to legislation alterations and technology initiatives. In the future I also plan to study for a PhD in the area of Dementia Care.                              I am committed to continuing in this line of work and playing a part in improving current Dementia Care Services available in various healthcare settings today and in the future.                                                                     I have extensive on hands practical experience and theoretical knowledge in delivering exceptional Dementia Care to the best of my abilities and to inspire others to do the same.     My previous experience as a Stage Manager is a definite advantage it has given me the capability of working across a range of disciplines. Rehearsals could be most closely translated as training in Health & Social Care. Being in charge of all areas of a production highlights the need for team work and effective communication.                                                      A personal hobby I am currently pursuing is the art of Samurai Sword Fighting which has taught me about the Bushido Code. The 8 principles of this are courage, integrity, compassion, respect, honesty, loyalty, dignity and commitment. This code is also reflected in the work of Tom Kitwood’s when explaining ‘personhood’. These are all positive attributes required to work in the field of Dementia Care and can be found in many values of different healthcare organizations. These terms sum up the kind of individual I am and always will be. 

 Main Skills                                                                                                                                               

High standard of organisational and communication skills

IT literate: ACP, LMS, Excel, Peopleplanner, Word, SPSS

Ability to work under pressure

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills, ability to ‘think on your feet’

Negotiation skills, confidence and decision-making abilities

Creativity to see other options and possibilities

Personable by nature in group and/or one-to-one situations

Comfortable at developing rapport with staff, family, individuals, other professionals

Fluent German speaker and moderate Dutch

Full clean driving license and own vehicle

Online Disclosure and Barring Service check

Confident public speaker

Confirmed permanent residency share code

Academic writing skills: Oxford Referencing Style

Pro-active own personal development, attending healthcare conferences

Intention of studying for Phd in Dementia Care

DAA member       

Leadership experience 

Excellent Communication skills     

Main Skills                                                                                                                                               

High standard of organisational and communication skills

IT literate: ACP, LMS, Excel, Peopleplanner, Word, SPSS

Ability to work under pressure

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills, ability to ‘think on your feet’

Negotiation skills, confidence and decision-making abilities

Creativity to see other options and possibilities

Personable by nature in group and/or one-to-one situations

Comfortable at developing rapport with staff, family, individuals, other professionals

Fluent German speaker and moderate Dutch

Full clean driving license and own vehicle

Online Disclosure and Barring Service check

Confident public speaker

Confirmed permanent residency share code

Academic writing skills: Oxford Referencing Style

Pro-active own personal development, attending healthcare conferences

Intention of studying for Phd in Dementia Care

DAA member       

Leadership experience 

Excellent Communication skills     

Education                                                                                                                                              King’s College London                                                                    January 2019-Present Postgraduate Degree                   

Applied Neuroscience - Biological Foundations of Mental Health

Studying the anatomy, wiring and cellular makeup of the brain and explain how, through a range of complex neural networks, communication occurs between different brain regions, and between the brain, the body and the outside world. Understand how function can be encoded at different levels within the nervous system; cellular and subcellular, synapses, small-scale circuits and neuronal networks, and how problems in the biological processes that govern brain function can impact mental health

University of West London                                                  September 2017 - January 2019MSc Dementia Care     

                                                                                                                                                               Dementia Influence and policy in Practise

Examined the underlying principles theories, concepts, policies, and practices that underpin the organisation and delivery of dementia care.

Global Perspectives in Dementia.

Explored global and national perspectives of dementia and dementia care provisions in the UK and across the world.

Dementia : Culture and Society

Examined dementia in the broader context of contemporary multi-cultural society, as well as the lived experiences of dementia across diverse biological/ physical, and psychosocial domains.

Evidence-based Approaches to Dementia in Health and Social Care

Required an analysis and evaluation of different approaches to dementia in health and social care settings and to formulate innovative ideas for how these can be used now and, in the future, to support people with dementia to live well.

Research Methods in Dementia

Delivered a thorough understanding of major paradigms, concepts, principles and methods underpinning primary and secondary research in problems affecting individuals living with dementia and other vulnerable populations.

Supplied an appreciation of quantitative, Qualitative and mixed-methods research deigns, various data collection methods, and ethical considerations. This includes complying with legislation, such as the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the GDPR Act 2018.

Diploma     

Advanced Practise Diploma in Acting                                                                                                    13 A, 1 B     

Total Education

University of West London                                                September 2017 - September 2018                           

Richmond Drama School                                                  September 2002 - July 2003                                                           

Richard Challoner 6th Form                                               September 1999 - July 2001                                                              

  Canbury  School                                                               September 1997 - July 1999                                                                 

 DSL (German School London)                                          September 1990 - July 1997