Progression is not always promotion: redefining success as a support worker

In this comment piece, the author reflects on career progression from the perspective of a pastoral support worker, exploring how language and cultural assumptions can unintentionally diminish support roles and challenging the idea that progression is only about becoming a registered healthcare professional. The article encourages support workers and teams to recognise the skill, accountability and vital contribution of the non-registered workforcetake.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
British Journal of Healthcare Assistants
Published
2026-03-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.12968/bjha.2026.0012
Primary Topic
Healthcare innovation and challenges
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Progression is not always promotion: redefining success as a support worker

Kimberley Swallow
British Journal of Healthcare Assistants
Healthcare innovation and challenges
article

Progression is not always promotion: redefining success as a support worker

Kimberley Swallow
article en

Abstract

In this comment piece, the author reflects on career progression from the perspective of a pastoral support worker, exploring how language and cultural assumptions can unintentionally diminish support roles and challenging the idea that progression is only about becoming a registered healthcare professional. The article encourages support workers and teams to recognise the skill, accountability and vital contribution of the non-registered workforcetake.

British Journal of Healthcare AssistantsVol. 20(3)
Decent work and economic growth
Openalex Percentile: Top 16%
Healthcare innovation and challenges
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Progression is not always promotion: redefining success as a support worker — Kimberley Swallow · British Journal of Healthcare Assistants (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS