Shining a Spotlight on Female Leadership in Aged Care

First published: March 2024

A background to women in leadership

The aged care industry is dominated by female workers, with 86% of the RAC workforce (direct care workers) identifying as female. Despite this overwhelming percentage, female leadership positions are still low in comparison to men, with women CEOs making up 19% across all industries.

Females in these key management positions are heavily underrepresented across the board, but it is positive to see that the aged care industry is leading the way for equality in leadership. The Workplace Gender Equality Agency reported that 48% of females sit in a CEO position for a Residential Aged Care provider, and generally hold the bigger percentage working in key management personnel and executive roles.

We are proud to have close relationships with multiple women who have established themselves within the aged care industry, by entering at a high level due to a stellar management background as well as growing within their organisations to reach the top positions.

Conversations with female leaders in the aged care industry

Three champions of female leadership in the aged care industry are Sarah Osborne, Annastacia Wainaina, and Sarah Purcell. They have all navigated the conventional hurdles that can influence career advancement to establish themselves as leaders.

Sarah Osborne embarked on a career in the restaurant and catering industry straight out of school and upon becoming a mum decided to reskill by completing her Cert III at the age of 28. A Bachelor of Nursing followed, and after spending 3 – 4 years as a medical/surgical nurse, she moved to aged care in a full time 9-5 role to balance her personal and professional life better. Fast forward to now, she is currently the Group Operations Manager at Cranbrook Care.

Annastacia qualified as a registered nurse in 2007. She commenced her career working on neonatal and ICU wards in Finland before immigrating to Australia, and entering the aged care sector as a clinical manager for Bupa Aged Care. After being in the positions of facility manager, director of care & services and quality roles she is now self-employed, working with consultancies across the country.

Sarah Purcell commenced her aged care career in 2005, working as an AIN before progressing in to a registered nurse role. After experiencing both the acute and aged care sector, she chose to pursue a management career in the aged care industry, progressing to her current role as facility manager of RSL Lifecare, Peter Cosgrove House.

What’s your personal experience working in a leadership role?

Sarah Osborne

“I was lucky in the respect that when I first entered the industry, I was mentored by two fantastic women who I adore and still keep in contact with to this day. They took me under my wing and and really supported me when I was new to aged care. They encouraged me to pursue a career in management and there was a feeling of sisterhood present from the start.”

“I saw how much of a voice the nurses have in aged care, and the opportunity to do great things every day is the reason why I pursued a leadership role in this sector.”

Annastacia

“After I secured a facility manager role after working as a clinical manager, I feel this is where the challenges came. I had the transferable skills from working in acute care to bring to the aged care industry, but management is another level entirely. When I took on this role, this is where the hard work really began.”

“I was lucky that I was supported by a fantastic female mentor. I remember when I started, she said she can teach me everything that will help me on my journey, but she cannot specifically teach leadership. The skills required to be a great leader need to be within you, to some extent.”

Sarah Purcell

“After working across multiple healthcare sectors, I realised there is so much more to gain from working in aged care. It’s a hugely collaborative place to work and from my experience everyone compliments each other really well.”

“Working in this position gives me an incredible opportunity to make a positive change everyday. It’s more than just a job for me.”

What does a great leader look like to you?

Sarah Osborne

“Leading without an ego and being able to put your team and residents as your main focus.”

“Winning for your team is the accolade to strive for, not winning for yourself.”

Annastacia

“You need to be of service to your team. You need to look after them and most importantly, lead by example. Communication is your greatest asset. Having fantastic communication skills is arguably your most vital quality as a leader.”

“Being resilient and adaptable will serve you well. The sector changes every day, and your team and residents’ needs are also going to change. Embracing this change will allow those working with you to do the same.”

“Learning doesn’t stop. Management roles in this industry suit those who are keen to be forever students.”

Sarah Purcell

“Your residents are your main focus. Everything you do has to be with them in mind, but it is essential to balance the business and staff at the same time.

“You are creating a safe place for everyone. We spend a lot of our lives there so a great leader makes it a welcoming setting for all. One of the biggest compliments I receive is the amount of nurse referrals we get from our staff, wanting to work with us. This is a good indicator that we are doing something right.”

What were the barriers that you overcame whilst developing your career?

Sarah Osborne

“Being a single mum, on a personal level it was always balancing work with looking after my son. Now an adult, my son always reassures me that the decisions I made for him when he was younger were for the best decisions I could have made, but the guilt it still there.”

“Professionally I have worked and am working with fantastic people. Being a women in this industry is an asset, not a deficit.”

Annastacia

“Understanding that each person works differently and will react to your leadership style differently. I found that being on the floor, coaching and leading by example is always well received and was the best way to bring the team together whilst building everyone’s skills, confidence, and workplace happiness.”

“Instead of correcting someone on the outset, I find being curious and asking questions as to the why of someone’s actions makes offering an alternative method easier. Working with their answers means for a collaborative approach.”

Sarah Purcell

“I am a mum to 4 children, so I do feel pressure balancing my personal and professional life. I do think there can be a stigma towards this and I feel guilty when I am away from them.

“Openly discussing with my children about what I do and answering their questions means they understand earlier the consideration we need to give to our elderly population. I’m comfortable talking about the nature of my job and in turn this has a positive effect on their perspectives on the older people in our society.”

What have your female peers in the industry taught you?

Sarah Osborne

“Other women always provide me with advice and support, and it is always available to me when I need it. “

“Myself and Lee Carissa, who I work with closely now, have a fantastic relationship that is based on honesty. We can be totally transparent with one another, and that comes with trust being there on both sides. I have lots of autonomy that is paired with lots of support.”

Annastacia

“My mentor always showed me love and support throughout my learning journey. She was tough when she needed to be, but it came with a nurturing aspect. I believe women can bring both sides to the table, which is why they make fantastic leaders.”

Sarah Purcell

“The connections I have formed in this industry are indispensable and we all work together to do the job to the best of our ability. We have helped each other be more resilient and I feel as time goes on the aged care sector is really being recognised and championed for it’s contribution to society.”

Do you have any advice for those with aspirations of management and leadership, in any industry?

Sarah Osborne

“Look for opportunities and take them as they come. Surround yourself with people who are positive and want you to succeed. Always keep studying and learning, and don’t listen to any distractions.”

Annastacia

“Absolutely do not be afraid to speak up and voice your ambitions and concerns. Stand your ground and go for what you want. Be a part of the bigger conversation – be aware of what is happening in the environment in your workplace, but in society too.”

Sarah Purcell

“The best piece of advice I received when I was looking to go into management was to be the person everyone wants to employ. Learn and do as much as you can and always strive to be of greater value.”

“Always do the right thing, not the quickest, to ensure you gain others trust. This will set you up in a fantastic position to be a leader. Always seek answers to your questions and give 100% to everything that you do.”

Considering leading the way for other females in aged care?

Executive and leadership roles are the heart of our organization, and we are proud to have aided many aged care professionals in progressing their career. If you are considering a career in aged care management, get in contact with our perm team today: