LYN LEITCH is operations manager at the Liverpool office of Apex Nursing and Care Services.

Lyn, 37, from Runcorn, is based at the Wavertree branch of the company, which is one of the largest independent care agencies in the UK. This was her working day:

8am:I spend a lot of my working day out and about visiting new and existing clients, so the first thing I do when I start my working day is switch on the computer and log into our system remotely from home.

I also phone the office and receive a full update from staff members who have been manning the office overnight.

9am:I visit two service users in their homes, both in north Liverpool, to review their needs and to ensure they are receiving the care they require.

Our office covers Merseyside, so I am often on the road travelling to houses, hospitals and care homes. I enjoy the interaction of meeting people every day and ensuring they are receiving vital care from our team.

12pm:I head into our office on Wavertree High Street. I read my emails, then check my diary to see if any meetings have been added that I need to prepare for later that day.

Two clients – a hospital and a care home – have got in touch to say they have vacancies for a certain amount of nurses. I send CVs to these clients to see if they are suitable for these potential contracts.

12.30pm:I meet with Nadine Mckenzie, the senior home carer, to discuss any pressing issues, including prioritising work for the following week and urgent patient assessments.

12.45pm:Our managing director, Gareth Jones, is based in Didsbury, so we catch up most days on the phone. Today we discuss corporate policies, including the latest on new business, so everyone is up to date.

1pm:I grab a quick sandwich while I have an internal staff meeting with the whole team. Today we talk about the Christmas rota. Because the office is a 24/7 operation, we need to ensure that there is plenty of cover for all clients over the Christmas period.

2pm:I sign off new staff files for employees we have taken on, ensuring that all our staff are recruited in line with current legislation. I also allocate work to these new recruits, finding them a suitable role.

3pm:I have one-to-ones with two of our office co-ordinators. We discuss individual targets, performance and new and potential clients we will need to recruit for.

4pm:I make sure all staff are up to date with internal policies such as working practices and complete a letter to all active employees to inform them about timesheet policies. This ensures that the whole office runs smoothly, and everyone is aware of any policy changes.

5pm:We currently have two internal vacancies. I process applications, then arrange interviews for candidates, which I will conduct along with a colleague.

6pm:I meet with a senior recruitment consultant and make sure all shifts in the area are covered over the next few days and in particular the weekend. After that, I head home for a relaxing evening in front of the TV, but am always on call in case of any urgent enquiries.