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I fell into social work accidentally. I was working in a climbing shop. Then someone came in to buy 30 pairs of boots and wanted to know if anyone was interested in taking young offenders climbing. I volunteered and that is how I became interested in social work, joining the profession 18 months later.

I get most satisfaction when I feel I'm making a difference. In the past this was developing young people's potential, now it's contributing to the development of staff and influencing and developing strategy and policy.

I enjoy the mental challenge of thinking through complex issues and the level of responsibility I carry gives me a healthy level of stress without which I would become very bored.

I manage a budget that's over £25m. My wife Rita thinks this is highly amusing given my cavalier approach to family finances and only passing maths 'O' level at the second attempt. I thought this would be the bit that kept me awake at night when I took on the director's job but it's not. It's the small but important things like not giving a colleague enough of your time when so much is going on or the thoughtless remark that keeps me awake.

There is always a risk with a job like mine that you get disconnected from the reason we all go into social work. The most powerful reminder recently was our regional staff conference when nearly 100 colleagues were treated to the most amazing drama and musical performance by young people involved with our Birmingham young carers service.

Moving to the voluntary sector in 1993 reinvigorated my career. It suits me. I can't see myself returning to the statutory sector, but who knows?