Biography
I am a qualified and registered Social Worker with over 28 years in practice with extensive experience in Health and Social Care, including Adult Social Care in the community, hospital, hospice, Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, a hospital 'End of Life' team and mental health services.
I am trained in mindfulness and anxiety/ stress and during my time working for a military mental health team, I co-facilitated their 'Stress Management' day. I have also done levels 1 and 2 of Jersey Hospice bereavement counselling and completed 'Advanced Communication' training.
I have excellent working knowledge of the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act, 'Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards' and Adult Safeguarding.
I am able to support and guide our clients through the minefield of accessing NHS and Social Care services because I understand the criteria and processes. I can be a strong advocate for them when they when they need to access support while in the community or when discharge from hospital is being planned.
And even more important, I offer an empathetic, listening ear and a strong shoulder to lean on when our clients and their carers need it the most.
What inspired you to get into law?
I was drawn to Irwin Mitchell because I was impressed by their holistic attitude to client care. Employing qualified professionals such as myself, to provide advice and support, not just to them, but also to their families/carers. This is a really innovative and person-centred approach.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Being able to work alongside clients, to help and support them to achieve maximum independence and quality of life.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
I feel privileged to work for an organisation that is so highly regarded in its field. It is a company that clearly takes client care very seriously and provides a service that I feel proud to be part of.
What do you do away from the office?
I have an old French Bulldog who is the most stubborn and naughty creature alive, but I adore him, and we go for lots of lovely walks along the canal where I live.
I also enjoy maintaining my 1740 cottage and taking care of its gorgeous garden.
Testimonials
’Jacquie, I love talking to you, I also appreciate the help that you give me. You are such a great person so kind caring and helpful to me. Please take care and God Bless you.....’ Client with Mesothelioma, Aug 2022
"I would like to acknowledge the support I have been given by Irwin Mitchell's Jacquie Bates (Social Worker) Client Support Manager throughout these past months. She has always been available by phone and "also when it was called for, she visited in person to help & steer us through very difficult times over many months. She has explained everything clearly and patiently; guiding us when we were unsure , and this has helped to alleviate much stress. Thank you once again, Jacquie" - 5* Trustpilot review
Jacqueline Bates has been (and still is) an absolute godsend - helpful, knowledgeable, insightful, constructive, supportive, and above all, a good ear to speak to. Nothing is too much trouble, and no question (that I have had) is too trivial. Jacqueline has (and still is) helping me navigate my way through an extremely difficult situation, and her wealth of knowledge, advice & support is second to none!" - 5* Trustpilot review
