Today we share Annalisa’s story. Annalisa is currently seconded to the Scottish Social Services Council as a Regulation Professional Adviser.
When did you leave school?
I left school at 17, but my journey to that point was not exactly straightforward.
When I moved from Italy to Scotland at 13, I couldn't speak English and was placed back a year at school. At the time, it felt like a huge setback. I also remember being told that I probably wouldn't amount to much. Thankfully, I've never been very good at accepting other people's limits for me.
Through hard work, stubbornness and learning English along the way, I achieved five Highers and went on to university.
What did you do next?
Like many young people, I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do. I remember flicking through a university prospectus, noticing that Psychology was available through clearing and thinking ‘That looks interesting’ I applied, and that single decision helped shape the rest of my career.
Studying Psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University sparked my interest in people, mental health and understanding the experiences that shape our lives. After graduating, I joined SAMH, where I worked in a variety of roles supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties. It was there that I discovered my passion for mental health and for being of service to my community.
Wanting to make a meaningful difference to people's lives, I completed a Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Edinburgh and qualified as a social worker in 2014. As an adult social worker in community care, I worked alongside adults and their families to assess needs, promote independence and support people to live as safely and well as possible within their communities. No two days were ever the same, and I had the privilege of supporting people through significant life changes and challenges.
I later completed further postgraduate study and qualified as a Mental Health Officer in 2018. This specialist role involved carrying out duties under mental health and incapacity legislation, balancing people's rights, autonomy and wellbeing while working closely with individuals, families, health professionals and partner agencies. It was challenging, complex and incredibly rewarding work.
In 2019, I completed national Appropriate Adult training and until 2025 served as an Appropriate Adult on a monthly duty basis. The role involved supporting people with a mental disorder to understand and participate in police processes, whether as a victim, witness or accused person, helping to ensure their rights were protected.
What have been your career highlights?
The most rewarding part of my career has been supporting people through some of the most challenging times in their lives and ensuring that their rights, dignity and individuality remain at the centre of decision making.
I have been fortunate to work alongside individuals, families and professionals in situations that have challenged me, developed me and reinforced my belief in the importance of compassionate, person-centred support.
A particular highlight has been contributing to the wider profession. I was privileged to present at the Mental Health Officer Community of Practice, sharing learning with colleagues across Scotland on best practice in relation to adults with incapacity legislation in hospital settings. I also co-created a training module with the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland to support good practice and professional development.
How did you move into this role?
I am currently seconded to the Scottish Social Services Council as a Regulation Professional Adviser.
As my career developed, I realised that I didn't necessarily want to move into managing people. What mattered most to me was remaining connected to the social work and social care sector and continuing to have a positive impact on practice.
This role offered an opportunity to do exactly that. It allows me to draw on my experience as a social worker, Mental Health Officer and Appropriate Adult to support good practice, contribute to professional regulation and help shape the standards that underpin high quality services across Scotland.
Although I am no longer working directly on the frontline, I remain closely connected to practice and the realities of the profession. I value being able to use the knowledge and experience I have gained throughout my career to support both professionals and the people who rely on social work and social care services.
What have you learned?
My personal motto is ‘it's not just about the destination, but also about the journey’.
Looking back, that has never been more true. My career has not followed a straight line, and I certainly didn't have a perfectly planned route when I left school.
What started with a move to a new country, learning a new language and choosing a Psychology degree has led me to opportunities I could never have imagined.
The biggest lesson I have learned is that every step has value. The skills you develop, the people you meet and the challenges you overcome all contribute to where you go next.
To anyone receiving exam results or thinking about their future - your results matter, but they do not define you. Your first choice does not have to be your final destination. Careers evolve, interests change and opportunities often appear in places you never expected.
Stay curious, keep learning, be open to opportunities and trust the journey.
Because it's not just about the destination — it's also about the journey.