What does it mean to be SSSC registered?
Being registered means that I agree to meet the required standards of practice, training and conduct in social care, following the guidelines set out to uphold the rights and values expected. It also means that we agree to work towards the qualification expected of us and helps with public protection, as it ensures that people are vetted before working to safeguard vulnerable people.
How did you get into working in social care?
I have a caring and compassionate nature and I was an unpaid carer for my parents and in-laws. I wanted to work in a sector where I could use my skills to give people the care they expect and deserve and to help them be as independent as possible, treating them as I did my own family.
How did you evidence learning for assessment when completing you SVQ?
I did this with written essays using the knowledge I learned in my role as a carer and clearly referenced it in my work, using situations with clients to demonstrate how I follow the guidelines and also from talking with families hearing their side of things as they can give valuable information.
I was lucky my care team lead at the time used to be a nurse as she was able to rephrase anything and through chatting I came up with my answer.
What words of advice would you give someone who still needs to gain their qualification?
Best advice I would give is to go for it. I was very shy at first but through doing one day a week at college, I met others working in care and we shared our knowledge and experiences. It helped me to really learn so much from doing the course and I made a few friends that I still keep in touch with.
I’d not done qualifications for years and the tutors were brilliant at explaining anything we didn’t understand and helping find our way into learning again.
SSSC registered
This article is part of our #SSSCregistered campaign where we’re sharing real life experiences of registrants who have recently gained their qualifications, alongside training providers and SVQ assessors to help the social care and children and young people workforce across Scotland learn more about the benefits of qualification and the support available.