I manage the day-to-day delivery of services provided by Falkirk Social Services Assessment Centre and I’m the centre contact for Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA). The assessment centre is well established, providing assessment and verification for a range of SVQ awards for frontline practitioners and line managers working across adult and children’s services.
Support and opportunities
Our assessment centre programmes provide opportunities for our staff to undertake vocational awards associated with professional registration requirements. The centre also provides development opportunities for staff in support of continuous professional development and career progression.
To support recruitment and retention of staff the centre aims to increase the opportunities available for existing employees for career progression and attract talent into social care through the provision of career pathways. We collaborate with a wide range of partner agencies and services including higher education institutions, registration and scrutiny bodies, our employment training unit as well as council and health and social care partnership services.
Career journey
I have been an SVQ assessor and verifier since 2003 supporting candidates at all levels of SVQ Social Services and Healthcare awards from Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Level 6 to Level 10. I’ve experience of working with a variety of assessment centres across central and western Scotland before moving to Falkirk Council.
I have worked in health and social care since 1994 in respite, residential and day services for people with physical and learning disabilities.
Involving people that receive support
People receiving care and support can play an important part in the worker gaining their qualification and it’s important to let them know the impact their feedback can make for the learner to evidence this. This feedback can highlight how they carry out specific support, interact with others, apply knowledge and demonstrate professionalism in real situations.
During a recent direct observation, an assessor observed a care plan review with an individual. She was very complimentary on the care received and happy to support the candidate in gaining their SVQ.
When asked how she felt about the observation being carried out remotely using a live video link she said it was like FaceTime calls with her grandchildren.
She said the care plan review was clear and as the candidate set it up on a laptop, she had no difficulties was happy to be involved. She couldn’t wait to tell her grandchildren that she did this and was delighted to take part if supporting the staff in getting their qualification.
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.