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Social services and healthcare

John Stuart

My name is John Stuart and I’m an inspector with the Care Inspectorate. I work in a wide area which covers Moray and the Highlands and I’m registered with the SSSC.

From an early age I had an interest in looking after people and built up great rapport with the older generations around me. I began to volunteer in a local care home for older people and organised social evenings. I began working in the same care home when I was 18 as a relief social care worker, following an introduction course at college in social care.

I’ve worked in social care since I was 18, from working with older people through to adults with learning disabilities or autism. I have worked in every role from relief worker through to registered manager of services. Without this experience I wouldn’t be doing the job I am now. I’m a people person, always calm and I have a keen interest in working together to improve people’s experiences of care services. This helps me a lot.

My typical day has changed a lot in the last four years. From starting as a social care worker, I’m now the inspector who goes into services to see how they perform in terms of supporting people to get the most out of life.

Usually when out on inspection I speak to a lot of people, from people who use the service to staff members and other professionals. After the inspection I evaluate the evidence gathered. I then present an outcome from the inspection which may include suggestions for improvement which I will provide support with.

I achieved all my qualifications while working. I have SVQs in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF levels 7 and 9. I also have SVQ Care Services Leadership and Management at SCQF level 10.

Having worked in social care since I was 18 I learned on the job through a variety of vocational qualifications. I loved all of these as it really married up with the job roles I was doing.

I’m about to start on the new PDA Scrutiny and Improvement Practice at SCQF level 10. This is an award for inspectors and I’m looking forward to it.

My job is unique and special in a lot of ways. I like meeting people and exploring with them how they feel the service contributes to their personal outcomes. With our improvement focus, which is integral to inspection, it’s nice to see services improve over the course of a few inspections.

It’s important to celebrate successes and acknowledge the hard work that a lot of people do.

When thinking about social care, I went into the field because I cared and wanted to support people to get as much out of life as they wished. These core values are as important for me now as an inspector.

A career in social care can be unpredictable, may be considered difficult at times, but overall it’s very rewarding. My advice is to treat people as you would expect to be treated, see the person and you will do grand.

John Stuart at a stony beach with a child

My job is unique and special in a lot of ways. I like meeting people and exploring with them how they feel the service contributes to their personal outcomes.

John Stuart Care inspector

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