A Skilled Workforce

We've all heard about 'Social Care', that understated catch-all term which is used to describe non-NHS health related support, but what does

it actually entail?

Here at William Simpsons it simply means doing whatever we can to support residents and help them get the very best from their day.  This involves getting to know every resident as an individual, understanding their likes, dislikes and their personal choices.  This knowledge enables us to tailor our support for each individual, which in turn encourages residents to engage and empowers each individual, helping them get the best from their day. 

So how do we do this?

Recruitment

It all starts with getting the right people in post which begins with recruitment.  We are looking for that 'something special' alongside the usual attributes successful candidates should have. It's the approach and outlook which make the difference between a great candidate and an outstanding candidate. Whilst a solid work history and ethic is essential and prior experience within the relevant field is preferred, we open our remit wider to welcome candidates seeking a career change into a more rewarding role and workplace.

Mentoring

We all know how daunting it can be starting a new job which is why every new member of staff is assigned a 'buddy', someone who will work alongside them on every shift during their 4 week induction period.  Our 'buddy' system provides support for new staff but is also an opportunity for existing staff to be recognised for the high standards they maintain. It's an opportunity for peer-to-peer support and learning which is helping to grow resident-focused, quality practice across our teams.

Training

All our staff benefit from exceptional training. Classroom based, hands-on practical sessions and virtual web based elearning sessions combine to form our mandatory, ongoing training programme for staff.  External expertise is brought in to provide specialist training, such as this course delivered by Epilepsy Scotland.

Champions

Peer-to-peer guidance, advice and support is available to all staff, throughout the day and night, thanks to our staff 'Champions'.

Our Champions are accredited peer trainers, having completed intensive 'train the trainer' courses in their chosen specialism.

Equipped with the knowledge and appropriate skills, our Champions regularly deliver first class training to their colleagues, and because we have multiple Champions in every discipline there is always an expert on hand every shift. 

The Learning Circle

All of our staff benefit from a 360 degree training experience which has, whenever appropriate, been adapted to reflect the logistics of William Simpsons' building and the needs of the residents we care for.  Take for example our 'Fire Marshall' training.  This begins with statutory theoretical elearning training, which is followed by a bespoke elearning course about our fire panel and evacuation plan, delivered by our Operations Manager in a pre-recorded video.  The circle of learning is then completed with a practical, hands on 'evacuation chair' session led by one of our Fire Marshall Champion trainers.

There is a common thread running through all of this and that is 'empowerment'. 

A knowledgeable, confident workforce delivers excellent care and support which in turn instills confidence and empowers residents to believe in themselves and their abilities, encouraging and enabling each individual to get the best from their day.  An empowered workforce is one which is recognised, valued and listened to, and for us at William Simpsons that involves a flexible approach to staff development.  All staff have access to fully funded SVQ level and equivalent qualifications.   All of this makes for a flexible workforce and within William Simpsons there are opportunities for growth and movement across teams.

Qualifications

For Support Workers there are opportunities to undertake and complete specialist training, gain a 'Safe Administration of Medications' qualification and step up a level to dispense medication. The achievement of a Care related SVQ Level 3 qualification opens the doors to promotion opportunities with all the wider management responsibilities which come with a Team Leader role.  An SVQ Level 4 qualification can see a Team Leader step up to a Supervisor position and join the management team supporting staff on all levels within the organisation.

Room to Grow

Lyndsey first began her career within William Simpsons in our front facing infection control Domestic team before moving across to care, undertaking the necessary training and mentoring to become a Support Worker and progressing to Team Leader, sharing responsibility for the smooth running of two flats with her colleagues. 

Ewan stepped across from the care team to  join the Engagement Support Team and now supports residents across the Home.  As an Engagement Support Worker, Ewan makes the most of every engagement opportunity, turning something as seemingly simple as a chat over a cuppa into an exercise in empowerment, enabling residents to challenge their expectations of what they can achieve through group based activities and facilitating inspiring outings to places residents wish to visit.

Leah started her career within the care team but rose to the challenge of becoming our first Office Apprentice.  After gaining a recognised Diploma in Microsoft Office  applications and an SVQ level 3 in Business Administration, Leah has stepped up again and now holds the position of Care Administrator.

Rest assured that here at William Simpsons, we have the right people in the right roles.

So when you hear talk within the media of the need for 'a skilled workforce', you know we've got it covered!  We've got the right support in place for our staff too, which helps to ensure they are able to deliver the very best level of care. It is this strong, dedicated and capable workforce which makes William Simpsons such an effective place of care, and it is only right that we place much importance on supporting our staff as we do for residents.

Staff Welfare

We are proud to be a 'Scottish Living Wage Employer' offering above the National Wage rates of pay for all our staff and we promote a strong, work-life balance by offering condensed hours which extends the working day to allow staff more days off at home. Full time hours can be worked over 3 or 4 days per week so you can be assured our staff teams are well rested and ready to give their best at work.

New parents benefit from above statutory requirements maternity and paternity leave and support so they can really enjoy that special time with their new arrival.

Our belief in the value of our staff is such that every staff member is provided with private health care insurance,  giving 24/7 access to (remote) GP consultations, access to private sector hospital care and generous 'Death in Service' benefit, to give peace of mind and support, should the unimaginable happen.

Raising the bar and helping to build a brighter future for social care.

Our investment goes much deeper than just finance.  Here at William Simpsons we are not only investing in the health and wellbeing of the residents in our care, we are growing a competent, committed and exceptional workforce who are collectively working alongside other similar sector leading organisations, to raise the bar of expected standards within social care.  We hope that in the years to come the term 'social care' will be synonymous with the standards we deliver here, every day within William Simpsons.