People who are supported by social care workers, and their carers, are entitled to high quality services. The care should be provided by suitably trained staff, who will treat people with dignity and respect. The Social Care CouncilParticipation Partnership involves service users and carers in our work to help raise standards in social care workers’ skills, knowledge and behaviour.
The Partnership’s responsibilities are to influence, advise and challenge the Council and to develop principles and standards to encourage the development of best practice in participation working.
Influencing-the work of the Social Care Council in regulating the social care workforce in its aim to protect the public. The group provides comments on issues relevant to our work, that they are aware of from their own networks that need further exploration. They also have a role in influencing the culture of user/carer engagement within the organisation and in further mainstreaming an ethos of user/carer engagement within the organisation.
Advising- us on how, and who to engage with, when carrying out their work. The Group can be used as a ‘sounding board’ on appropriateness of content, project design, messages or methods of communication with users and carers.
Members are service users and carers from a range of backgrounds and experiences. They meet every 2 – 3 months and play a key role in the council's business activities.
Membership of the group is voluntary and time commitments can vary according to the projects requiring their input. The Partnership also meets with user/carer groups and networks around Northern Ireland to share information about the Social Care Council and to encourage more users and carers to contribute to our projects and consultations when needed.
Brenda Maitland - Council Member chairs the partnership; supported by Declan McAllister (our Director of Registration and Corporate Services) and Social Care Council Professional Adviser – Brenda Horgan.