Let us introduce Suzanne Hall, Lead Practitioner Learning and Development for Argyll and Bute and the Highlands.Suzanne hails from Leeds and moved to Scotland in 2009. Suzanne started out her career in social care working in community homecare. “I loved meeting people and hearing their stories and their lives never cease to amaze me.“ While she enjoyed helping others, Suzanne longed for something different, which led her to apply for the Oban Overnight Responder Service with Carr Gomm.
It’s important to me not just as a job, but as a as a legacy. I want to leave something behind for my family, for my community, and I want to be involved in that positive change.
Suzanne enjoyed the variety of working in the service and responding to emergency situations. After gaining experience with the Responders, Suzanne was eager to take on more responsibilities. In 2021 Suzanne stepped into a new role as Lead Practitioner for Oban’s Responders and Homecare Teams. Here Suzanne gained experience coordinating staff, overseeing support plans, and facilitating the smooth running of services.
When applications opened to work with the Learning and Development team piloting a new SVQ mentorship programme, Suzanne jumped at the opportunity. In her role as SVQ Mentor for Argyll and Bute and the Highlands, Suzanne liaises with local colleges and service managers in supporting support practitioners through their SVQs.
“One of my stretch strengths is I’m quite good at breaking things down for people, so simplifying things…it’s more of a friendship, support role and I think that’s worked really well for some people”.
Alongside her work as SVQ Mentor, Suzanne facilitates training for Moving Handling and Dementia Interpreter, as well as other workshops. Suzanne feels grateful to be in a position to share her knowledge and skills with the wider teams.
I think the career development programs that Carr Gomm have in place are incredible. I don’t think I would have got this opportunity with anybody else.
Suzanne’s journey in social care is a testament to her commitment to helping others, both co-workers and people we support. Her empathy and dedication to co-workers are an inspiration to us all.
Suzanne is passionate about being involved in positive change in social care, not just as a job but as a legacy for her family and community. With Carr Gomm entering its 25th year, Suzanne looks forward to promoting Carr Gomm’s community development work with the wider community.
