Latest stories
My trip to 10 Downing Street
On Tuesday 23rd November, I had an unexpected invite from the Prime…
I would thoroughly recommend volunteering using the Staff Volunteer Policy
Here at Somerset County Council we’ll give you up to five days…
Please forgive the intrusion – it’s the new-found rebellious streak in me…
We spoke to Melissa Fairhurst, HR Business Partner about a subject that…
All results (16)
Tyler: Kickstart Scheme reflections
Somerset County Council have been able to over 50 job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit through the new national Kickstart Scheme. The new programme offers young people a 6 month placement, paid at national minimumRead more...
Somerset County Council have been able to over 50 job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit through the new national Kickstart Scheme. The new programme offers young people a 6 month placement, paid at national minimum wage for 25 hours a week.
Tyler’s story:
The kickstart placement I have been lucky enough to be a part of, has greatly benefitted the outlook I had on a workplace. Not only has it given me the opportunity to have a job (which I was beginning to think of as impossible after so much rejection), but it’s also given me the opportunity to enjoy what I do and develop myself in the meantime.
I began the scheme receiving universal credit while trying to find work. Due to the pandemic, it was becoming increasingly difficult (and heart breaking) just to get a rejection letter back from jobs I didn’t even like the thought of. Thanks to the support of the Job Centre, I was able to call in to the kickstart job fair and found myself putting my name forward for two exciting sounding opportunities. One of which (a water lab) I was fortunate enough to be called back by. This led to an interview. An interview that went surprisingly well considering it was my first in so long and I had little to no scientific knowledge, apart from the morsels I clung on to from physics classes at school. They invited me to start my placement 2 weeks after. I was already pleased with the success of kickstart for giving me the ability to find myself in an interview for a job I was interested in, and only within a couple weeks of the scheme being mentioned. The support offered was comforting and I was even extended optional practice interviews. All this extra help did not go unnoticed and was certainly very welcome.
Gladly, despite my natural anxiety the start of my employment went very well albeit slightly overwhelming. I was instantly welcomed and made to feel comfortable by the whole team who have been excellent in teaching me the basics with patience and at my own pace. The reason this scheme is successful, in my opinion, is the fact that it gives those who are a bit lost with their professional lives, the opportunity to be enrolled in placements they never would’ve pictured themselves working and thriving in. For me personally, I never expected to be working in a lab, with analysts wearing lab coats, learning about science daily and being excited to learn more and gain more responsibility. Whether this enthusiasm or the actual employment continues, isn’t completely relevant as I’ve already benefited by finding a new field of work to be passionate and interested in learning about.
Another benefit is the immediacy of the councils support and resources available to further progress in your workplace, external life, wellbeing and just general employability. The courses, advice and resources offered are extremely useful and if inclined to use them, makes it easier for an individual to grow.
Do you know someone who would benefit from the Kickstart Scheme?
We still have placements available, so if you know of any young people who would benefit from the scheme, please encourage them to speak to their Work Coach at their local Job Centre who will be able to give them more information about all our available placements and how to apply.
Mental Health Awareness Week – Dave Partlow’s story
Dave Partlow, Somerset County Council Adult Social Care Strategic Manager, talks about the emotional rollercoaster of working in high stress frontline jobs, how he dealt with that pressure and his introduction to the Five Ways of Wellbeing – principles ofRead more...
Dave Partlow, Somerset County Council Adult Social Care Strategic Manager, talks about the emotional rollercoaster of working in high stress frontline jobs, how he dealt with that pressure and his introduction to the Five Ways of Wellbeing – principles of support he was already unconsciously using in his life. Throughout the pandemic, Dave has supported care providers with advice and guidance, worked with Public Health colleagues on managing and supporting providers through outbreaks, supported the management and provision of PPE, supported the care sector with testing, and managed the care sector vaccination programme.
I think we can all look back over the last 18 months with a great deal of pride in all that we have achieved, but also need to reflect on the cost that has been paid by many with respect to their mental wellbeing.
It has been tough and remains so, but we have pulled together and achieved the extraordinary and that should help us better understand what we can accomplish when we work together.
When I reflect on Mental health Awareness week I look back at a fairly varied career. I spent six years in the Army – mostly in Germany, but with a tour in Sarajevo during the Balkans conflict, where we became isolated and surrounded by military forces that didn’t particularly warm to the presence of UN and UK forces. I then spent 23 years in the ambulance service experiencing many highs and lows, attending calls where I’ve delivered babies and where I’ve held the hand of someone as they have died. That exposure to significant trauma and the sheer emotional rollercoaster that is life in the emergency services has helped me appreciate the need to manage my own mental wellbeing. Seeing some friends struggle and some be totally overcome with their mental ill health has driven me in many respects to work within such a fantastic team within adult social care in Somerset, to try, as we all do, to make a difference in some small way.
For many of us during this pandemic the demand on us, as individuals and teams has increased and whilst many will be able to point to examples of positive growth through new experiences and opportunities; many will have struggled with increasing demands and fewer opportunities to deal with the emotional burdens that have been created as a result.
For me personally I particularly struggled over the Christmas and New Year period, when we experienced a large number of outbreaks in care homes struggling to deal with their individual crisis and reaching out to us for help. It was horrible, knowing what they needed and being completely powerless to provide the solution. We simply couldn’t find enough staff willing to work in our homes, and for me, wanting desperately to help but feeling completely inadequate was difficult. I know I couldn’t have done more, but that doesn’t make it any easier, and that has been the most difficult part of the pandemic for me – that inability to do what I know needs to be done.
I haven’t always known about the Five Ways to Wellbeing, but have often unconsciously sought them out as a means of bringing balance to my life. I thought I would just talk through how I have adapted them to help address periods of increased stress and strain in my own life.
Connect: Covid has shown us how important social interaction and connection is. We are mostly social animals and need to be connected with others to thrive. Throughout Covid I’ve found this difficult – I’m very lucky to have my family and have to their support, but the transition to home working and lack of external connection has been hard.
Be Active: I have always been very active, from playing multiple sports at school, life in the military, to taking up ultra-marathon running later in life. This has always provided me with an effective outlet when times are hard. I run or use a cross trainer every morning before work, and then a long run on Saturdays. I also play football and coach rugby, and I’ve always believed in the significant connection between my physical and mental wellbeing.
Take Notice: We are very lucky to live in a beautiful part of the country and have the opportunity, daily, to take notice of our surroundings and find peace within them. This has been impacted by Covid, with fewer places open for social activities, but it’s also been an opportunity to find new places off the beaten track – new walks for the dog and exploring places in my local area that I just didn’t know existed.
I also think that taking notice is about being more reflective, taking notice of how we are feeling, and giving ourselves a break once in a while. We all need to know when we need a break – when things are becoming tough and when we need to reach out for help.
Likewise, taking notice is about being aware of others – taking the time to notice when they are struggling, and being there when people need that helping hand. Sometimes it’s just taking notice – acknowledging the struggle and making it known that you are there for them should they need you. Often that is all that is needed – just to know that you are there.
Keep Learning: keeping the mind active is important, but it’s equally important to give it a break or to allow it to focus on something else. Read a book, complete a puzzle or join a family quiz. It’s important to provide time to think about something else or even sometimes to just not think, just to be immersed in an activity where time for thought is removed.
Give: giving is what we all do whilst we are at work, and for many, whilst the struggles with the pandemic have been all-consuming, there is also the very real positive impact of being involved in that struggle – of having purpose and making a difference. For me personally, the pandemic has been hard. There have been huge difficulties, but there has also been a huge response – a coming together and a real sense of success in what we’ve all achieved together.
Having a focus outside work is also important to me. I coach kids rugby and I also help run the club, arranging training sessions, organising fixtures and events and doing anything else that is needed to keep 220 kids engaged in sport. I’m also a Trustee of a Suicide Bereavement Charity called Pete’s Dragons. These outside activities help me give back to my community, and they also help me maintain my mental wellbeing – I get as much out of giving my time as the organisations get from my involvement.
It’s been a difficult year and I’m sure there will be many struggles ahead. At times it has felt overwhelming, and I have had many sleepless nights worrying about PPE or availability of testing, or outbreaks in care homes or how we are going to get social care staff vaccinated. I have felt hugely anxious at times – I have felt the stress associated with a lack of control and an inability to solve the problems that I’ve faced, but I have also been surrounded by a huge number of people who understand, and who and are there to support me when I need it.
Collaboration, hard work & team spirit – how we opened 2 new pop up care homes for Covid-19
A change of tack In Somerset, we’ve spent many years working to reduce the reliance on residential care, focusing instead on innovative domiciliary solutions. So, imagine my surprise when, in March 2020, we were tasked with getting two new ‘pop-up’ careRead more...
A change of tack
In Somerset, we’ve spent many years working to reduce the reliance on residential care, focusing instead on innovative domiciliary solutions. So, imagine my surprise when, in March 2020, we were tasked with getting two new ‘pop-up’ care homes up and running to support the COVID-19 response.
With around 400 bed vacancies in the county, my initial response was ‘Why are we doing this?’ However, it became clear we needed to support our existing providers by having somewhere for those who had tested positive to isolate safely. Making this provision would help protect our existing care home residents and maintain infection control.
Wind forward a couple of months, and we had two fully renovated former care homes, fully staffed and CQC registered. Thankfully, we only ever needed to open one, but we should not underestimate the achievement of getting both functional in record time.
During this period, many local health and care systems survived almost entirely on good will, collaboration and a ‘can-do’ attitude. Somerset was no different.
Overcoming challenges with collaboration
Whilst we succeeded, we also highlighted some of the challenges of a previously fragmented system. There was no lack of willingness – our acute and community trust colleagues were quick to offer staff support. However, trying to resolve issues with insurance terms and conditions proved a difficult obstacle to overcome.
Somerset County Council had no active CQC registration, which meant it would have been unable to register the home or appoint the registered manager. Thankfully, a registered provider in Somerset Care stepped up to take on the registration.
I am confident we will see great changes and, although there have been may challenges, there have also been moments of hope.
For example, we know that in normal circumstances, recruitment is a struggle for our social care providers. Yet the ‘pop-up’ facility was overwhelmed with applications.
Council staff, CHC Nurses, and acute staff were redeployed and joined by paid volunteers from our local communities. Some members of this latter group have chosen to stay in care and are now employed elsewhere by care agencies.
People across the system have begun to understand not only the role but also the value of social care. They understand that social care provision is as important as that of local NHS services. Partnerships in Somerset were good prior to this but now they are even wider and more developed. #TeamSomerset became – and continues to be – a mantra.
Lessons learned
During this time, I’ve been reminded of a few key ingredients for successful collaboration that I described at NHS Expo a couple of years ago, these being; identifying key joint drivers, a bespoke approach to training, joint decision making and, of course, constructive challenge.
I am very proud of what we have achieved in Somerset. This work has reaffirmed my view that when we treat people as individuals and put their needs first, effective systems of support can follow. Integration is a much-used phrase, but the form or structure is not so important: it’s the outcomes that matter.
It is looking likely that in Somerset, we will be using a hybrid health model for our designated place (community hospital or similar) as we have a better handle this time around on capacity and ability to deliver services, with the correct medical cover and follow on market provider support.
Although we were ultimately successful in our objectives, what seemed clear to me throughout this process was that a lack of understanding about the challenges of running care homes still persists in the wider health and care sector.
Originally produced for Department of Health and Social Care
Chloe Latham
“Having the opportunity to be a part of someone’s special day is a wonderful experience” Are you a people person with tip top public speaking skills? Then you might be interested in joining us as a Ceremony Officer. WeRead more...
“Having the opportunity to be a part of someone’s special day is a wonderful experience”
Are you a people person with tip top public speaking skills? Then you might be interested in joining us as a Ceremony Officer. We spoke to Chloe, who works in our Bridgwater team to get the full lowdown on the role.
So, what does a Ceremony Officer do?
You’ll travel to a number of beautiful and historic licenced venues, including a number owned and operated by Somerset County Council, to conduct ceremonies. You’ll be assigned one of two roles, which you’ll be trained up individually for – speaking (Deputy Superintendent Registrar) and writing (Deputy Registrar). Both are equally important, and each role supports the other in making sure you are giving the couple the best experience on their special day.
Talk us through a Ceremony
Firstly, you’ll contact the colleague you will be working with, to decide who will be taking on which role for the ceremony. If you’re writing, you’ll travel to your office base and prepare the documents required including the authorities and notices of marriage, and check they are valid, prepare the certificate of marriage and collect the register – the ceremony can’t go ahead without these documents! If you’re speaking, you will prepare your script for the ceremony with the correct location, names and choices of vows.
You’re needed at the venue before the ceremony to interview the bride and groom. If you’re writing, you’ll go through the information the couple gave at the time of notice to make sure it is all up to date and spelt correctly. And if you are speaking, you’ll talk the couple through their wedding and generally reassure them.
During the ceremony, it is the responsibility of both Ceremony Officers to make sure the couple are saying their chosen vows correctly and clearly. Only after they have said the vows can the colleague writing begin to fill out the register, creating the written legal document. The married couple and witnesses, and both Ceremony Officers will sign the register. The certificate is then filled out with the printed signatures, and handed over to the bride – as traditionally this is her legal property.
After the ceremony concludes, you will travel back to the office and enter the details into our online system.
And what attributes do you need to be a Ceremony Officer?
You’ll need be personable and create an atmosphere that makes the bride, groom and others who will be part of the ceremony feel comfortable. You’ll also need to be adaptive and present a face of certainty and calm in case things don’t go according to plan!
Legible handwriting and accurate spelling are required for writing certificates and the register. And a clear speaking voice and ability to feel comfortable speaking to large groups is needed for conducting our wedding ceremonies.
A lot of the work is computer based, as our preparations for weddings are completed through Outlook, SharePoint, Word and Excel, so a basic understanding of Office applications is needed.
The best part of your job?
Having the opportunity to be a part of someone’s important day is a wonderful experience! The role allows you to work closely with people and build positive relationships with venues. If you enjoy public speaking but can follow a script, conducting weddings gives you the opportunity to be a part of something that will be remembered. If you enjoy the responsibility of creating documents and your handwriting is fluid and clear, you can create certificates that can solidify the marital bonds between new couples.
Interested in applying for one of our Ceremony Officer roles? Take a look at our current vacancies here: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/job-search/job/?jobId=1764
Shakira James
‘If you enjoy a varied role that takes in a diverse range of customer requirements, it’s definitely worth applying, just don't forget your pen!’ Ever wondered what it’s like to be a Registration Officer? We spoke to Shakira, who’s been withRead more...
‘If you enjoy a varied role that takes in a diverse range of customer requirements, it’s definitely worth applying, just don’t forget your pen!’
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a Registration Officer? We spoke to Shakira, who’s been with the service for 10 years to learn more..
Tell us about your role
A typical day can have you taking a notice of marriage, registering numerous babies, helping someone along the bereavement journey by registering a loved one’s death, all whilst fielding emails and queries with sometimes a ceremony popped in for good measure!
I think people often assume we marry people all day, but our role is much more varied than that! We deal with sensitive legal paperwork and are highly accountable for our own workload and actions, it is a very in-depth role and there is always something new to learn. You also need to have a good grip on IT, as we use a lot of systems for our registration work.
What might surprise people?
We still write with a fountain pen (we have special ink!).
How has the role changed to meet Covid requirements?
More than we could imagine at the beginning of the year, most of what we do is similar to when we started in 1837, but 2020 has really changed that!
Our appointments are usually face to face and can take some time, but with the legislative changes brought about by the pandemic we have adapted our processes to allow death registrations to take place over the telephone, and made our buildings and procedures Covid secure for when people attend appointments and ceremonies.
Our days are less varied as we are focusing on the Birth and Death elements of the role and we have all become very adept at using Teams! Although it is frustrating that we can’t always work exactly as we have done, we are grateful that the law allows us to continue with our roles and provide the service we care about.
What opportunities have you had?
I have recently joined the Registrar General’s nationally accredited programme for Registration Officers, which is a big undertaking, but with the support of managers and colleagues it helps me gain a much better understanding of the service and technical aspects of the role.
What would you say to someone thinking of applying?
You’ll need to be organised, accurate and good under pressure, all whilst providing a respectful and professional service to the customer.
It’s a really rewarding role and I work with a great team who are all focused on providing a good service and a happy place to work, but we are busy, and you must think on your feet and be adaptable when the pressure is on. Working together goes without saying but days can be solitary when you have a full diary so there’s little time for small talk! There’s always weekend work, so make sure that works for you, as it’s key to the role.
If you enjoy a varied, responsible role that takes in a diverse range of customer requirements, coupled with a lot of team camaraderie then it’s definitely worth applying, just don’t forget your pen!
Interested in applying for one of our Registration Officer roles? Take a look at our current vacancies here: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/job-search/job/?jobId=1763
Mollie Puttock-Jones
My redeployment experience during Covid-19 Throughout Covid-19 our fantastic staff have been taking on new roles to support Somerset’s coronavirus response. We spoke to Mollie to find out about her experience Tell us about the role you wereRead more...
My redeployment experience during Covid-19
Throughout Covid-19 our fantastic staff have been taking on new roles to support Somerset’s coronavirus response. We spoke to Mollie to find out about her experience
Tell us about the role you were redeployed into
During the Covid-19 lockdown I was redeployed into the PPE Warehouse Team where I worked part time from April until August. I was involved in a variety of tasks from picking and packing orders for delivery to schools and care providers, to splitting stock (boxes of 1000 aprons aren’t necessary for small care providers), to stock takes and local deliveries. I was keen to be redeployed, particularly within the PPE Warehouse as my previous career was in Retail Management so I am well versed in physical work and stocktaking.
How did you balance this with your day job?
I’m a Project Support Officer within Support Services for Education (SSE). This means that I support projects and lead on recruitment and HR related matters for staff within the service. Both my usual team and the PPE Warehouse team made it easy for me to be redeployed by agreeing for me to work part time in both roles, it meant that work didn’t pile up in either role and gave me a good balance of working from home and in the warehouse.
How was your redeployment experience?
From a personal viewpoint I wanted to be able to help! It was also an opportunity to get out of the house and socialise whilst working during lockdown which was really beneficial for my mental health. I have had the opportunity to get to know colleagues from within teams across SCC (Libraries, Property, IT, Road Safety, Land Surveying, Facilities Management) that I never otherwise would have met which I feel added to the camaraderie and morale of our working environment but has also been useful in terms of working across teams and being less siloed in my approach now that I have returned to my usual role.
The work itself within the PPE Warehouse was largely repetitive (I never want to fold another apron!) but the knowledge that we were helping those carers on the front line made 8 hours of packing boxes worthwhile.
Anything you would say to someone thinking of working for SCC?
Having moved from the private to the public sector a few years ago I can honestly say that the opportunities I have been given during this difficult time and the consideration for my health is unlike anything I would have received in my previous roles. Somerset County Council has offered so many opportunities for employees to be able to balance their lifestyles during this time it has been remarkable, from paid leave for those with caring responsibilities to opportunities for redeployment and availability of equipment to enable homeworking.
The ongoing Senior Leadership Team Q&A meetings run by Pat Flaherty are well received and personally due to these I feel more up to date with all things relating to the council now than before the pandemic.
Mollie Puttock-Jones, Project Support Officer, Support Services for Education
Ramona Budisan
“There’s nothing more fulfilling than helping and empowering people to make a positive difference in their lives.” Our Adult Social Care service now offer a return to practice programme for Social Workers and Occupational Therapists. We caught up withRead more...
“There’s nothing more fulfilling than helping and empowering people to make a positive difference in their lives.”
Our Adult Social Care service now offer a return to practice programme for Social Workers and Occupational Therapists. We caught up with Ramona Budisan, Social Worker in our Sedgemoor and West Somerset team, to hear about her return to practice journey.
Why did you decide you wanted to return to practice?
I think there’s nothing more fulfilling than helping and empowering people to make a positive difference in their lives. I was born in Romania, where I qualified as a Social Worker in 2008. I came to the UK at the end of 2014 to visit friends who lived in Somerset. I fell in love with the country and decided to move here. It’s been a challenging time for me due to my limited English. Working as a Social Worker in the UK seemed an impossible dream but my passion and determination proved more powerful.
Outline the structure you followed to allow you to become familiar with practice again?
Before working for Somerset County Council, I undertook the ‘updating’ required by HCPC. This involved studying at Bridgwater and Taunton College and reading case studies, legislation, research and articles about social work. I volunteered for Somerset You Can Do Services and Route1 Advocacy & Independent Visitors, which helped me understand the boundaries and the legislation we work with. I then applied for my Social Work registration with HCPC, which I successfully obtained in January 2017.
Prior to starting my journey with Somerset County Council, I worked in Adult Social Care for a few private companies. The knowledge and experience I gained helped me to work my way up and gave me the confidence to apply for a position at Somerset County Council. I completed a six-month programme where I was able to demonstrate my aptitude for working within The Professional Capabilities Framework, which enabled me to apply for a Social Worker position. I was successful at my interview and, in December 2018, was offered a Social Worker role.
How did your team and manager support you through your journey?
I joined The Sedgemoor and West Somerset Team in June 2018 and I feel blessed for being part of a supportive and caring team. I remember my first days in the office, shadowing my colleagues whilst trying to find my place. Questions like: “What are you doing here, Ramona? Do you know what you’re getting into?” bounced in my head with the thought that I will never be able to do such a “challenging job”. As the days passed, everything became clearer and more meaningful.
I don’t have enough words to describe my team. They’re always there when I needed them. I want to say a big “thank you!” to my supervisor, a special person who believed in me and contributed to my progress and development. The rest of the team have always helped me through challenging situations in my work life.
Somerset County Council promotes and encourages regular supervision, which is extremely beneficial. However, what I love the most is that you feel supported in “rough times”. In lunch breaks and in between the phone calls or typing, you have someone to advise you, provide reassurance when you feel vulnerable, or praise your work. It makes a HUGE difference.
Finally, any advice to for anyone thinking of applying for the return to work programme?
Go for it. It’s the greatest emotional reward you can get! It gives you the opportunity to make positive changes and discover your strengths and weaknesses. It will teach you how to cope in stressful situations, whilst building up your confidence. Although you won’t always be appreciated, you will be the person who made a positive difference to someone’s life, helped them to reach their goals, and ensured their safety and wellbeing.
Ramona Budisan, Social Worker
Steve Marsh
“I really enjoy getting my hands on new applications so I can explore how they work.” Did you know we have technology champions across Somerset County Council? We have a chat with one of our Tech Champs, Steve Marsh,Read more...
“I really enjoy getting my hands on new applications so I can explore how they work.”
Did you know we have technology champions across Somerset County Council? We have a chat with one of our Tech Champs, Steve Marsh, to find out more!
Firstly, what exactly is a Tech Champ?
It’s a member of staff who volunteers to be a local point of support in their team. We test drive new tech and explore how it can help our team and the wider organisation. We work as a community with other Tech Champs to share best practice.
What do you enjoy about it?
Getting my hands on new applications first so I can explore how they work and what their benefits are! Also, empowering staff to use the applications, ensuring they get the most out of it, and finding smarter, more collaborative ways of working.
Tell us a bit about the new technology Somerset County Council is introducing and its benefits?
We’ve recently gone through a massive Digital Transformation, which introduced Windows 10 and Office 365 to our devices. Office 365 in conjunction with SharePoint Online has allowed more collaborative ways of working, flexibility for remote working and more of our meetings are being done virtually!
How does it fit around your role?
We’re encouraged to spend roughly 10% of our time dedicated to being a Technology Champion. I spilt my time between this and the Improving Lives Programme, and my manager’s support has been vital in helping me fulfil both roles. It’s aided my own development and given me a new outlook on how to approach my role.
Steve Marsh, Technology Champion
Niki Shaw
“If technology can work 5 miles away, why not 500?” Niki is a great example of what is possible. Here, she shares her story of how she was able to relocate to Scotland but remain in a role sheRead more...
“If technology can work 5 miles away, why not 500?”
Niki is a great example of what is possible. Here, she shares her story of how she was able to relocate to Scotland but remain in a role she loves.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I moved to Scotland in December 2018 and now divide my time each month between there and Somerset. The flexible working arrangement meant I was able to keep my job, a role I love, with Somerset County Council. I’m sharing my story of how we made it work thanks to technology, fortnightly return visits & very forward-thinking leadership.
Having graduated with a BA Hons History Degree, I was accepted onto Somerset County Council’s Graduate Development Scheme in 2008. I worked my way up through the organisation, initially employed within children’s services, and now work as a Strategic Manager within Adult Services, responsible for Quality & Performance.
Previously, I always worked 9 to 5 from a central office base. In the autumn of 2018, following my husband securing a new role on the west coast of Scotland, I applied for a flexible working arrangement, which was approved. I was keen to find a way to maintain continuity for both my staff and I and stay in a job I love.
What works well?
The support and trust shown by my Director, peers and colleagues was fantastic. Initially, we set a short-term trial period to test the suitability and effectiveness of the new arrangements and had more frequent catch ups during this transition period.
Key to the success was having a shared commitment to making it work, the right technology, planning and scheduling to reflect the demands of the job, and encouraging and being receptive to feedback. I do feel that I am more effective as fewer distractions and interruptions mean I am able to progress work more efficiently.
What are the challenges?
It can feel isolating not having colleagues physically around during the day. And dividing my time between Scotland and Somerset means I am living away from home regularly each month.
There remains some stigma attached to home-working, although this is improving; similarly, it is not always feasible or practical for everyone and needs to be balanced with organisational needs.
What are your top tips for remote working?
- Be open-minded. The way we work is changing and can change.
- Attend your office base, when you can, to benefit from the aspects you miss while you’re away and to maintain a physical presence.
- Although never flattering, do embrace the video function on Skype. It’s much more inclusive and engaging to see people and be seen.
- Be disciplined and set boundaries: I’ve found it really helpful to maintain a clear routine to my day, so I still get up at the same time as I would have done previously and I continue to dress professionally to receive video calls. It helps to feel in ‘work mode’ and have a structure when working from home but is also important to ‘shut the door’ on a day’s work, even when technology allows you to be accessible 24/7.
I really hope this blog has helped people reflect on the art of the possible.
Niki Shaw
Catherine O’Donnell
“It’s not always an easy role, but I still find it immensely rewarding.” My name is Catherine O’Donnell, and I am one of five Housing Occupational Therapists working across Somerset. I qualified in my early 30s and had myRead more...
“It’s not always an easy role, but I still find it immensely rewarding.”
My name is Catherine O’Donnell, and I am one of five Housing Occupational Therapists working across Somerset. I qualified in my early 30s and had my son just as I graduated so was really grateful to Somerset County Council for taking me on part-time as a newly qualified Occupational Therapist eight months later!
A secondment opportunity came up seven years ago to work as a Housing Occupational Therapist, and I jumped at it as I had always had an interest and passion for the housing side of the job. I previously covered the South Somerset area for five years and now cover closer to home in Taunton and West Somerset.
Housing Occupational Therapists work in partnership across housing and Adult Social Care, which makes the job varied and challenging. We largely take on complex housing adaptations and cases where alternative housing is the only option supporting people through these transitions.
What makes working in this area special?
The best part of my role is the variety and the large amounts of people contact. I firmly believe housing has a vital part to play in enabling people to maximise their function and live a fulfilled life – being a small part of helping them achieve this is special to me.
What is the most challenging part of your role?
The role is not without conflict. Sometimes, it’s challenging housing policies that don’t help clients progress, and sometimes, like my example day, it’s communicating difficult decisions and compromise positions to service users who have already made more compromises than most in their lives. It’s not always an easy role, but I still find it immensely rewarding.
What is your advice to those thinking of applying?
You’ll need detailed knowledge of housing legislation, Disabled Facilities Grants and, vitally, complex adaptation work. Great communication skills are key when working with such a wide range of people and organisations. The role is varied and challenging and requires someone with drive and passion.
Catherine O’Donnell, Housing Occupational Therapists
If you want to join Catherine, take a look at our current Occupational Therapy roles in Housing or contact Paulette Baker, our Principal Occupational Therapist on 07976 693 739.
A day in the life of an Occupational Therapist
A day in the life of a Housing Occupational Therapist in Adult Social Care
My name is Catherine O’Donnell, and I am one of five Housing Occupational Therapists working across Somerset. Let me take you through a typical day:
8.30am:
A day in the life of a Housing Occupational Therapist in Adult Social Care
My name is Catherine O’Donnell, and I am one of five Housing Occupational Therapists working across Somerset. Let me take you through a typical day:
8.30am: Start working at home. Phone call from service user who has bid on properties and is facing eviction, so rather fraught. Look on Homefinder Somerset to see that they are top of the shortlist. Difficult as I don’t control the list, but, having developed a relationship with the service user, I see it as my job to try and navigate them through the process Sometimes, that’s just being a listening ear. Promise to phone housing association to check progress.
9.00am: Familiarise myself with government policy document on Housing for Older and Disabled People ahead of a meeting with the Council’s new enabling team later in the week. Hoping to try and push the case for creative approaches for some of my families whose housing is inadequate but for whom Homefinder Somerset (Choice Based Lettings) traditionally does not have the right accommodation. All Housing Occupational Therapists keep a register of involvements to evidence these needs, which has become essential with changes to building regulations.
9.35am: Try and reach Housing Association – leave a message. Quick bit of paperwork, including a summary letter to a client where the Disabled Facilities Grant has had to change and compromises have been made – not an easy letter, but essential to be clear about what can still be offered. Also include information on signposting to local hydrotherapy pool, as we could not meet the need for a bath and wet room in the home and this might be something the family want to explore privately.
10.00am: Demonstration at Somerset Independence Plus of the new Gerberit toilet. A chance to gain more knowledge of products and discuss a couple of cases with the Rep. Thinking of how the new Bluetooth voice activation might help a new spinal injury case I have just picked up – if such equipment is appropriate — as very little hand function.
11.15am: Quick case discussion with Grants colleagues to get advice on a complex extension where family want to help with the build. This is new territory for me, so I want to get some more facts before meeting the family and raising any expectations.
12.00pm: Work from home. Paperwork and emails, including advice to rehabilitation team and housing colleagues on how to progress their cases.
2.00pm: Joint visit with Housing Officer, as my case looks on paper like it might result in a conversation around rehousing – the property is under-occupied and landlord is unlikely to agree to major adaptations. However, in reality the adaptations are minor so achievable by another route. I drive away relieved that better function can be achieved without putting the family through greater upheaval.
2.45pm: Phone service user to ask if I can pop in and make a couple of calls/answer emails in the car before visiting.
3.00pm: Visit service user and explain why we are unable to proceed with a Disabled Facilities Grant in this instance, following a feasibility visit last week with stairlift company and technical officer. Service user is understandably frustrated at the thought of a move. Discussed this at some length. Leave with a list of actions to follow-up on to support moving this case forwards. My initial thoughts on the home had always been a move, but it has taken a great deal of time to get to this point of decision and acceptance for the service user. Feels a difficult outcome, as rehousing will not be quick either.
3.45pm: Back into the main office for the first time today. A couple of colleagues need to talk through complex cases, including an update on one for my meeting with the Enabling team, so this is helpful information.
4.10pm: Read through cases ahead of Extra Care Housing conference call I’m chairing tomorrow morning. Also get back to a Social Work colleague with advice on whether it is suitable to progress a particular applicant. Read through allocation cases for Disabled Facilities Grant meeting tomorrow, so that I have a clear idea of priority and can advocate for allocation if there is a waiting list. Last minute email to Housing Occupational Therapist colleague who is co-chairing the meeting to share my thoughts.
Catherine O’Donnell, Housing Occupational Therapists
If you want to join Catherine, take a look at our current Occupational Therapy roles in Housing or contact Paulette Baker, our Principal Occupational Therapist on 07976 693 739.
Angela Higgs
“We’re helping our council colleagues to lead happy, healthy lives.” Here at Somerset County Council we have a number of Working Well Champions across the organisation. We spoke to Angela Higgs to find out more. What does a Working WellRead more...
“We’re helping our council colleagues to lead happy, healthy lives.”
Here at Somerset County Council we have a number of Working Well Champions across the organisation. We spoke to Angela Higgs to find out more.
What does a Working Well Champion do?
My role is to promote events within my team and the wider council, and champion ways of working which enable staff to thrive and not just survive. We encourage everyone to feel able to talk about their challenges, while signposting them to resources like our Working Well SharePoint site.
Anyone with an interest in helping their colleagues to lead happy, healthy lives, be it simple signposting or by running events, is welcome to join the Champions Network. I have been a Champion for the last 4 years and would highly recommend it.
What do you enjoy about it?
I enjoy collaborating with my fellow Working Well Champions to raise the profile of health and wellbeing, particularly mental wellbeing. Meeting with colleagues you would not otherwise have met through your ‘day job’ really broadens your mind. I would like to think that colleagues feel that the articles I share and the Mindfulness sessions I provide help them to take a Mindful pause for reflection during their busy working days – preventing stress from taking a hold and empowering people to talk through their challenges.
How does it fit around your role?
I am a Part Time Senior Business Support Officer working 16 hours a week. I am granted 4 hours a month by my line manager to dedicate to my Working Well Champion role. As Network meetings are quarterly and events are shared among Champions, it fits around the time I have available quite well.
Tell us about the events and initiatives that are organised?
We organise a variety of events across the year to encourage both mental and physical health strategies. Recently, I championed Time to Talk Day, a campaign by Time to Change to encourage everyone to have conversations about mental health. As an organisation, we have multiple avenues for colleagues to open up and take the first step and, on this day, we promoted all of the great services out there.
Angela Higgs, Working Well Champion
Abigail Bonning
The calls are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get!” Abigail, our Customer Service Specialist, tells us what she loves about her job and the development she’s had in the team. Tell me aRead more...
The calls are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get!”
Abigail, our Customer Service Specialist, tells us what she loves about her job and the development she’s had in the team.
Tell me a bit about your role?
I work in the award-winning Contact Centre, which is the main contact centre for Somerset County Council; the team take calls for Adults’, Children’s and general SCC services. I work within the Children’s team, so we take any calls for queries about Children Services. This includes: Children Social Care, SEND and entitlement enquiries, just to name a few! My main role within the team is taking phone calls for members of public and professionals. Our main aim is to help and resolve problems at the front door but also provide great customer service.
What career progression have you had with Somerset County Council?
I started at the Contact Centre 15 months ago as an apprentice in the administration team at the Contact Centre. My apprenticeship was for a year and I gained a qualification in Business Administration Level 2. By doing my apprenticeship, it gave me the knowledge and the skills to progress through the team and my Somerset County Council journey. This August, I have taken a step up in the team and am now working as a customer service specialist, which has been a great opportunity for me to progress.
Tell me about your team?
The Children’s Team is an amazing team to work in. The whole team work together and support each other with any challenges that anyone may have. No one is left out and we all get on as friends as well as work colleagues, which makes it a good environment to work in.
Favourite thing about your job?
This role has many different challenges that we face along the way. However, my favourite thing about this job is the variety of calls – no two days are the same and it keeps me focussed. The calls are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get!
Abigail Bonning, Customer Service Specialist
Don’t see the position you’re looking for?
Sign up for our job alerts, and be the first to know when a new vacancy is live!
