Case Study: HRM Homecare Business Support Manager, Sandra talks about her career in Social Care.
Sandra Auld, Business Support Manager for HRM Homecare Services
“I have worked in social care for a total of 21 years, and the past seven have been with HRM Homecare Services.
“I’m proud to represent a company that provides excellent care for 680 service users. We work hard to promote independence and encourage older people, children and families, plus adults with disabilities to continue to live well at home. It is truly rewarding.
“In order to do so we need to make sure we are providing the appropriate quality of care. From December last year I began a new role within HRM Homecare where I was tasked by Managing Director Lynn Laughland to examine in detail the quality-driven procedures right across the business. This is to make sure that HRM Homecare had the highest standard of excellence that could be achieved.
“My task began before the COVID-19 pandemic hit Scotland and the UK, and has continued throughout. My remit was to examine every part of the business in fine detail, from audits to health and safety. Since then, I have overseen a complete culture change that has seen every member of staff make quality their business.
“It’s safe to say that it has been a ‘lightbulb moment’ for all departments and staff, and has helped transform the focus of the company not only on how care is delivered, but also when it comes to the importance of staff benefits and training.
“It shows how vital it is to provide the right infrastructure so people, service users and their families have the resources they needed when required. This is especially the case with regards to digital, with an example being Near Me, which is a wonderful piece of technology. Near Me allows us to act as a link between our clients and their families by speaking with them remotely. Through Near Me, they can conduct a review or simply use it as a means of communication so families are able to keep up to date with their loved ones’ care.
“I would say the highlight of my role so far has been in November last year, during the height of the pandemic, when we attained the world’s most recognised quality management standard, ISO 9001: 2015. Our staff achieved the certification after being independently verified and accredited by national accreditation body UKAS, which comes with a ‘Crown & Tick’ mark underlining the security that comes from Government-backed certification. It’s a huge boost to our credentials.
“I would encourage anyone who is considering a career in care to do so. As we go forward, companies like HRM Homecare are making sure that staff have the tools they need to provide a real difference to people’s lives when it comes to good quality care.”