Aspire workers respectfully listen to the experiences and views of each individual they support.
Our Staff do not judge people. Through acceptance of the individual and protection of that person’s dignity build trusting relationships with them.
By working in partnership with individuals the staff can help them gain skills and confidence to lead self-directed lives as far as possible and achieve the goals identified by themselves.
Individuals are supported to develop emotional, practical and social skills which will equip them to have a voice and be in control of their own choices and decision-making.
Our Staff share their knowledge and expertise to ensure individuals are aware of services and activities available and how to best access these and will also assist individuals to research specific information in response to individual needs and aspirations. Staff have a duty of care to maintain an individual’s safety and well-being.
Staff avoid situations where too much support leads to interference in the lives of individuals or creates inappropriate dependencies. Moreover, we intervene only when an individual’s actions are illegal or involve harm to themselves or others, and / or if the person is not fully aware of harmful consequences.
See following pages for induction, continuous professional development, staff support, appraisal and recruitment.
Induction and Training
Our staff receive induction and ongoing training which cover the values and skills required to meet individual, service and organisational expectations and also enhances individual staff Members’ knowledge, capabilities and confidence.
Continuous Professional Development
At Aspire we recognise that staff require ongoing learning and development opportunities in order to further develop existing and new knowledge and skills. We believe that continuous development is of paramount importance and have therefore developed a range of opportunities which build on induction.
All learning and development opportunities are designed to complement and prepare staff for SVQ qualifications. After successful completion of induction and satisfactory performance in our employment, staff are eligible for access to SVQ places, which we source from an accredited SQA centre.
Staff support and development
Aspire ensures that each Member of staff receives regular supervision from their line manager in which they have the opportunity to acknowledge achievements, identify any problems or challenges, plan action together and improve motivation for improved individual and team performance.
See following pages for appraisal and recruitment.
Appraisals.
Staff participate in an initial 6 month appraisal followed by annual appraisals with their line manager. The aim of appraisal is to help maintain and improve individual job performance, realise staff potential and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation.
Within the appraisal the staff Member and manager will assess past performance, establish current performance and set objectives to maintain and improve future performance. Staff are supported and encouraged to participate in a range of activities and learning opportunities which will assist their ongoing development.
Recruitment
While Aspire recruits employees with broad life experience and a range of practical skills and qualifications, fundamentally staff must also demonstrate the necessary values, commitment and skills as well as the right attitudes and a balanced common-sense approach to life.
We follow strict vetting procedures, undertaking Enhanced Disclosures as well as obtaining at least two references.
Where appropriate we cross-reference potential employees against the Scottish Social Services Council register.
Aspire received positive feedback when the Care Commission undertook a nation-wide audit of recruitment procedures. The Care Commission was set up in 2002 to regulate all adult, child and independent sector healthcare services in Scotland. For more information see the Recruitment page.
