Elected Members have acknowledged the considerable efforts that all Social Work and Social Care staff have shown throughout the pandemic.
At their Council meeting on 22 February, they gave a special vote of thanks to staff for the commitment and dedication they have shown which has enabled critical services to continue to be delivered.
They also thanked volunteers from across the Borders who responded to a recent appeal for people to support social care services by either considering a career in social care or undertaking training as a relief support worker.
The appeal was part of a range of measures being implemented in response to the ongoing challenges being experienced across the sector, more recently as a result of the latest variant.
As well as additional offers from our own staff who have been willing to take on extra hours or be deployed, Borders College social care students and staff working for organisations within the Scottish Borders Community Planning Partnership have also come forward and undergone training.
A further show of support has come from local Trade Union representatives who helped spread the message for volunteers to come forward from within their membership. David Bell, Convener with Unite the Union himself took on additional hours at Waverley Care Home in Galashiels, having previously helped out at Saltgreens in Eyemouth.
Convener, Councillor David Parker
“Staff across all our services have worked incredibly hard over the past two years and deserve all our thanks for everything they continue to do against some pretty significant challenges.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to particularly acknowledge those working in Adult Social Work, Children and Families Social Work and Social Care services, not just in the Council but also across the Private, Third and Voluntary sectors. They truly have been tireless in their efforts to ensure our most vulnerable residents get the support they need.
“The response we’ve had to our recent appeal has been most appreciated and our thanks to go each one of the volunteers who have come forward. The additional hours taken on by David Bell, Convener with Unite the Union is just one example of those who have been willing to go above and beyond at this critical time.”
David Bell, Convener with Unite the Union
“I was only too happy to support SBC by once again going back into a care home to help support our most vulnerable citizens. As with each time I have been deployed, I have been impressed by the dedication and hard work of Social Care staff in providing a high level of care and doing everything they can to keep the residents safe. They have also made me feel very welcome and part of the team.
“I have found volunteering in Social Care throughout the pandemic to be satisfying and rewarding, as well as providing me with a sense of pride in having supported both the Council and the communities we work for in this much needed and vital field of work.”
Could you join our social care team?
We're still keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in joining our social care workforce.
A range of permanent positions are available across our homecare, residential care and learning disability day support services. Excellent terms and conditions are provided and comprehensive training is available. This includes:
- on the job training and support
- the option of gaining a professional qualification
- access to opportunities for further career advancement
Other benefits include:
- a starting salary of over £10.52 per hour
- up to 33 days annual leave
- membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- a wide-ranging staff benefits package
More information is available on our website
Relief support worker opportunities are also available for anyone looking for greater flexibility. These are paid at a starting rate of £10.52/hour with full training provided. To find out more, email: sbcaresrecruitment@scotborders.gov.uk
More information
- images are avaiable on our Flickr page, including an additional show of appreciation from residents at Deanfield care home in Hawick
- the vote of thanks was given during Convener’s Remarks at the Council meeting held on 22 February