Describe your knowledge, skills, practice,
values, beliefs and career aspirations at the
start of the programme
Although I do not have a lot of knowledge in the Health and Social Care area at this point, I
have picked up some information in this area from the news and internet, as well as family
members and friends.
When reading the news online recently, I have learned that due to the growing budget cuts by
the government in the Health and Social Care department, adult social care is being put under
‘stress and strain’. Adult social care budgets have been cut by £4.6 billion in the last 5 years
according to the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. (www.bbc.co.uk 2015)
Through my own personal research I also know that because of The Data Protection Act,
certain information on service users cannot be passed on to anybody. For example, your home
address or details on your health cannot be passed on to third member parties for no reason.
They can only be transferred if it is completely safe and because it is necessary (e.g: a G.P
referring your details to a specialist doctor).
My mum was a carer up until April, and because of this I know small bits of information involved
in her job role. For example, I know that if she is attending to a service user who requires the
use of a hoist, she has to have another carer there to assist her, as hoists must be used by 2
carers in all cases. This is because it poses a danger to both the service user and the carer if
not done correctly and effectively. I also know that if a service user is not answering their door
when you ring the bell or knock, you must call the office, so they can ring a family member to
confirm if they are in or not. If they are supposed to be in, you then have to call an ambulance
in case they have had an accident and are unable to come to the door.
One skill that I possess is the ability of organisation. I think organisation is an important skill
to master because it ensures that I am always on track with my work in college, and also my
personal life. I know that by staying organised throughout the next two years in college will
ensure success in the course, because I will not be falling behind with assignments and
homework. One very simple thing I like to do to ensure that I hand in my homework and
assignments in on time, is to write what the task is and the date it is due in my diary. This way,
it is easy to see what homework and assignments have been given to me. Once I have
completed each task, I put a tick through it so I know it has been completed.
I am also able to motivate myself without the help and motivation from others around me such
as friends and family. I believe that this is because I know what my own goals are and once I
have targets in mind, it is very difficult to sway me away from getting where I want to be. This
I find particularly useful, because I don’t need to rely on anyone else to help push me along
the way as I am able to do this alone. This will help me on this course because I know that
this is a very difficult and challenging course, so it is important to keep myself motivated so I
don’t feel like giving up.
I am proud to say that I have the skill of effective listening. I think this is an important skill to
have, especially when working within Health & Social Care, because your job is all about
values, beliefs and career aspirations at the
start of the programme
Although I do not have a lot of knowledge in the Health and Social Care area at this point, I
have picked up some information in this area from the news and internet, as well as family
members and friends.
When reading the news online recently, I have learned that due to the growing budget cuts by
the government in the Health and Social Care department, adult social care is being put under
‘stress and strain’. Adult social care budgets have been cut by £4.6 billion in the last 5 years
according to the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. (www.bbc.co.uk 2015)
Through my own personal research I also know that because of The Data Protection Act,
certain information on service users cannot be passed on to anybody. For example, your home
address or details on your health cannot be passed on to third member parties for no reason.
They can only be transferred if it is completely safe and because it is necessary (e.g: a G.P
referring your details to a specialist doctor).
My mum was a carer up until April, and because of this I know small bits of information involved
in her job role. For example, I know that if she is attending to a service user who requires the
use of a hoist, she has to have another carer there to assist her, as hoists must be used by 2
carers in all cases. This is because it poses a danger to both the service user and the carer if
not done correctly and effectively. I also know that if a service user is not answering their door
when you ring the bell or knock, you must call the office, so they can ring a family member to
confirm if they are in or not. If they are supposed to be in, you then have to call an ambulance
in case they have had an accident and are unable to come to the door.
One skill that I possess is the ability of organisation. I think organisation is an important skill
to master because it ensures that I am always on track with my work in college, and also my
personal life. I know that by staying organised throughout the next two years in college will
ensure success in the course, because I will not be falling behind with assignments and
homework. One very simple thing I like to do to ensure that I hand in my homework and
assignments in on time, is to write what the task is and the date it is due in my diary. This way,
it is easy to see what homework and assignments have been given to me. Once I have
completed each task, I put a tick through it so I know it has been completed.
I am also able to motivate myself without the help and motivation from others around me such
as friends and family. I believe that this is because I know what my own goals are and once I
have targets in mind, it is very difficult to sway me away from getting where I want to be. This
I find particularly useful, because I don’t need to rely on anyone else to help push me along
the way as I am able to do this alone. This will help me on this course because I know that
this is a very difficult and challenging course, so it is important to keep myself motivated so I
don’t feel like giving up.
I am proud to say that I have the skill of effective listening. I think this is an important skill to
have, especially when working within Health & Social Care, because your job is all about
