Derek makes training realistic, relevant and fun
This week we hear from Derek O’Hagan, owner of The Social Care Trainer. His business trains people who work in adult social care in issues like moving and assisting and first aid.
What does your business do?
The Social Care Trainer provides those working within adult social care with the essential skills to support the most vulnerable people in our community. Training courses include Moving and Assisting, First Aid, Autism and many more demanded by regulatory bodies.
What are you most proud of when it comes to your company?
When participants on the course tell me how the training I provide has had a positive influence on their knowledge and gives them confidence that they are providing the people supported with the best possible care and support.
What do you find most enjoyable in day-to-day business life?
I enjoy meeting people. I’m very lucky that I get to spend my days with brilliant groups of people who work really hard in very challenging situations. I really enjoy the engagement and the stories that care staff tell me. It reminds me of why I love working within social care and of all the really fantastic work that goes on.
What are your ambitions for the future?
To continue to provide training and support that really makes a difference.
How has the business changed over the years?
It has changed a lot actually; it is not until I sit back and look at this to see just how much. Social care now has new standards, ‘The Health and Social Care Standards’ so I’ve adapted courses to include this. There has also been a push from SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) so I have developed a course that helps staff fully understand their responsibilities within the SSSC.
What are your top three priorities?
To provide relevant, realistic and fun training.
Can you offer three tips to new-start businesses?
Budget appropriately and consider how you spend your time; you may be better paying other people to do the things that are not your area of expertise such as accountancy or websites. Also, stick to what you believe in. Ethics and values are very important. Finally, be honest with your customers and with yourself.
Why is Renfrewshire a great place to run a business?
As a business owner I have attended lots of networking events, especially with Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce and have learnt just how much investment is going into Renfrewshire. I’m born and bred in the area, it has so much character and so many personalities and my job allows me to meet a lot of them!
Has anything weird or wonderful happened in your working life?
Weird, well yes, not that I can share those but as a trainer it is amazing some of the experiences that people share with you, usually all very funny!
What I find wonderful is just how passionate and caring people are. Health and social care gets a lot of negative press but there really is some truly amazing work and support going on out there.
What is the main thing you have learned since being involved in the business?
Moving from being an employee to being self-employed is harder than it looks.
Although I can work irregular hours and I’m very busy most of the time, being in charge and enjoying what I do is very is important to me.