Learning Disability Network London has hired eight quality checkers who recently started in their roles.
The quality checkers are people with learning disabilities who review our services and check how well we are supporting people.
The quality checkers are Antonia, John, Mary, Maz, Michaela, Mo, Tikara and Troy. They are paid employees of our Quality Team.
They visit places where we give support and talk to the people who live there, as well as staff.
They give LDN London feedback and tell us how we can improve – including talking directly to our Board of Trustees.
They completed a a week of training for the role last year.
Five of the quality checkers, Mary, Mo, Maz, John and Tikara told us about their experience so far and why the role is important:
“I was told by my staff that there was a job available being a quality checker, I was really excited to apply.
First I came to Croxley Road for an interview.
We were given information about the job and asked to think about why we would be good at it.
Then I had an interview with Helen. She asked why I wanted the job, I said I want everyone to be happy where they live and that means getting the best support.
I was overjoyed when I got the letter to say I’d got the job. I said, ‘oh my God, are you serious’.
I am so happy that I am going to be making a difference to other people’s lives.”
“I care about people, I understand how people feel when they have no one else to talk to.
Some people if they have a problem they keep it to themselves because they don’t want to get their support worker or their mum and dad or anyone into trouble.
I’ve found it hard to trust people so I know you have to give people time to talk if they have a problem.
You need to look at the staff people are talking to, analyse how they interact, their body language can tell you a lot about a person. Their facial expression can tell you everything.
Even if someone is saying they are ok, you need to look at how they are saying it. They don’t need to say it out loud, you can sometimes tell there is a problem.”
“I am a bit shy sometimes. I needed encouragement to apply for the job and go to the training but I’m glad that I did.
Doing the training has helped with my confidence, I didn’t think I would be able to speak in front of a group.
I am going to push myself to get over my shyness. I’m proud to be a quality checker.”
“It is really important that people with disabilities have their say.
We are the best people to ask about support.
People we visit might be more likely to tell me the truth rather than saying what they think their support workers want to hear.
Having a learning disability doesn’t stop us having a job. I hope that seeing me do my job might encourage other people with disabilities to believe that their voice matters.”
“Good support means listening to people and respecting their views and opinions. We are all different and have different opinions on what we want.
People must be able to make their own choices and decisions but might need support to help them like a family member or advocate.
The quality checkers will find out if people are able to enjoy the things they want in life.”
