Career Development

Yvonne Kelly - Culture Lead

I started with Cornerstone in October 2003 as a Community Carer (equivalent to a Support Practitioner). I worked in the Glasgow Community Support service, and I loved it. I got to support so many different, interesting people. I learned so much from the people I supported and their family members such as the problems with the social care system, what it’s like living with physical and mental health conditions and disabilities, and what a difference even a small amount of support can make. When I mentioned to my line manager that I was considering taking the step up, they were supportive, encouraging me to apply for a vacant Assistant Manager role (equivalent to Lead Practitioner), and since then I’ve continued to seek out roles that interested me (and I thought I could do well!).

Before Cornerstone I worked in retail and went to university. For a very small period of time, I worked as a cleaner (as I could do this around my uni hours).

Throughout my career with Cornerstone, I have had the opportunity to do qualifications in at SVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care and level 4 in Management. I also achieved a Masters in Dementia Studies which was part funded by Cornerstone alongside a grant which my line manager helped me to apply for, and I funded the rest as it was an area, I had a keen interest in. I could not have gained this qualification without the support of my line manager who enabled me to work flexibly so that I could attend induction days and complete assigned work.

I love the people who make Cornerstone – the people we support and the colleagues who work here. There’s a real sense of family within Cornerstone and I have always felt listened to, valued and supported. Every day I work beside talented, devoted and conscientious colleagues who challenge me to keep learning and improving.

Working at Cornerstone is diverse, sometimes challenging, and always rewarding.

Zoe Clarke - Recruitment Administrator

After working as a Support Practitioner at Cornerstone for 5 years I joined the recruitment team as a Recruitment Administrator, it’s something I’ve always been interested in. It’s a different way of helping people. Supporting new colleagues on-boarding into their new roles.

My previous experience working a Support Practitioner means I can provide a lot of insight into the role for new candidates.

With new candidates coming through I can tell them that I’ve done their job before and there are going to be times that are difficult but it’s so rewarding.

You always want to make sure the people you support are living their best lives. Taking someone to the shops may seem minor to you but that person’s been able to go out and see people and do something they love with someone they feel comfortable with – that’s a huge thing for them.

I could never properly leave care but I’m enjoying bringing other people into that aspect of it. Meeting the candidates and thinking ‘you’ll be brilliant, and our team will be lucky to have you.’

My favourite part of being a Recruitment Administrator is getting to meet all the candidates and follow them on their journey through the process, I always let them know that if there’s anything at all that you’ve got my number and email there’s no silly questions, I’m here to help.

I’ve been in my role for over a year, but it feels like I’ve always been part of the Recruitment team. The whole team has been great and so supportive. Starting a new job can be quite scary but I’m enjoying it and I’m so glad I went for this role. I can progress from here too – I can move forward and branch out.

Chris McLean - Service Lead

I started at Cornerstone in 2011 as a Cafe Assistant in Irvine on a 6-month contract through an employability programme at the Job Centre before moving to Glasgow to attend University. My Branch Leader in Ayrshire mentioned about relief opportunities in Glasgow that would give me the flexibility I needed for my studies, so I applied and became a Support Practitioner. After a year and a half, I had to leave and look after my Grandpa who needed additional support but returned to Cornerstone 6-months later as part-time Support Practitioner alongside my course.

Once my course was complete, I became a full time Support Practitioner with my contract split across Community Support and Community Justice giving me the opportunity to develop new skills and widen my understanding of what Social Care can provide. During this time, Cornerstone Training Academy supported me through my SVQ level 3.

In 2017 I was promoted to Lead Practitioner in Community Support and a Children's Support Project called 'Growing Together'. These roles helped me develop skills such as report writing, bringing on-board new services and rota management, which I really enjoyed. After two years as a Lead Practitioner, I had the opportunity to step up to Service Lead covering Community based services across Glasgow and East Dunbartonshire. Cornerstone supported me through my SVQ level 4 and additional qualifications required to help me in my new role. There are so many opportunities within my role which gives me the variety I enjoy while still having the social engagement with the people we support who are at the centre of everything we do.

If I was to describe Cornerstone in 3 words, they would be 'Progressive, Innovative and Reward.'