Louise Harrison

Caring and compassionate health and social care professional with extensive experience supporting people with complex support needs and leading high-quality care services. Over 10 years with Ark Housing Association across a range of health and social care roles, including Care and Support Manager. Experienced in service leadership, regulatory compliance, risk management, workforce development, person-centred planning and continuous improvement.

A confident communicator and collaborative leader who remains calm under pressure and is committed to achieving positive outcomes for the people supported.

Care and Support Manager - Ark Housing Association - Edinburgh

(2013-05)

Health and social care leadership role with responsibility for the safe, effective and high-quality delivery of registered care and support services. Provide leadership and direction to staff, contribute to wider organisational priorities and ensure services are person-centred, outcome-focused and aligned with organisational strategy.

• Lead the implementation of decisions relating to registered services and provide day-to-day leadership, direction and support to staff teams.
• Implement service improvement plans and contribute to annual strategic and area Care and Support plans, ensuring agreed outcomes are delivered.
• Deploy people, physical, financial and technological resources effectively; identify shortfalls and recommend corrective action where required.
• Ensure policies, procedures, contractual obligations and regulatory responsibilities are fully implemented and maintained.
• Maintain detailed knowledge of National Care Standards and inspection methodology, supporting service readiness and implementation of relevant developments.
• Ensure services are designed and delivered using recognised good practice, with clear objectives, measurable outcomes and evidence of positive impact on people's lives.
• Monitor operational performance with a focus on continuous improvement and achieving high occupancy targets within existing services.
• Support staff to meet SSSC registration requirements through engagement with organisational and area SVQ strategies; undertake SVQ assessor responsibilities.
• Act as a Practice Leader, actively supporting team learning and development and leading practice improvement to achieve positive outcomes for people supported.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships across the organisation, including with the Executive Team, Assistant Directors, Heads of Support Functions, Registered Operations Managers and Care and Support Managers.
• Promote participative leadership, address conflict appropriately and ensure staff feel valued, supported and equipped to perform effectively.
• Ensure risk management plans relating to care and support delivery are implemented and compliant with organisational policy and the Strategic Risk Register.
• Ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and relevant health and safety policies and procedures.
• Promote meaningful service-user participation and support the continued development of Speak Out groups across ARK.
• Ensure the Key Worker approach is implemented effectively, including assessment, support planning and review requirements.
• Engage with internal and external customers and stakeholders to understand and measure satisfaction.
• Participate in local networks and organisational initiatives that support business strategy and service development.
• Drive continuous improvement, share learning with colleagues and influence the design and implementation of bespoke interventions that create positive change.
• Prepare reports and presentations for the Senior Leadership Team and attend area management and other internal meetings as required.

SVQ Level 4 - Management - SQA (2023)

SVQ Level 4 - Health and Social Care - SQA (2017)