Jackie
My background is in child protection social work but I have been employed by Merton since 2014 as an accredited family group conference coordinator. My time with Merton has provided opportunities to partake in various lectures, training and seminars both internally, externally and online as they have an extensive training programme.
I have been trained as one of Merton's Signs Of Safety lead persons, completed an accredited mediation and conflict resolution training foundation year, and I am currently doing my first year in systemic practice at Royal London Holloway University. I would like to go on to complete at masters level if I successfully complete the first and second year. I am thankful for Merton showing willingness to invest in me by sponsoring and funding my training.
The opportunities for training in Merton are excellent and there is always someone one hand to listen, and give advice and guidance if you are uncertain as to what next step you want to take in your career progression.
Sara
Video transcript
Hi I'm Sarah Gardner and I'm the IRO manager in Merton. I joined Merton in January 2020 following a career progression for myself having worked in a larger local authority. There were two reasons for joining Merton. Firstly they had the position available that I was interested in; and secondly I'd heard Merton had a good reputation and so wanted to give the experience again working within the London borough having been outside the London authorities for a period of some time. Since being in Merton I have found my line manager to be very supportive. I have regular supervision - monthly supervision. I've been offered lots of training opportunities as well which has been really great. I have a really good solid team of staff, who are all dedicated in working for children in Merton and promoting their outcomes. I keep staying with Merton for those reasons and also that because it's a small local authority it really helps to get to know the other staff members and to understand how we can all work together to fully support our community. I wish you all the best on your adventures into Merton.
Ruth
Video transcript
Hi, my name is Ruth and I work for the Youth Justice Service which is part of the Children's Social Care and Youth Inclusion Division at Merton Council.
I joined Merton because I've lived in Merton all my life and I've always wanted to work with young people.
The opportunity came up to volunteer as an appropriate adult and a reparation supervisor at the weekends.
I did this for about a year and then I was offered the role as a reparation supervisor - as a paid role.
After five years of doing that and absolutely loving it, doing it all weekends, the opportunity came up to actually do the reparation co-ordinator's role full time for Merton Council.
I didn't think in a million years that I was going to get it but I did and I still can't believe it, I've been working there now for twelve years. I work with young people on court orders and I'm very privileged because I get to spend quite a lot of time with them doing things, seeing them learn, seeing them get qualifications, seeing them change for the better, with more positive attitudes.
I stay at Merton because I absolutely love the people that I work with - we've got an amazing team. Everyone supports everybody.
If anyone has a problem with one of their cases, then they will turn to everybody else and we'll discuss it and normally we can come up with some sort of solution. Our managers support us in every way, personally and with our jobs.
I just feel so privileged to have my job, to work for Merton and to live in Merton. Thank you. Bye
Lydia
I work in the safeguarding service of the Children’s Social Care and Youth Inclusion division at Merton. I enjoy working at Merton as the support from my colleagues is invaluable and there are lots of great training and development opportunities to help me hone my skills.
Sue
I work in the Workforce and Practice Development team which is part of our Quality Assurance and Practice Development service in the Children's Social Care and Youth Inclusion division at Merton.
I joined Merton because a friend I'd met at various regional events suggested that I might like to apply for a job here. I'd been doing a similar job for another local authority but he said my experience would be ideal for Merton. So I applied and surprized myself by getting the job.
I stay working at Merton because there are a lot of really nice people in Merton, it's a small borough and you get to know people quickly. I really enjoy being able to support people in their career progression and to encourage them in their career dreams. It's a great job. I hope you'll come to join us soon.