Gina Wallace

Grazyna ‘Gina’ Wallace has upskilled to become a social worker, through an Open University (OU) partnership with her employer that enabled her to gain a professional qualification while working.

The 55-year-old - who is profoundly deaf - had been an experienced social care officer, working for over 20 years in a Falkirk Council social work team.

Taking up the opportunity to study for her Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work on a Falkirk Council-sponsored place, Gina is now the first employee at the local authority to graduate via the scheme. 

Gina attended an Open University ceremony at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall to celebrate her achievement on the 18-month course, which enabled her to successfully apply for registration as a social worker with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Impact on career

“Studying has definitely impacted my career," says Gina. 

Examples of championing for people's rights are supporting a gentleman through a guardianship application, and advocating for a woman to have accessible mental health services.”

"I was in adult social work for many years as a social care officer. Now I am a qualified social worker I can champion for people’s rights using legislation, frameworks and tools to evidence my practice and support that person throughout their journey. 

“A recent example is supporting a gentleman, who I have built up a working relationship with and wishes to remain at home, through a guardianship application.

“Another example is advocating for a woman, under the Human Rights Act, to have privacy in her own home and have accessible mental health services.” 

Gina says: “I studied with the OU attending mandatory workshops at Glasgow Caledonian University. I worked full-time, and on placements in the Children and Families, and Justice, teams alongside studying. 

“It was a challenge juggling it all and having your own life in between. Being organised, focused and taking one day at a time helped me achieve my goal. 

“Taking time out was necessary and being mindful of your own mental health. It’s a challenge, it works though and it’s worth it! Definitely!”

The OU is flexible when you are working full time allowing you to develop and progress your career.”

Gina adds: “Some colleagues did courses with the OU so I heard about it over the years.

“My undergraduate degree in Health and Social Care (Bachelor of Arts, Honours) was with the OU.

“It’s flexible when you are working full time allowing you to develop and progress your career.

“Initially my first two undergraduate modules were funded through my employers, then a Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) Part-Time Fee Grant, then my final module I funded. 

'Phenomenal' support

“Initially my OU study was for personal goals and my career, but latterly it was to further my career.

“I would say the support, the material, and the set up is phenomenal. If you have a disability as I have, the OU support and guidance is five star. 

If you have a disability as I have, the OU support and guidance is five star.”

“I shared I was profoundly deaf and my communications needs right from the onset.

“Through SAAS and the OU advisor I was able to access – with Disabled Students’ Allowance - a microphone and receiver equipment which helped in workshops, plus support, transcripts and note takers.

“The OU tutor staff went above and beyond supportive. 

“The flexibility of distance learning allows you to work and obtain a qualification. The workshops and online peer support enable you to develop friendships for support.”

Gina was inspired by two people during her Diploma - “both my practice educators at the council were amazing and supported me well during my studies”. 

While reflecting that it has not been an easy journey, and that transitioning into the role of a qualified social worker is taking time, Gina feels that she has grown as a person. 

“If you want to progress, do it!,” she says. “I can’t recommend it enough!”

Photo by Kathryn Tuckerman