A conversation with Policy and External Relations Manager, Ewan Carmichael
Quarriers is developing an increasing focus on policy. What does that mean?
Social care has faced real difficulties in policy in recent years, with two examples being National Care Service reforms and the increase in National Insurance Contributions placed on charities. We’re existing in a very political environment.
Quarriers is one of Scotland’s largest health and social care charities. We support over 5,000 people every year – some of the most vulnerable in our society. Policies are made for them, but without them. We have to amplify the voices that don’t get heard.
What is policy work about?
It’s about being visible and connected with decision makers so we can influence change. We have made real impact in the last year. Just one example is when we spoke to the Scottish and UK government about changes to immigration impacting our ability to employ much-needed international workers. The First Minister visited a Quarriers service to re-open the Displaced Workers Scheme and meet some of Quarriers’ international workers to hear about the beneficial role they play for people we support.
What does a working day look like?
“I might be at parliament in Edinburgh or London speaking to decision makers about advancing support in areas like kinship care, unpaid carers, or school attendance. I meet other organisations and businesses to discuss the broader issues affecting our communities. Or I am out and about speaking to Quarriers services, hearing from people we support and organising different ways for them to give their views.
“I bring my own lived experience to the role. Growing up as an autistic person with ADHD, I understand what it’s like to feel societally excluded and can take that insight into discussions.”
What difference can the voices of people supported at Quarriers really make? A good example is Scottish Government guidance on school attendance. We ran sessions with young people who find it difficult to attend school, supported by Quarriers service REACH.
Their insights on experiences of poverty and inequality were so raw and real it helped the working group consider those issues. Those voices of young people will now be featured directly in Scottish government guidance that goes to all educators.
What are Quarriers’ policy priorities?
We’ve got three broad priorities – investment, innovation and inclusion. One example is our work on digital financial inclusion, campaigning so that people who either don’t want to or can’t use digital banking aren’t left behind. We have formed an alliance with other organisations and have been speaking to the Treasury about how it could impact on people’s lives.
What’s next?
The impending Scottish elections are a really good opportunity for us to set out the importance of health and social care to MSPs. For example, we’d love to see something like the Sure-Start centres of the past. We’re also working on an exciting UK-wide collaboration called The Connection Project, and we’ll be working with the Scottish Government on legislation on kinship care, so watch this space!
