When I found out I had the opportunity to attend the Conference in Newfoundland, I felt incredibly honoured and excited. It’s not every day you’re given the chance to represent your organisation at an international conference, and I was grateful for the opportunity to learn, share ideas and bring those experiences back to 91����.

I then pictured the usual conference experience: long days, uncomfortable chairs, networking with strangers and feeling a little out of place.

Although some of that was true; what I wasn’t expecting was meeting some of the biggest names in Child and Youth Care, getting to see whales in their natural habitat, being ‘Screeched In’ as an honorary Newfoundlander in a ritualistic ceremony (apparently following in Anthony Bourdain’s footsteps), and returning to Scotland with 91���� having been recognised with an international award for Outstanding Contribution. Not bad for a week’s work.

An Island Brimming with Character

Newfoundland has a personality all of its own.

The colourful houses, coastal scenery and genuinely welcoming people make it unlike anywhere else I’ve visited. Despite being thousands of miles from home, there was something oddly Scottish about it all.

Maybe it was the history. Maybe it was the humour. Maybe it was the weather (although we were lucky!).

Whatever it was, it never felt far from home.

One of my favourite memories was heading out whale watching with my colleague, Donna, in our spare time. The conference spoke of relationships and connection, and this experience was a powerful extension of the conversation – a reminder to slow down and connect with people, places and nature. Seeing magnificent humpback whales surface a few metres from the boat was an experience I’ll never forget,

Then there was the Screech-In ceremony. For those unfamiliar with Newfoundland tradition, it involves a local ceremony, sampling the region’s famous tipple, kissing a cod fish and becoming an honorary Newfoundlander! Anthony Bourdain famously took part in this ritual during his visit, so naturally I felt I was keeping excellent company.

Safe to say the crowd loved it. The cod, however, looked rather less enthusiastic.

The Importance of Everyday Moments

Of course, the conference itself was the reason we were there.

One thing became obvious very quickly.

Whether you’re working in Canada, Scotland or elsewhere, we’re all wrestling with many of the same questions.

How do we retain great staff?

How do we build relationships that genuinely heal?

How do we lead well when services are under increasing pressure?

And how do we continue putting children at the centre when systems don’t always make that easy?

Several sessions really resonated with me because they reflected conversations that we’re already having at 91����.

The discussion around healing relationships reinforced something we know well – that relationships aren’t a small piece of the intervention; they are the intervention. As residential practitioners, we spend thousands of ordinary moments alongside young people, and it’s often those everyday interactions that make the greatest difference.

A session exploring relational supervision and leadership particularly stood out. It challenged leaders to think less about managing tasks and more about creating environments where staff feel connected, supported and able to do emotionally demanding work. Anyone working in residential care knows that if we want young people to experience safe relationships, our staff need to experience them too.

There was also a strong emphasis on developing relational practitioners through supervision, something that aligns closely with 91����’s commitment to reflective practice and continuous learning. It was reassuring to see that the conversations we’re having in Scotland are also taking place internationally.

It wasn’t about discovering revolutionary ideas. It was about realising that good practice looks remarkably similar wherever you go.

Proud to Be Part of the Conversation

One of the highlights of the trip was spending time with Martin Stabrey, Chief Operating Officer at CYC-Net – a global online community and knowledge-sharing platform dedicated to advancing the field of child and youth care

Martin spoke incredibly highly of 91���� and of Scotland’s ongoing support for CYC-Net. It was a genuinely proud moment – not just personally, but professionally – to hear such positive recognition for the organisation and the contribution 91���� continues to make to the wider Child and Youth Care community.

Sometimes you don’t realise how highly your organisation is regarded until someone from the other side of the world tells you.

Our Voice Carries

As if the week hadn’t already been memorable enough, it finished with 91���� receiving recognition from CYC-Net for outstanding contribution.

Awards are always nice. But this one felt different.

It recognised years of commitment to developing Child and Youth Care – not just within 91����, but through sharing practice internationally, supporting learning and contributing to a profession that benefits when organisations work together rather than in competition.

Standing there, representing Scotland on an international stage, was a reminder that although we’re a relatively small country, our voice carries.

Bringing It Home

The biggest thing I brought back wasn’t a notebook full of ideas, but a lot of reassurance that the work happening at 91���� stands comfortably alongside some of the best Child and Youth Care organisations in the world.

That our focus on relationships, reflective practice and trauma-informed care isn’t just something we talk about internally – it’s recognised internationally as good practice.

I’m so grateful to 91���� for this opportunity, and have come home with new connections, a slightly expanded waistline (thanks to Newfoundland hospitality), and a healthy respect for just how small the Child and Youth Care world really is.

This is an incredibly proud moment for our charity, who ensures children, young people and adults get tailored care, education, support and opportunities to help them thrive in all aspects of their lives. After months of rigorous self-assessment and reflective practice, 91���� was formally measured across five core areas including: emotional wellbeing, social communication, interaction and relationships, and sensory experiences. Through spending observational time within our houses, schools, and family sessions, 91���� was praised for its strong person-centred, trauma-informed culture, it’s nurturing relationships and emotional support, strong development of independent and life skills, and high quality-communication support.

About the Autism Accreditation Programme

The Autism Accreditation Programme is the UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance scheme, offering specialist support and development for organisations working with autistic people. Achieving accreditation demonstrates a clear commitment to understanding autism and delivering high-quality, evidence-informed practice. It provides a recognised way for services to show they offer effective and meaningful support to autistic children and adults.

With more than 30 years of experience, Autism Accreditation is an internationally recognised standard and remains the longest-running programme of its kind worldwide.

Championing Equality and Inclusion

Across 91����, a number of the children and young people we support have neurodevelopmental conditions including autism. We therefore take a child-centred, trauma-informed approach across our practice, education, environments, resources and culture to ensure young people are supported, understood, and included in all aspects of life.

The first services within 91���� to receive the NAS accreditation were our children’s houses Ness and Tay at our primary-years campus in Lochwinnoch. Our houses were highly praised for the way in which they champion the children in their care. Social stories play a significant part in helping children to understand and prepare for activities and events in their day. The stories are highly visual, using inclusive language that follows a linear, time-based communication style – now, next, then.Staff use a range of tools to support children, including visual communication methods, social stories, the use of sign-based communication, Makaton and digital systems.

The houses, gardens and forest grounds offer nurturing sensory spaces for the children. Many of the children love running their feet over the tactile rugs, jumping on the trampoline, or walking through the forest and mimicking the bird song. The environment helps children to feel calm, happy and safe. But of course, the thing that makes them feel the safest is the wonderful cuddles from the trusting adults around them.  

After Ness and Tay’s successful accreditation, we’re now actively going through the accreditation programme across further service “clusters” including education, and further children’s houses including intensive support and secure care services. We’re on target to achieve the next phase of our organisation-wide accreditation by summer 2026. This is a key milestone for 91����, and we look forward to continuing to shape systems and practice that champion the needs, rights and voices of all young people.

Through Career Start, job seekers who want to make a positive difference to young people can qualify as a Child and Youth Care Worker. Ruby jumped at the chance for the practical learning experience while earning a wage.

Ruby now works in one of our therapeutic residential houses, creating safe and nurturing routines for care-experienced young children while supporting their emotional development.

Ruby reflects on her life before Career Start: “I’m from the Inverclyde area and always knew I wanted to work with young people. Before becoming a trainee, I worked in hospitality, pharmacy and sales – but supporting children who’ve experienced trauma was always my end goal.”

The training has been life-changing for Ruby too: “It’s so important for every young person to have an adult they feel safe with and Career Start gave me the opportunity to be that grown-up for someone.”

Playing an important role in the lives of young people is something Ruby finds truly fulfilling: “There’s no fixed routine in this job – every day is different, and I love that. The relationships you build with the young people are amazing. Communication, critical thinking and problem-solving are all key skills I’ve developed and continue to grow in this role.”

Ruby is now encouraging others to take the leap and apply: “If you’re even thinking about applying – do it. It’s an incredible opportunity. You learn so much in just one year, and it’s one of the most rewarding jobs you can have.”

Be Part of Our Team

Now is the time to join Career Start and become a positive influence to care-experience young people.

Career Start gives young people an opportunity to earn while training as a Child and Youth Care Worker. This caught the attention of university graduate Allanah.

After graduating from university with a degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies, Allanah initially considered a career in teaching – but a friend’s recommendation led her to apply for the 12-month, paid traineeship at 91���� instead.

Allanah explains why she decided to apply to Career Start: “I’m from the Renfrewshire area and have always wanted a job that felt meaningful and rewarding. Having worked in retail since I was 16 and spending time teaching English abroad, I knew I wanted to support young people in a more hands-on way.”

Every day is different, which Allanah enjoys: “Working at 91���� has been an incredibly enriching experience. No two days are the same. From helping with homework to planning fun activities and days out – like a recent trip to Braehead with one of the young people – it’s these everyday moments that help build trust and strong relationships.”

Photo of Allanah taken by a young person on a shopping trip.

Although Allanah acknowledges there can be challenges, she says the rewards far outweigh the difficulties: “Learning about the trauma that some young people have faced, and how that can affect their behaviour, isn’t easy. But the level of training and support we receive – as well as the sense of purpose – makes it all worthwhile. I’d encourage anyone considering a career in childcare to apply.”

Career Start is open to all and welcomes applications from those who want to make a difference to the lives of young people. No prior experience or formal qualifications are required. Trainees are supported to gain an HNC in Social Services while receiving a full-time wage based on the Scottish Living Wage, with a guaranteed interview for a permanent role on successful completion of the course.

Be Part of Our Team

Now is the time to join Career Start and become a positive influence to care-experience young people.

Career Start welcomes applications from anyone who wants to help others. It’s a chance for people with life experience to change careers or for graduates and young adults to create a fulfilling livelihood for themselves.

Those who apply can expect to earn a living wage, gain invaluable work experience and study towards a HNC in Social Services. Upon completion, an interview to become a Child and Youth Care Worker at 91���� is guaranteed. It’s a rewarding role that brings a strong sense of purpose, alongside exceptional staff benefits and career progression opportunities.

As a Child and Youth Care Worker, you’ll make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young adults by becoming a trusted, familiar presence. Day to day, you’ll support them with routines and activities such as attending school, enjoying hobbies and making the most of their leisure time.

91���� supports individuals up to the age of 26 meaning your new job will offer plenty of variety. It suits people who can show commitment, flexibility and resilience.

Report writing and monitoring are also an important part of the job, helping to keep care plans up to date and ensure each person receives the best possible support.

Highly recommended by those who have completed the course. We’ve welcomed people from a wide range of backgrounds including graduates, career changers, tradespeople and parents. Many initially didn’t realise how valuable their existing skills and life experience would be in this new career.

Allanah graduated with a degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies and spent time teaching English abroad. She was considering a teaching job before deciding on our traineeship.

Ruby brought life experience from working across hospitality, pharmacy and sales.

Ryan wanted to change careers after working as a landscaper.

Julie Ann chose our traineeship to return to work after raising her own kids.

Be Part of Our Team

Now is the time to join Career Start and become a positive influence to care-experience young people.

The ‘Future Ready’ project is funded by Renfrewshire Employability Provision with Invest Renfrewshire and encourages youngsters to gain experience and qualifications at the academy.

Each month, two learners attend the academy for two weeks before completing a week of work experience. Since the project began, 10 young people have earned valuable credentials and taken a big step towards finding and sustaining employment.

There’s a full range of fun and interesting subjects for young people to get involved in. By trying out different topics, they discover what they truly enjoy and might want to pursue as a career. Time has been spent in the Painting and Decorating workshops, the Horticulture and Gardening polytunnels and Catering and Hospitality industrial kitchen space.

Meet Some of Our Future Ready Students

Meet the chef-in-the-making

Meet one of the young gardeners

The young person found enjoyment in going outside and being active, seeing their gardening projects take shape through their care, creativity and effort. Exploring plants, tools and how things grow has sparked a passion for transforming outdoor spaces.

The aspiring young gardener is looking forward to their final week’s work experience at St Mirren Football Club’s Training Complex. They’ll learn first-hand from the professional Groundskeeper and help maintain the grass and Astro-turf pitches in all weather conditions, gaining skills and experience to turn their passion for gardening into real-life experience. The young person is ready to be part of a team and see the first-team in action, making a real contribution to a premiership club.

Young people have found their time at the academy extremely fulfilling with one saying: “I couldn’t wait to see what I’d learn each day instead of the usual school routine.”

Head of The Skills Academy, Lisa Wardlaw is proud to support young people develop aspirations for their future: “The smiles from young people highlights the value of our supportive environment and practical lessons in boosting confidence, motivation and employability.  ‘Future Ready’ funded by Renfrewshire Employability Provision has strengthened the of number life-changing opportunities we can offer young people.”

Head of The Skills Academy, Lisa. Photo taken by Chris James.

Through real-world placements, each young person can step confidently towards a future career.

A young person interested in cooking learned the basics of working in a professional kitchen, preparing healthy meals, understanding food hygiene and making meals from scratch. The young person began to visualise herself in a career crafting meals, inventing recipes and helping fuel the team to victory and supporting the players reach success.

The learning journey continues. For the final week’s work experience placement, she will go to St Mirren Football Club’s Training Complex in Ralston and spend time within their elite kitchen facilities, alongside a close-knit team of chefs and cooks, preparing meals for the first-team squad and youth players. She will also have the responsibility of traveling there herself to give her the full experience of having a career in the industry.

Keith Lasley, Chief Operation Officer at St Mirren Football Club shared how impressed he was by the youngsters completing work experience. He said: “St Mirren Football Club wants the entire community to thrive. Our aim is to be the best community-centred football club in Scotland the partnership with 91���� means big steps can be taken to tackle youth employment across Renfrewshire.”

“We’ve welcomed young people into our catering team and their energy and enthusiasm has added real value to our hospitality operations, helping to fuel players and fans while motivating our wider team, knowing we are all working towards a bigger picture. The involvement with 91���� and the Future Ready project funded by Renfrewshire Employability Provision has added a strong altruistic element to the way we work and is in line with our pillars of Paisley, People and Performance.”

91���� is dedicated to helping young people develop skills for learning, life and work.

For over 170 years, 91���� has existed to give young people a chance at life, withstanding the test of time by placing young people at the centre of all business decisions. Achievement of delivering the right support, at the right time to as many young people as possible has required a dedicated staff team, a fact that 91���� is very much aware of.

91���� understands the workforce is the most valuable resource and strives to support each employee professionally and personally. The actions we take to empower the large staff team are recognised by Investors in People (IIP), a renowned accreditation and global benchmark awarded to organisations for demonstrating strong strategic leadership and a commitment to development their people. The IIP status reflects our focus on creating a workplace culture where people want to be, building talent pipelines and nurturing expertise, ensuring 91���� continues to evolve.

The long-standing relationship between 91���� and IIP marks an ongoing effort to invest in the workforce. The tangible ways we uphold our values of Ambition, Respect and Belonging have involved: increased recruitment, a rewarding staff benefits package, research opportunities and new partnerships. Our own model of trauma-informed care includes the component ‘Skilled and Supported Workforce’, which equips us to launch essential services and receive sector-leading results from regulatory bodies including Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland.

The framework of IIP evaluates the three key areas of: leading, supporting and improving. 91���� proudly holds Gold status while operating at the higher Platinum Level for several categories, a standard met by only 2% of the companies assessed. 91���� is leading by example in delivering continuous improvement, creating sustainable success, structuring work and living the organisation’s values and behaviours.

91����’s results outlined in the IIP Framework

Our mission at 91���� is to transform lives, families and communities and a greater impact is had when it’s collective effort. We’re determined to recruit and retain like-minded and ambitious individuals. We want to be known as an employer who invests in people and plan to continue strengthening our relationship with IIP.

Join us

Find a career to suit you and work with an employer who invests in the workforce.

The first in her family to go to university, Sue studied psychology before beginning a postgraduate degree in Social Work. During her social work student placement, Sue spent time within 91����’s residential children’s houses. The experience changed the trajectory of her career as originally Sue had planned to pursue field social work but found being with children in the houses gave her the opportunity to develop genuine relationships. Sue decided she could make the biggest difference to young people by working within residential childcare at 91����.

As one of the UK’s oldest children’s charities, for almost 200 years, 91���� has existed to give young people a chance at life. Sue has seen first hand the charity evolve to deliver essential support to those who need it the most. Since the mid-80s when Sue started at 91����, the organisation has expanded significantly from 5 services to 30. A greater understanding of trauma-informed care influenced 91���� to lead research projects, improve operations and open new services with Sue being proud to have been part of the journey. Sue reflects on the progress and is in awe at the increased access to support not only for young people but families and the wider community too.

Sue joined 91���� at a time when the organisation was recruiting more and more qualified social workers to join education professionals. Sue remembers care and education would always work closely together. The camaraderie was a highlight of working at 91����. Staff planned fun group trips for young people and some of Sue’s favourite memories involved camping across the West Coast, telling ghost stories. The social work perspective brought positive changes, mainly incorporating trauma-informed practice and forming Specialist Intervention Services (SIS), which was 91����’s own team of psychologists and therapists. Sue describes the progression of 91���� as natural as everyone who works here shares the ambition to help as many young people as possible and the organisation has always adapted to offer what young people need to look optimistically towards the future.

A new job at 91���� promises career development, and Sue is a shining example of the job variety you can have when you’re steadfast in making a positive change to young people. Beginning her career working directly with the kids, Sue eventually progressed into a Senior Learning and Development Officer, a role which saw her help train 91����’s frontline care workers. As well as being there for young people of 91����, Sue has empowered the next generation of Child and Youth Care Workers. She stepped into a role that would ensure young people benefit from a highly qualified and competent workforce by sharing her own expertise and experience.

As soon as she showed up to 91���� as an ambitious student, Sue had a willingness to be a positive force for change and advocate for young people. Her uplifting personality has had a profound impact on young people who, with Sue’s support, began to believe in themselves. Sue still keeps in contact with many she once cared for, which is a testament to the bonds she formed throughout her career.

Sue’s enthusiasm to brighten the world around her made colleagues enjoy spending time with her and she became a mentor and friend to those who worked with her too. She has felt great pride in seeing the progress of the colleagues who she remembers first starting at 91����. In Sue’s opinion, the compassionate and upbeat personalities are what makes 91���� outstanding and have helped create the safe, welcoming place where she happily spent 40 years of her life.

Sue with her colleague, Mel.

Follow in Sue’s Footsteps