RBLI

Pathways to Work

All in a day's work...

Brian Stringer – an RBLI Monitoring Adviser – gives an overview of his role

The Monitoring Adviser role is extremely varied and no two days are ever the same. I find myself altering my approach or ‘pitch’ depending on the employer and client with whom I’m meeting. One minute, I could be meeting a graduate teacher with a hearing impairment, the next discussing a ‘daily task planner’ with a client who has a learning disability. Likewise, the employer contacts also vary, from a supervisor or line managers up to director level. I even have a client, who works for the MOD, whose line manager is a Major! (No, I don’t have to salute.)

Monitoring is very much a ‘troubleshooting’ role, helping to resolve issues for both client and employer; and you have to remain impartial when giving advice and guidance. Effective monitoring ultimately means longer sustainability in employment, so it is important to get it right.

It is difficult to keep a structured diary, as there are too many variables which frequently change and affect scheduled meetings (e.g. employee or employer absence or a change of work shift).

Most employers are mindful of keeping advisers informed of changes which affect our clients; others need to be reminded occasionally of the benefits of the support I can offer. Likewise, most employer’s are very much ‘pro-disability’ and up to speed in their understanding of employments law and the DDA. An important part of our role is to help employers achieve a better understanding of legislation, both to protect them from inadvertent discrimination and also to help ensure our customers know how they are protected.

The job demands a broad range of skills, called upon on a daily basis, for example empathy, sympathy, negotiation and persuasion. All are required to deal with the variety of issues and situations that can arise.

We are often confronted with a variety of challenges in the workplace, particularly with clients who have more than one condition or support need. Often, I will set out for what I expected to be a routine visit, only to find that something has happened which has had a major impact on this individual. This may have occurred at work or in their personal life. Often the employer is uncertain as to what to do and this is where the training and experience that I have is called fully into play.

Throughout the year I attend any training that I feel will be beneficial to me in my role. This may include disability workshops, motivation courses and also employment law seminars (as legislation is continuously changing).

Monitoring Advisers frequently liaise with external agencies and support organisations, for example to arrange workplace assessments through Access to Work (to identify suitable equipment and adaptations when can be implemented to assist the individual in their work).

I also maintain close contact with Employment Advisers and Job Coaches to discuss support requirements for individuals. Good practice is to share your thoughts and concerns with others who can look on the issues with ‘fresh eyes’ to help decide the right course of action.

Sometimes, I have to think ‘out of the box’ to come up with an effective solution to an issue relating to a customer’s employment. In any eventuality I’m never bored – there’s far too much variety for that

Video Case Studies

Welcome to RBLI
Louise's Story
Tom's Story
Tommy's Story
Clem's Story