industry & policy
She takes my friend to medical
appointments and hospital stays, and is the
first to recognise when something is not
quite right with Grace after a relationship
spat. She is also a strong advocate for
Grace when she is not happy with her
accommodation arrangements and on
many other issues.
So why is this an issue for me? Let’s start
with the example I just gave. If the worker
outside the scope of her employment does
not give a fig, Grace may be just another
person who falls between the gaps.
Perhaps no one would notice her.
This is why it is important to build a
‘circle of supports’ around someone
who is vulnerable. It is never good to be
dependent on only a minimal support
base. The issue of paid staff undertaking
functions that are necessary but outside
their employment scope is concerning
for many reasons, including the fact that
staff come and go. Finally, there are the
risks, costs and