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, which relaunched in 2022.

Gina attended the OU ceremony at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Friday 25 October 2024 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).

“Studying has definitely impacted my career,” said Gina. “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. 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. I was able to access a microphone and receiver equipment which helped in workshops, plus support, transcripts and note takers. The OU tutor staff went above and beyond supportive.”

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! I can’t recommend it enough!”

With her qualification in hand, Gina is now ready to progress her career within Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership’s social work teams, which have recently introduced new Assistant Team Manager and Advanced Practitioner positions for qualified social workers and occupational therapists. The roles offer staff new opportunities to grow their career in Falkirk and provide additional mentoring support for newly qualified colleagues.

Celebrating decades of educational innovation

Gina joined other graduates as The Open University (OU) in Scotland is also marking a historic milestone, celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first-ever degree ceremony in Scotland, which took place in Edinburgh in 1974.

This year’s event saw 660 graduates cross the stage at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, showcasing the university’s continued commitment to accessible and inclusive education. Among them, 170 (25%) have declared a disability, 340 (50%) are the first in their families to pursue higher education, and 380 students (60%) benefitted from part-time fee grants which cover the costs of study.

In 1974, the first ceremony saw 270 graduates gather at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, presided over by the OU’s first Vice-Chancellor, Lord Walter Perry, who hailed from Dundee. Fast forward to 2024, the OU has expanded its reach considerably, now boasting over 200,000 alumni across Scotland.

Landmark event

Director of OU in Scotland, Susan Stewart, reflected on the significance of the event: “It’s a momentous occasion for the OU in Scotland, celebrating 50 years of changing lives through education. Our graduates, many of whom are balancing studies with work, family, and other commitments, demonstrate incredible resilience and determination. We are immensely proud of their achievements and delighted to celebrate alongside them.”

At the degree ceremony, international model and cultural icon Eunice Olumide also received an honorary degree from The Open University for her outstanding contributions to British arts, culture, and social justice.