'I give a unique perspective, which enhances the accessibility of the organisation and the services it provides'

As Children in Scotland celebrates its 30th anniversary, Grant Douglas, IT Officer with Enquire shares some professional, and personal, highlights of his time at the organisation, and reflects on aims for the next five years.

How long have you worked with Children in Scotland/Enquire?

I am a Children in Scotland ‘adult’ having worked at Enquire since April 2004 – a total of 19 and a half years!

Have you got any personal or professional highlights from your time working with the organisation?

My funniest recollection is from Enquire’s first annual conference when I was asked, based on my own experience of both mainstream and segregated education settings, my top ten tips for inclusive education, and my colleagues and I thought it would be funny if I wore a wig to make me look like a DJ and played the Top of the Pops theme tune before I gave my tips. It certainly overcame any post-lunch ‘slump’!

The other highlight that always brings a smile to my face is my first day back to work after the Christmas and New Year break, when my colleagues had decorated my desk space to congratulate me on being awarded an MBE in the New Year’s honours list for inventing the S’up spoon (click here for more) – a spoon for shaky hands.

What is your proudest work-related moment?

At the start of the pandemic, when we all had to work from home, I was told that it wasn’t possible for staff to access the FileMaker databases that I created and which are crucial to operation of the Enquire additional support for learning helpline that advises parents, professionals and young people. I found a way to do it and that enabled the helpline to continue its vital work.

What personal learning or experiences have you brought to the role/the organisation that has enhanced how things are done?

As a person who has been disabled since birth, who has experienced both mainstream and segregated education, and worked for organisations that campaign for equality all my days, I feel that I can give a unique perspective, which enhances the accessibility of the organisation and the services it provides.

What are your professional aims for the next five years; what work is still to be done in the realm of ASL and related legislation?

Enquire has a vision statement of, ‘all children in Scotland are supported, included, and listened to throughout their education.’

Although great progress has been made in this area since I came into the organisation, I hope this becomes a reality in the next five years.

Grant Douglas is the IT Officer at Enquire, the national advice and information service for additional support for learning.
Click here to access the Enquire website