Spotlight -

End of an era for Operations Manager Dave Bleasdale

Turning Point Scotland Operations Manager Dave Bleasdale is retiring after nearly two decades with the organisation.

Dave joined Turning Point Scotland in 1998 and is Operations Manager based in Dumfries and Galloway where we provide housing support and care at home services for people aged 11 and over who have a range of support issues including learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities acquired brain injuries, fluctuating mental health and dementia.

Dave said:

“I feel the time is right to move on to another stage of my life and have a bit more time for myself and my family. However I feel immensely proud of what we have achieved in Dumfries and Galloway, providing a diversity of services to people across the region.”

We’ve just achieved straight sixes following a recent Care Inspectorate visit which is testament to the hard work our support staff put in on a day to day basis.”

Dave is the national lead for Self-directed support and is the Operational link on the Health and Safety Committee. Locally he chairs the Learning Disability Special Interest Group and is on the multi-disciplinary Autism Strategy Group as well as being on the Board of Directors of Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway.

Dave is a qualified Community Education Officer and a Social Work Practice Teacher and has post graduate certificates in Social Services Leadership and in Autism Studies. Dave’s main background is working with people with learning disabilities and autism both within the third sector and local authorities which included three years with Registration, Inspection and Complaints, what is now the Care Inspectorate.

He was chair of the Special Interest Group for ten years until recently and again was lead for Self-directed Support. He is also a member of the Self Directed Support Senior User and Supplier Group and represented Turning Point Scotland on the Dumfries and Galloway Autism Network. He is also a Director of the Community Assets Management (Dumfries and Galloway) Group and Chair of Better Lives Partnership.

Dave said:

“Nearly 18 years is the longest I have ever worked for one organisation and I never set out with any timescale targets in mind. However the organisation and myself share the same values of committing ourselves to ensuring people have the best possible lives and lifestyles and I have appreciated the trust and faith Turning Point Scotland have had in me in giving me the autonomy to develop the range of services we provide in Dumfries and Galloway.

I have also had the advantage of working with a team of incredibly committed and dedicated staff across the region.

There are many highlights from the hugely successful resettlement of people from long stay institutions to having quality lives in the community to setting up groups and services in response to local need. However the greatest privilege is when people choose Turning Point Scotland to provide them or a family member with support. That shows we are doing something right.”

Turning Point Scotland has already appointed a very experienced successor. Sharon McMullan joins the organisation from Dumfries & Galloway Council.