Iqbal Sohawon – Head of Learning and Development
I have been working in social care for 28 years. Having started as a relief Nursing Auxiliary in long-stay hospitals for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems, I became manager of a service for adults with learning disabilities and those on the autistic spectrum with challenging behaviour. Around that time, I also started a parallel career as a trainer, specialising in behaviour that challenges, Autistic Spectrum Condition and de-escalation/positive handling training.
I am passionate about supporting people to make a difference to their lives, from accessing healthcare to making life-changing progress towards independent living. I’m also keen to help colleagues acquire the knowledge and skills to support clients well – and confidently.
Funding pressures mean that we must be continuously creative and innovative to deliver quality services. That is a challenge but, somehow, we always do it.
Away from work, I am involved in whatever sports my two sons (aged 10 and 12) are playing – football, cricket, swimming or taekwondo. If I have any actual spare time, I read and binge-watch favourite TV shows!