Celebrating seven years of intelligent kindness training with Social Security Scotland

Over the past seven years, Tommy Whitelaw has delivered 111 workshops to over 3,000 colleagues at Social Security Scotland.

Over the past seven years, the ALLIANCE’s National Lead, Tommy Whitelaw, has worked in close partnership with Social Security Scotland to deliver workshops centred on the principles of Intelligent Kindness, What Matters to You?, and building a culture where everyone—clients and colleagues—feels valued, heard, and supported.

Since the partnership began, Tommy has delivered 111 workshops to more than 3,000 Social Security Scotland colleagues. The sessions explored how acts of compassion, listening, patience, and understanding can shape experiences for people receiving or delivering advice, support, or care.

During each workshop, Tommy shared his deeply personal story of caring full‑time for his late mother, Joan. He reflected on the challenges of navigating social care during that time and the profound impact of small moments of kindness from professionals who took the time to listen. These moments, he explained, helped him through some of the most difficult periods of his life.

Dr Irene Oldfather commented, “This is a very tangible demonstration that not only does kindness matter but that the work is actually changing practice in a very visible way that matters to people who engage with SSS. thanks to Tommy for the work and inspiration.”

It was this experience that inspired Tommy to become a national advocate, travelling across Scotland to amplify the voices of carers and people accessing health and social care support. His message has remained consistent throughout his work:

Kindness has power—ask people what matters to them and truly listen to the answer.

This week, Tommy delivered his final workshop in Agnes Husband House. To mark the occasion, Ally MacPhail, Deputy Director for Organisational Strategy and Performance, presented Tommy with a certificate recognising his significant contribution to the partnership and the culture it has helped shape.

The tribute follows last year’s honour when one of Social Security Scotland’s training rooms was named after Tommy, reflecting the lasting impact of his work and message.

As this phase of the partnership concludes, the commitment to kindness, dignity and listening continues—embedded in the everyday practice of thousands of colleagues who have taken part in Tommy’s sessions.

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