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Developing Skills within the Care Sector

Developing Skills within the Care Sector

Safety and care quality are at the basis of all that we do within the care sector. Maintaining the highest levels of training is imperative for our staff, residents and community to ensure we are providing the best care. Getting the right training can influence the performance of the whole team and service alike so it’s hugely important to factor regular training into your workplace.

WSPiC are proud to organize further training courses for an array of needs and requirements starting in September, facilitating both online and face to face, which you can read about further in the blog.

Why is staff training so important?

Staff training in the health and social care sector means optimising care for our community and those in need. The high standards required today mean we can learn and grow alongside updated regulations and policies whilst developing our staff and our staff benefitting from the broadened skill set. 

Staff can benefit from the encouragement, shared responsibility and pride when training in their respective fields. In turn, staff relish the opportunity to shine and to influence within their teams. Staff really get their time to shine when we can allocate roles appropriately in accordance to their skillsets. Developing our teams means we can raise standards whilst encouraging personal development concurrently.

As well as this, training care staff helps ingrain the necessary attitudes, behaviours, skills and knowledge to deliver the best quality, safe person centered care. Even communication is important – should a risk occur, it is highly important to have the tools needed to assess quickly and act promptly and as calmly as possible. Understanding communication effectively extends to supporting those with learning difficulties or behavioral difficulties, as this requires specific training and approaches too. Boosting these areas means accommodating positive personal development whilst ensuring individual needs are met.

What are the training regulations within care?

As a registered provider, you’ll know it is a requirement to ensure all staff have the basic, appropriate level of training and have undergone a full induction before starting work. Most providers will use the care certificate as part of this induction process, and complete an essential list of training. Of course, there are additional mandatory training processes when using equipment or when supporting people with specific needs for their care.

How does training help retain staff?

Offering clear routes in career development, care staff can benefit from clear guidance on future training. Training staff is the best way to offer learning and development and ultimately, keeping staff happy and reaching their capabilities well. 

Staff also build confidence, within a workplace that is undoubtedly complex and challenging. Having this sense of security means staff are more likely to feel more satisfaction within their roles.

“It’s beneficial to have strong retention rates with low turnover rates, as it reduces the time and money spent on recruitment, creates a skilled and committed workforce, and serves as an indicator that you’ve created a positive place to work.” Learn more.

The benefit also extends to attracting new staff as this is viewed as a healthy investment and opportunity for growth. If a company cares about their staff, the staff are more likely to invest themselves long term.

Workforce training – what is it?

The specific requirements will vary, but this will align with the type of care being provided and the person’s role and responsibilities, combined with the care setting (e.g. residential or domiciliary, nursing or learning disabilities). 

Mandatory training is training that adheres to the basic requirements set out more generally like the Health and Safety at Work Act, regulator requirements (e.g. Care Quality Commission) and requirements set by WSCC or your local authority.

The main areas of mandatory training are:

  • Safeguarding Adults/Safeguarding Children
  • Health & Safety
  • Fire Safety
  • Equality & diversity plus human rights
  • Infection, Prevention and Control
  • Manual handling
  • Basic life support
  • First aid in the workplace
  • Food hygiene
  • Medicine management
  • Documentation and keeping records
  • Mental capacity and deprivation of liberty (DoLS)

Online training and Face to Face Training – what are the benefits?

Online training is cost effective for employers and businesses – so budgeting can be easier. Course material can be clearer to refer back to when it is online, so when you want to refresh yourself everything is in one place – handy!
Online groups and courses are updated as an when needed, and in an ever growing and changing sector, it’s important refreshers are easily available and accessible for staff.
Source material can be gathered from lots of places – the best of the best. This means it’s easier to compile the most relevant and valuable information.

Redcrier Supervisory Skills

Redcrier are offering a Supervisory Skills training opportunity, aimed at line managers who are in charge of supervising, teambuilding and delegating within their team.  This course helps identify training needs, communication improvements and how best to understand your team. An overview of the course content:

  • The role of the supervisor
  • Effective communication
  • Setting and maintaining standards
  • Manage time effectively
  • Building and motivation teams
  • How and when to delegate
  • Stress management
  • Dealing with conflict
  • Identifying training needs

Face to face training – what’s on offer?

Face to face training offers a more hands on practical approach, when dealing with interactive needs. The trainer can assess easily, offering indivicual focus and identify challenges more easily and adapt appropriately. Having a dedicated space to learn means staff can concentrate well and adjust well. Face to face training also evokes a more human response which can be really helpful when training in care. 

Taking staff out of their usual working environment can also offer a really great opportunity for colleagues to dedicate time to learning a skill, and to share ideas and thoughts.

ASH Heathcare training opportunity – Level 3 Award in Delivering Training (RQF)

If you are looking to attend the Level 3 Award in Delivering Training (RQF), we have a great opportunity for you and your team. This is a practical qualifiation suitable for new and experiecned trainers who whish to improve their skills and obtain a training qualification which enables them to deliver regulated qualifications. The focus is on the effective delivery of training, allowing learners to develop planning, preparation and delivery skills, including delivery methods, questioning techniques and time management. The course is spread across 1.5 days and is running this September. 

WSPiC are holding more training courses as well as the ones mentioned above, click the links to learn more. The courses include: