Training, Development and Provider Engagement Opportunities During The COVID-19 Pandemic (updated July 2022)

The Care Market Development Team has developed a comprehensive training and development page for Staffordshire Care Providers regarding Covid-19. This includes essential training available, accredited learning opportunities, leadership & management and the Registered Managers network, plus other key information regarding training opportunities, such as e-learning and webinars.

Essential training available now

Public Health England is offering free online psychological first aid (PFA) training for frontline or essential workers and volunteers dealing with the public during the pandemic. The training materials can be accessed on the Future Learn website.

Health Education England - Coronavirus e-learning programme  is freely available to colleagues working in the NHS, independent sector, and social care. 

Skills for Care  Essential COVID-19 training for staff  has 3 packages of learning available; these are

  1. rapid induction programme (aimed at new staff)
  2. refresher training (aimed at existing staff) and
  3. volunteer programme.

Rapid Induction programme

Care Certificate | Assisting and moving people | Health and safety awareness | Fire safety | Basic life support and first aid | Infection prevention and control | Food safety | Medication management | Safeguarding adults.

Refresher training

There are 8 topic areas and employees can be put on one or several of these depending on their need. The 8 topic areas are assisting and moving people; basic life support; fire safety; food safety; health & safety awareness; infection prevention & control; medication management and safeguarding (specifically around isolation).

Where staff are being redeployed, the employer will need to assess the learning needs of the employee in the new role. If the role is significantly different, they may benefit from some of the training listed above. Staff training needs can be discussed with the endorsed learning provider.

Volunteer programme

This includes an introduction to adult social care; role and responsibilities; whistleblowing; equality, diversity and person-centred values; telephone support and communication; pain and discomfort; infection prevention and control; food safety; fluids and hydration; health and safety and stress. 

 Accessing the training

The 12 endorsed learning providers have received grant funding to support you with the cost of this essential training during the covid period.

Finding a Learning provider to meet your training needs
Training delivery approaches vary between providers but use a range of methods which include virtual classroom sessions with trainer interaction, e-learning including video-based e-learning, observation of practical competence where required and guided support. Various trainer support options are also available including, video interaction, phone, email and interactive chat. Contact the providers to discuss the training and support available. 

Please note that there are funding limits on the number of courses, available to volunteers or existing staff per organisation. The maximum number of learners that can be funded for a single employer is:

  • Small employers (1-50 staff) – 80 courses
  • Medium employers (51-249 staff) – 160 courses
  • Large employers (250+) – 240 courses

 These limits do not apply to the rapid induction for new workers.

Endorsed learning providers who have funding to support your needs have received grant funding to support you with the cost of this essential training during this period.

You must have an Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS) account to access the funded training.

Create an account

 

  1. Acacia Training, Cheryl Wallace, 07815 612551 cherylw@acaciatraining.co.uk

    Visit the Acacia Training website

  2. Training in Care, Sarah Jolley, 07957 535 384 
    sarahjolley@trainingincare.co.uk

    Visit the Training in Care website

  3. Whites Training Services, Jack White 01255 446655
    jack@jcwhitegroup.co.uk

    Visit White's Training website

  4. Coleman Training Limited, Caroline Coleman 0845 070 6927 info@colemantraining.co.uk

    Visit the Coleman training website

  5. My Learning Cloud, Michael Statham 0800 088 6109 enquiries@mylearningcloud.org.uk

    Visit the My Learning Cloud website

  6. First Response Training and Consultancy Services Limited, Ryan Davis 

    0800 310 717 info@firstresponsetraining.com

    Visit the First Response Training website



  7. Miteria Training Academy, Cheryl Gordon  01726 885 123

    enquiries@miteratraining.co.uk

    Visit the Mitera Training Academy website

  8. Training 2 CARE UK, Maxine York, 01376 573 999

    maxine@training2care.co.uk

    Visit the Training 2 CARE website

  9. Access Skills, Ann Moulder, 0121 510 2169

    info@accessskills.co.uk

    Visit the Access Skills website

  10. Careskills Academy, Lynda Godding, 020 3397 9734
    training@careskillsacademy.co.uk

    Visit the Careskills Academy website

  11. Unique Training Solutions, Michelle Hillier, 01727 733 999 | michelle@uniquetrainingsolutions.co.uk

    Visit the Unique Training Solutions website


Skills for Care also currently have endorsed learning providers who can help you with your training & development needs. Find an Endorsed Learning Provider 

Accredited Learning / Workforce Development Fund

By using Skills for Care’s Funded qualifications and learning programmes 2021-22 list when considering your training plans and when reviewing your workforce development needs, you can access learning which could result in a financial benefit from the workforce development fund.

The Workforce Development Fund (WDF) is funding from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). The Care Market Development Team (CMDT) has been disseminating this in Staffordshire on behalf of Skills for Care for a number of years. It supports the provision of high-quality care and the continuing professional development (CPD) of staff across the adult social care sector by providing a contribution towards the costs of vocational learning. The fund allows you to claim back money towards the costs of workers completing a broad range of adult social care qualifications and learning programmes. CMDT is currently waiting for further details on the next round of funding that will be made available 2022-23

Local Colleges

Care providers in Staffordshire have access to 2 Universities and Colleges in Stafford, Cannock, Newcastle and Lichfield. CMDT can signpost you to appropriate tutors for Health and Social Care certificate and diploma courses. We have a message from Stafford and Newcastle Colleges here.


Leadership Programmes & CPD

Skills for Care have developed the following leadership programmes and continuing professional development (CPD) modules and are delivered exclusively by Skills for Care endorsed learning providers.  Leadership programmes and CPD (skillsforcare.org.uk)

Leadership programmes

See course information in the downloads section

  1. Leading Change Improving Care
  2. Lead to Succeed
  3. Well-led

CPD modules

See course information in the downloads section

  1. Understanding Performance Management
  2. Understanding Self-Management Skills
  3. Understanding Workplace Culture

You can claim up to £125 per learner from the Skills for Care Workforce Development Fund (WDF) towards the cost of each of the CPD modules. A number of funded places are also available from our endorsed learning providers and WDF partnerships. Speak to your endorsed learning provider or WDF partnership to find out more.

Digital learning for Managers

Based on the Manager Induction Standards, the modules offer engaging introductions to key topic areas to peak learners’ interest and provide opportunities to reflect, ideas to improve practices and motivation to learn more.

The 11 modules cover the following topic areas and learning outcomes:

  1. Leadership & Management
  2. Governance & regulatory practice
  3. Person-centred practice for positive outcomes
  4. Resources
  5. Manage self
  6. Decision making
  7. Communication
  8. Relationships and partnership working
  9. Entrepreneurial skills and innovation
  10. Safeguarding, protection and risk
  11. Professional development

Each module takes 20-40 minutes to complete and costs: single modules £10, full suite of 11 modules £75

Employers can claim £50 per completed module from the Workforce Development Fund.  This funding contributes towards the cost of the digital learning, the employees time required to complete the module and the time taken to apply and embed the learning within their organisation.

Accessing the digital learning

There are two ways to access the ‘Digital learning for managers’:

Individual access

Learners will need to log in to their Skills for Care account (or register for an account if they don’t already have one) and click on the Virtual learning environment button. Learners will then have the option to purchase each module individually or buy the complete suite. Payment is made using your Paypal account or by credit/debit card.

Bulk purchase through your organisation

Employers can purchase all 11 modules for a number of their employees and pay via invoice. Email wild@skillsforcare.org.uk to find out more.

Staffordshire Dignity in Care Awards

Staffordshire Dignity in Care Awards web page contains information on the Dignity Challenge, how to become a Dignity Champion, information about the Staffordshire Dignity in Care Awards and how to nominate someone for an Award.

Managers Quality Networking Forum (MQNF)

The Managers Quality Networking Forum is an event held twice a year in Staffordshire providing an opportunity for managers to be updated on key sector developments and to network with one another.
The next event is scheduled to take place 20th September 2022   Information will be circulated about the event in due course and how to book a place on the 20th  September event.  Details of the last forum held on 27th April 2022 can be found by clicking here: Virtual MQNF on 27th April 2022 

Registered Managers Network Meeting 2022

The Registered Managers Network meetings are returning as face to face meetings in 2022.   

The Network Chair Natalie Dibble (Registered Manager St Mary's Nursing Home) would like to invite registered managers to join and be a part of the discussion.

This meeting will focus on the following:-

  • Skills for Care - back to basics with Shirley Way Locality Manager
  • Staff Psychological Wellbeing Hub Presentation 
  • CQC Presentation 

There will be refreshments provided and a light buffet lunch for Managers from 12noon.   Please be assured all government guidance will be followed including any social distancing measures.

There is a requirement that you complete a lateral flow covid test on the day of the meeting and in order for you to attend this meeting the result needs to be negative.  If you are showing any symptoms and feeling unwell, please DO NOT attend.

Places are limited, so to avoid disappointment book your place early.  You can do this by clicking the following link: tbc

We look forward to seeing you at these events.

2022-2023 Meetings

07 April 2022 - 10am - 12.30pm -  book your place on 07.04.2022 network meeting

07 July 2022 - 10am - 12.30pm -   book your place on 07.07.2022 network meeting

06 October 2022 - 10am - 12.30pm - book your place on 06.10.2022 network meeting

12 January 2023 - 10am - 12.30pm - book your place on 12.01.2023 network meeting

Venue:- Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Place 1, Tipping Street, Stafford, ST16 2LP (Rudyard Suite)

Car parking is available at:-

  • Asda Stafford Superstore, Queensway, Stafford, ST16 3TA (free for 2hrs)
  • Waterfront Multi-Storey Car Park, Waterfront Way, Stafford, ST16 2HQ (£3.10 up to 3 hours

If you need any further information please contact the Care Market Development Team by emailing cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk or Shirley Way Locality Manager Skills for Care by emailing Shirley.Way@skillsforcare.org.uk or by telephoning 07974 387313

Deputy Manager Network

Skills for Care have developed a Deputy Manager Network.  The Deputy Manager networks will be a supportive opportunity for deputies to meet the challenges they face in their day-to-day work. The network and discussions will be relevant to deputies across different setting and service types. 

Deputies will gain support to develop their confidence, giving them the experience to start taking on greater responsibility at work in their deputy role.

Each network meeting will be virtual and facilitated by a Skills for Care Locality Manager.   It will focus on themes including wellbeing and resilience, self-confidence and personal effectiveness, delegation with confidence and dignity, communicating inside and out and making sense of information.

For more information, please visit > Deputy manager networks (skillsforcare.org.uk)

West Midlands Deputy Network

Shirley Way: Shirley.Way@skillsforcare.org.uk 

Clare McKenzie: Clare.McKenzie@skillsforcare.org.uk

Health & Safety

Infection Control - Skills for Care Endorsed Learning Provider Acacia Training have launched free online learning.  Use this link and click on enrol now > Funded Training for Health and Social Care providers impacted by COVID-19 - Acacia (acaciatraining.co.uk)

Contacts:

Hannah Breeze email: hannahb@acaciatraining.co.uk  | mobile: 07939 320112

Mohmed Patel email: mohmedp@acaciatraining.co.uk | mobile:  09769 882362

Mental Health & Well-being

Rethink Mental Illness – Mental health training is one of the key ways of changing the experience of people affected by poor mental health in this country.  Rethink aims to enable people to feel more comfortable and confident to talk about mental health and know more about how to respond when problems arise.

Training for your workforce

Workplace training equips your employees with the knowledge and skills to actively support colleagues and direct reports in relation to mental health within the workplace.

  • At present, all of our workplace training is being delivered online.
  • Each course can run with a maximum of 20 participants (the bite sized sessions - can accommodate larger audiences).
  • Each participant will need access to a computer which has sound capabilities (i.e., to hear us), and can see us, a good internet connection and, if possible, a quiet space.

Training for Individuals

Training courses equip you with the knowledge and skills to better understand mental health and mental illness, to have good quality conversations with your friends, family members or work colleagues about mental health and to feel more confident supporting others who may be experiencing poor mental health, particularly in the workplace.

Contact Rethink Mental Illness if you would like to discuss your training needs by emailing training@rethink.org or by calling 03332 225 878

For more information, please visit > Mental Health Training (rethink.org)

MIND - Mental Health Awareness at Work is an introductory course suitable for all employees. Use it as part of your induction programme or any mental health initiative or activities focused on better mental health in the workplace.

This short animation from the eLearning explores the relationship between pressure, stress and performance.

View our demo to see some sample sections of the course.  MIND - Mental Health Awareness - Demo (walkgroveonline.com)

 

Health Education England (HEE)

Health Education England – provides e-learning to educate and train the health & social care workforce.  There are a number of programmes of learning that can be accessed and some of these are:-

  • Business Continuity
  • Care Certificate
  • Continence & Catheter Care
  • Coronavirus
  • COVID-19 Recovery & Rehabilitation
  • COVID-19 Surge 2021 – rapid access resources
  • COVID-19 Vaccination
  • Dementia
  • Dysphagia
  • End of Life Care
  • Long Covid

Further information can be found by accessing the following link > Programmes - elearning for healthcare (e-lfh.org.uk)

Safeguarding & Mental Capacity Act

Social Care Institute of Excellence webinars:  SCIE has developed a SCIE Safeguarding Adults Training Webinar Series to support providers and their staff to keep adults with care and support needs safe in a variety of settings. Each week they explore specific aspects of the safeguarding process. Attend one-off sessions to refresh your learning in a particular area or sign up to all six for a complete overview and introduction to safeguarding adults. 

The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Adult Safeguarding Partnership Board (SSASPB) is a broad partnership of local organisations that work together to help to protect adults in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.  The Board approved free

  • Adult Safeguarding Awareness training - Level 1
  • MCA / DoLS Awareness training – Level 1

Training slides are available by visiting > Professionals Training

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship standards are developed by employers in the sector. The apprenticeships currently available for adult social care occupations are:

-       Adult Care Worker (level 2)     

-       Lead Adult Care Worker (level 3)                 

-       Lead Practitioner in Adult Care (level 4)

-       Leader in Adult Care (level 5)

-       Higher Apprenticeship in Care Leadership and Management (level 5)

-       Nursing Associate (level 5)

-       Social Work (level 6)

-       Occupational Therapist (level 6)

-       Physiotherapist (level 6)

-       Registered Nurse (level 6)

You can recruit apprentices in other roles within your organisation such as Business Administration, Assistant Accountant or Chef.  CMDT can signpost you to apprenticeships with Keele University, Stafford & Newcastle Colleges and the Together We’re Better Workforce Programme.

CMDT will also support you requesting apprenticeship levy funding from the various schemes operated by Staffordshire County Council and the NHS Trust. If you have any queries, then please contact CMDT cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk

 

Support Staffordshire

Support Staffordshire aims to increase skills and knowledge, harness the drive, enthusiasm and energy of people, to enhance individual and family livelihoods, to build capacity in neighbourhoods & communities and to improve the relationships and resilience of organisations and individuals.

Support Staffordshire runs a training programme for community groups, mutual aid groups and voluntary organisations in Staffordshire.  Details can be found by using the following link > Supporting Communities Training 

Page Updated 18/07/2022

 

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