Our Learning and Development team provide high-quality, innovative training coaching, mentoring and skills practice to our staff. We deliver courses which meet recognised standards and which are directly relevant to everyday practice in providing a person-centred approach.
Our training is not solely focused on skills and knowledge but on attitudes and values. Core values training is the first element of induction for all staff whether a director or a front line practitioner. This covers the attitude and behaviours we expect from staff in relation to equality, dignity and respect. In 2012 we rolled out a comprehensive coaching and mentoring programme for managers.
Our team
We have an internal professionally qualified Learning and Development team, comprised of experienced staff members who have key specialist knowledge.
Our National Learning and Development Manager is based at our head office in Stepps; all other members of the team are based locally across Scotland, from Inverness to Dumfries. The team includes individuals who have been or are supported by The Richmond Fellowship Scotland. They have specific knowledge and experience which they were keen for us to maximise - so we did!
What does Learning and Development cover?
1. Induction
This includes SSSC codes of practice, legislation to keep supported individuals and staff safe, core values, health and safety, adult support and protection, medication awareness and moving and handling training. There is also a service-specific day to cover areas such as fire exits and knowledge of where supported individuals personal plans and relevant policies are located.
2. Service-specific
This training is customised around the specific needs of supported individual/s. There are almost 100 different courses available, as supported individuals are all unique. Some examples of training include:
- Person-centred planning
- Mental health first aid
- Learning disabilities
- Risk assessment
- Autism training, from awareness to accredited management qualifications
- Dementia
- Food hygiene
- Non-verbal communication
- Reactive approaches to challenging behaviour
3. Skills developmental training
This focuses on training essential to the role, for example supervision and appraisal training and coaching and mentoring. It also includes training related to development needs identified by staff or managers during supervision.
We also have a Health and Safety Manager who ensures we comply with and deliver IOSH training to required standards, as well as all other health and safety related training such as risk assessments and fire warden training.
Headquarters staff from departments such as Finance, IT, Human Resources, New Business, Property and Quality are required to have a different skills mix. However they too have a comprehensive induction which includes core values training, as this is fundamental to our culture.
Accreditation and awards
We are accredited by SQA to deliver VQs in Social Care, Leadership and Management and Learning and Development. We are audited annually by SQA to ensure we meet high standards of quality and consistency. Failure to do so could result in withdrawal of our accreditation. We recently secured an SQA STAR Award for excellence and innovation.
For more information about our Learning and Development, email Erica Stewart-Jones (National Learning and Development Manager, estewart-jones@trfs.org.uk) or call 0845 013 6369.