why we have to take action on skills for life

There is good evidence that many social care staff lack the ability and confidence to apply skills for life effectively in one or more area of their job. We know that those who have difficulty can be incredibly resourceful, finding ways to cope with and maybe also disguise their skills gaps. However, without these skills, they will find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to develop other higher-level skills and respond to the ever-changing demands of the world around them.

It is the responsibility of social care employers to make sure their staff have the knowledge and skills they need to do their jobs well. The risks associated with poorly developed communication and number skills are enormous, and so no social care employer can afford to ignore these types of skills gaps in their workforce.

The good news is that organisations that have begun to invest in skills for life development in the workplace report that everybody benefits. It is a win-win situation for employers, employees and people who use services.

Benefits for the learner:

• Increased confidence at work and at home.
• Able to do job better.
• Able to join in more and get more involved at work.
• Learning new skills.
• Encouraged to take on more training and qualifications.
• Increased motivation and job satisfaction.
  

Benefits for the employer:

• Excellent return on investment, with long-term reduction in costs for recruitment, sickness and training.
• Improved learning rates & qualifications levels.
• Better compliance with health & safety and regulatory requirements.
• Increased staff loyalty, commitment and flexibility.
• Improved quality of work.
• Reduced sickness absence & turnover rates.
  

Benefits for the people who use services:

• Improved communication with staff involved in direct care.
• Improved safety and reduced risk.
• Fewer mistakes and problems with services provided.
• Better quality and improved customer satisfaction.
• Improved continuity of care due to reduced staff turnover and sickness absence.
• Wider range of staff skills leading to wider range of support available.

Skills for Care have created a practical guide to help employers address the skills for life needs of their staff

skills for life - a practical guide for employers