A training package for the learning disability care and support workforce (NToW2)
Background
Cumbria Training Partnership (CTP) is the umbrella training organisation for learning disability service providers in Cumbria. Through discussions with service providers and partnership organisations, CTP identified that there was a need to provide training to their staff that in order to help them meet the changing work roles linked to self-directed support provision.
CTP recognised that following the introduction of new initiatives such as self-directed support and direct payments, staff at a variety of levels in their organisations were required to work differently, often with new skills.
It was felt that a training package was required that would raise the awareness and skills of the workforce faced with new ways of working, enabling them to meet the challenges related to the provision of individualised care for people who have chosen self-directed support.
Aims/Objectives
The aims of the project were to develop a 'new types of working' training package to raise the skills and confidence of care and support staff working with people who choose self-directed support.
The objectives of the project were to:
- Develop a 1-2 day training course and pilot this with 25 service provider staff, including at least three adults who use services in the development/delivery of training
- Ensure sustainability of the development by making training available to staff in Cumbria via CTP or others
- Make the training package available
- Enable people who use services to maximise their independence and choice
What happened?
Although the original audience for the training was intended to be personal assistants, there was a lack of participants able to take part; CTP therefore refocused the training, tailoring it towards middle managers. Early research had identified that there was a need to change the mindset of middle managers responsible for self-directed support.
The training would include:
- Creative thinking
- Empathy
- Intensive interaction
- Engaging families as well as the individual
Outcomes
Nine middle managers from organisations providing care and support for adults with learning disabilities took part in the course. Feedback was extremely positive with several people remarking that they had gained new information. Pre and post course evaluation forms were used to gather feedback and judge whether the content of the day had been appropriate.
Impact on workforce development and how you can use the learning
This project highlighted the difficulties in engaging with recipients of direct payments and personal assistants in order to encourage them to sign up to and participate in training.
The project also showed that people across all levels of support organisations need skills in person-centred approaches and thinking to enable them to make the change from service provider centred working.
Middle and front line managers need facilitation skills in order to make it possible for front line workers to work in a person-centred manner. They also need skills in marketing, selling and the brokerage of services. Networking with other providers of services is fundamental if a truly collaborative person-centred approach is to be taken.
Front line workers need to be flexible and able to communicate with the individual requiring care. They also need the ability to interpret individual support plans so that they can deliver them successfully.
Additional material
NToW2 - Interim report September 2008
NToW2 - Cumbria training partnership training package
