Three funded packages of learning are available in response to COVID-19. The rapid induction programme (aimed at new staff), refresher training (aimed at existing staff) and a volunteer programme.
The three packages of learning
Rapid induction programme
New workers will need to complete all the following: assisting and moving people; basic life support; fire safety; food safety; health and safety awareness; infection prevention and control; medication management and safeguarding (specifically around isolation). The rapid induction also contains the main knowledge elements from the Care Certificate Standards Self-Assessment Tool. The rapid induction programme should be completed in its entirety within 5 days.
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The Care Certificate self-assessment tool can be used prior to health and social care workers commencing their induction.
Refresher training
Aimed at staff who urgently need refresher training which has expired or will expire soon, for them to continue to work safely.
There are eight topic areas and employees can be put on one or several of these depending on their need. The eight topic areas are assisting and moving people; basic life support; fire safety; food safety; health and safety awareness; infection prevention and 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.
Are you interested in volunteering in social care?
You can access fully funded training to ensure you're equipped with the skills and knowledge you'll need.
To book a place contact any of the endorsed learning providers from the Skills for Care endorsed learning providers list.
Funding limits
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-sized employers (51-249 staff) – 160 courses
- Large employers (250+) – 240 courses.
The limits don't apply to the rapid induction programme for new workers.
Face-to-face training and assessment
While Covid-19 still remains a risk we recommend using our Guidance for employers, learning providers and inhouse trainers on face-to-face training and assessment to assist you with the risk assessment process for face-to-face training where digital solutions aren't suitable for the delivery of training and assessment.
Access the training
The endorsed learning providers 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
You need to create an account and add your workplace details – if you're CQC regulated you can enter your location ID or postcode and confirm the details are correct. The account will be reviewed and approved by Skills for Care’s support team. Log in to your account and enter your total number of staff.
If you're an individual employer you won’t have an ASC-WDS account so the above points don't apply to you.
Our aim, working with the Department of Health and Social Care, is to help employers quickly train new recruits (including people redeploying around the sector). The funding for this training will be kept under review.
Training delivery approaches vary between providers but use a range of methods which include virtual classroom sessions with trainer interaction, eLearning including video based eLearning, 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.
Skills for Care endorsed learning providers
Your workforce still needs to provide person-centred care and support and be able to meet the diverse needs of the individuals they support. We have more endorsed providers delivering high quality training across a range of topics in our search directory.
Rapid induction and refresher training
Organisations must provide adequate personnel to respond if someone is taken ill or injured. Training should therefore continue to ensure enough staff remain competent to manage such situations. It's your decision as an employer on how many staff are required to complete training. First aid must be refreshed every three years for the worker to be considered competent.
We recommend workers refresh their basic life support training at least annually and this can be completed online.
The Resuscitation Council UK have released specific COVID-19 Guidance including specific guidance on CPR and resuscitation which we recommend all workers are familiarised with.
Workers must be able to recognise and report abuse and reduce the risk of abuse occurring. Workers may need additional training in how to safeguard individuals when isolating.
Annual refresher courses can be undertaken online, and observations of competence can be carried out physically in the same room by suitably skilled managers or virtually by a qualified trainer using video conferencing.
If workers aren't deemed competent, additional training will be required and this can be done virtually.
FAQs
Take a look at our FAQ's