Finding time for training in home care — and the learning that makes the biggest difference

We hear from Alice Weatherley, Learning and Development Manager at Walnut Care about how she ensures her team has time for training and what learning they’ve found most beneficial recently.

Working in home care means no two days are ever the same. It’s fast‑paced, unpredictable and incredibly rewarding — but it also means finding time for training can be challenging. As Walnut Care’s Learning and Development Manager, I’ve learned that with the right structure, support, and mindset, ongoing development not only becomes possible, but becomes one of the most energising parts of our work.

Why training matters to me

Training boosts confidence. Training improves decision‑making. Training strengthens the quality of care.

And crucially, training keeps people in the sector. If we want to retain great carers, we need to give them opportunities to grow.

How we make time for training: plan ahead

One of the most important ways we ensure training happens at Walnut Care is incredibly simple: we plan ahead.

Before the start of each year, I sit down with my brilliant admin team and map out training dates for the months ahead — from mandatory refreshers to development pathways and specialist courses.

This approach means:

Managers know well in advance when staff will be unavailable

They can organise rotas calmly and with confidence.

Staff know what’s coming

Plenty of notice makes attendance far more consistent.

Training becomes part of our routine

It stops feeling disruptive and becomes a natural part of our organisational rhythm.

We also run sessions in cohort, meaning if someone is unable to attend they can join a future cohort.

Paid time to learn

For qualifications such as the Level 2 Care Certificate, we offer three hours of paid study time every two weeks. Giving paid time helps our team to manage their workload without feeling overwhelmed. It sends a clear message: training is part of the job, not an add‑on.

What training had the biggest impact in 2025

Looking back, the highlight of 2025 for me was launching our in‑house Level 2 Care Certificate workbook. I’m incredibly proud of it.

It’s been embraced by staff at all levels — including those who were previously less enthusiastic about attending training. The feedback has been fantastic, and before Christmas we celebrated our first learner completing the programme. Seeing how proud he was when his certificate arrived was a real moment for all of us.

Valuing and using the expertise within our team

One of Walnut Care’s greatest strengths is the depth of experience across our staff. Many carers have been delivering medication or practising complex skills for decades, and their knowledge is invaluable.

We deliver almost all training in‑house, and I love creating opportunities for experienced carers to transition into training roles. For some, continuing frontline care becomes physically demanding over time — but their expertise remains exceptional.

This approach keeps expertise within the organisation while giving staff clear progression routes.

Making training engaging and accessible

We’re fortunate to have a dedicated building for learning and development, which makes a huge difference. Staff can complete online modules here, and we have a consistent, welcoming space for all training sessions.

My advice for other care providers

If you’re looking to strengthen training within your organisation, here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Invest in development — it pays off.

Skilled, confident carers provide better support and stay longer.

2. Plan early and communicate clearly.

A well‑structured calendar prevents chaos and supports attendance.

3. Build in paid time where possible.

It levels the playing field and makes development achievable.

4. Use the experience already in your team.

Your most knowledgeable carers can become exceptional trainers.

5. Keep the focus on quality of care.

Training should always support better outcomes for the people you care for.

Finding time for training in home care will always be a balancing act — but it’s absolutely achievable. At Walnut Care, thoughtful planning, dedicated learning spaces and a culture that genuinely values development have helped us turn training into something positive, consistent and meaningful.

When carers feel supported to learn and grow, the whole organisation benefits — and most importantly, so do the people we support every day.

Find out more about learning and development options with our #KeepLearning spotlight.

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