Training

We are committed to providing our staff with high quality training, to give them all the skills they need to deliver the best possible, person-centred, care for our customers. 

All care assistants complete e-learning modules, with support from supervisors if needed. New recruits must complete compulsory e-learning modules and attain the Care Certificate before starting work.

Care assistants are enrolled for the Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care on the next available course following successful completion of their 3 months’ probation period.

All supervisors must have a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, and we actively encourage care assistants to sign up for the Level 3 course, as part of their career development.  

We are fortunate to have a local hospice, the Longfield, which provides excellent training in end of life care, helping people through loss and grief, and other related courses.  Staff are encouraged to attend these courses. 

Gloucestershire County Council also provides relevant courses, which staff may choose to attend.

We have been steadily increasing the areas in which members of our office staff are qualified to provide training and support for our care assistants. We currently deliver the following in-house training to our care assistants:

• First Aid
• Medication Administration
• Oxygen Therapy Administration
• Immediate Management of Anaphylaxis
• Moving and Handling
• Dementia Awareness
• Parkinson’s Awareness

Practical training is also provided in the field for new starters, including shadowing experienced care assistants until they feel confident. Training is also given in the field when care assistants are scheduled to care for customers with complex needs and/or equipment which the care assistants have not met before.

Office staff undertake external courses relevant to their roles, for example the Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care, leadership and management courses, and other professional qualifications.

All training agreed by managers is funded by Bluebird Care, and staff are paid to attend.

First Aid 

Most of our office staff have now had first aid training, and 3 from each office have completed Train the Trainer first aid courses.  They will now give in-house first aid training to all our care staff, on a rolling programme.  Our policy remains that we do not deliver first aid except in an absolute emergency, for example if the customer has stopped breathing.  The course covers resuscitation techniques as well as more basic first aid.

Diploma in Leadership in Health and Social Care

We are pleased to say that Vicky Hewer has successfully completed her Level 5 Diploma in Leadership in Health and Social Care.