It’s been a very busy month with Learning and Development...at Springhill Care Home we had a visit from the University of Central Lancashire addressing those employees who were making a decision about the Associate Nurse pathway or the Assistant Practitioner pathway - it was well attended and our employees now have a more in-depth understanding of what each pathway entails so they are able to make an informed decision.
Enrolment for the Assistant Practitioner course starts in September 2018 and over the next few months you will be able to meet them through a new series of articles in our monthly care group newsletter.
I have recently spent quality time at our sister nursing home Riversway in Bristol, looking at the Learning and Development function in detail, and working closely alongside Natalia (Learning & Development Coordinator). I feel we have achieved a lot and that we have had the opportunity to review our business processes and implement some new ideas.
Refresher training across the Group is essential - the Learning & Development team work tirelessly to ensure that quality training is available for all employees to attend. As we are aware, mandatory and refresher training is a legal requirement and in supporting the L&D departments at each site, it is crucial in maintaining fully qualified and skilled employees at each of our services.
I am always looking at ways to improve how we, as a L & D team work together and after consultation we will be introducing a weekly telecast/facetime slot - I believe this will provide an opportunity for my team to share best practice, ideas and any changes in legislation, I will also be discussing and implementing new strategies across the group with them... I envisage that this weekly meeting will help address communication and promote team cohesion.
Sophie McIntosh our new Learning & Development Coordinator at Springhill Care Home, Accrington, commenced her new role last week, I’m sure you will join me in welcoming her to the Group. Sophie brings a portfolio of experience with her and I’m sure she will introduce herself in due course.
There are many new initiatives and ideas being introduced and developed across the Springhill Care Group at the moment, it’s an exciting and positive time to be part of this innovative organisation.
Mike Lakins
Head of Learning and Development
