1. we help to improve social care standards May 2012 Improving quality through workforce development

2. Why develop your workforce? Two main reasons: Improves quality of service Makes good business sense

3. Improving quality through a skilled and competent workforce effective in meeting service users needs make less errors more likely to stay and so consistent care / support is given improved outcomes / CQC compliance can respond to change able to progress (good for succession planning)

4. Research and Regulation Skills for Care’s research (2011) demonstrated a link between qualification levels of staff and higher CQC ratings For regulated social care services it is a legal requirement that staff receive appropriate training, professional development, supervision & appraisal CQC Essential Standards demand that staff are competent to carry out their role effectively (outcome 14 and 25)

5. Business benefits of workforce development Improved staff morale / lower turnover (32%) Improved productivity (28%) Improved Customer Satisfaction (23%) Taking Stock, CBI Education and Skills Survey, 2008

6. Retention of staff Average cost of recruiting a replacement staff member / supporting through initial training so safe to work alone = £3,683 Massive cost to the business Training of staff improves retention and decreases turnover

7. Reputation / marketability High standard of care CQC compliance / good comments for marketing Effective safety record Positive staff morale Good standing in local community

8. Investing in workforce development Range of ways to develop staff: in-house; distance learning; e-learning; training sessions; mentoring; apprenticeships (new and existing staff) Time costs, back fill costs and fees / charges There is funding available to support achievement of qualifications

9. Funding for social care staff Workforce Development Fund (WDF) - NVQs and new qualifications (QCF units, awards, certificates and diplomas) Apprenticeships / Employer Grant Skills Funding Agency – Colleges Strategic Health Authority – End of Life Care project (YH only) Department of Work and Pensions (JC+, Work Programme) European Social Fund

10. Thought for the day.... Companies that don’t train staff are twice as likely to go out of business as those that do

11. Contact Details Rachael Ross, Area Officer in YH / NE Telephone: 07815 429170 Email: rachael.ross@skillsforcare.org.ukrachael.ross@skillsforcare.org.uk www.skillsforcare.org.uk

12. www.skillsforcare.org.uk