1. Enhancement of Learning Support
More than Courses
Alternative Approaches to CPD

2. Enhancement of Learning Support
The aim of this workshop is to
Explain the context of the West Midlands work
Identify some of the key principles which underpinned our thinking
Give you an opportunity to have a look at the draft resources
Share practice and experiences, and consider how these resources might be used

3. Enhancement of Learning Support
Background to project
West Midlands Region
How does what the West Midlands is doing fit with the bigger picture?
The initial research indicated that a lot of training for LSAs focuses on compliance
Very little is targeted specifically at the “real job”
When asked what training they had found useful, LSAs indicated alternative forms of CPD but
Typically these were available at induction, but did not continue beyond
Feedback from managers provided a very similar picture

4. Enhancement of Learning Support
Background to project
West Midlands Region
In the West Midlands, we were charged with:
Collating, developing and publishing guidance and protocols on alternative approaches to CPD such as shadowing, mentoring and buddying.

5. Enhancement of Learning Support
What do we know?
There is more to developing as a practitioner than going on courses!

6. Enhancement of Learning Support
What do we know?
There is gold in your coffee cup!

7. Enhancement of Learning Support
But we are all short on
and money
Time
So we need to make the best use of what we have

8. Enhancement of Learning Support
So what did we do?
Input on “reflection”, because we think in order to develop, you need to reflect
Innovative ways to use technology – memory stick
Developed draft resources for mentoring , shadowing, “Learn and Share” and buddying

9. Enhancement of Learning Support
Guidance documents
Guidance documents are available on the West Midlands page of the Natspec website www.
Guidance for Learning from colleagues covers:
What?
Why?
Who?
When?
Where?
How?

10. Enhancement of Learning Support
Supporting documents
In addition, there are examples of:
A shadowing activity development plan and log
A mentoring log
A mentoring agreement
A mentee development plan
An Introduction to Mentoring PowerPoint – to introduce the concept and process to would be mentees

11. Enhancement of Learning Support
Activity
Look at your guidance documents
In table tops groups, discuss
Who has experience of this?
What does it involve?
Is it available for LSAs?
Is it / would it be valuable?
Could the guidance be useful?

12. Enhancement of Learning Support
Alternative approaches to CPD
Why do it?
Draws on the expertise which exists and facilitates the sharing of best practice across your organisation
Supports the professional development of new staff and staff new to the role
Can aid recruitment and retention of staff
Contributes to the culture of a learning organisation

13. Enhancement of Learning Support
Alternative approaches to CPD
Why do it?
Promotes team working
Relatively cost effective and easy to implement – on site, no travel, can be built in around your schedules
CPD activity is centred on the needs of your staff and your organisation, so highly relevant and context specific

14. Enhancement of Learning Support
Next Steps
If you want to implement some of these approaches
Talk to your colleagues and learn together
Talk to your managers – you might be good, but you can't do it alone!
If you want to introduce something new, your organisation has to take it on board
Talk to whoever does your training plan – how could this be incorporated?
If you want to make a difference
You need to know whose button to press

15. Louise Keevil Project Coordinator West Midlands
Alison O’Brien Project Director & Specialist Support to the West Midlands
Louise Keevil Project Coordinator West Midlands
Derwen College