Dedication To Learning Pays Dividends For Care Home

A residential care home for the elderly in Mid Wales is reaping the benefits of being a dedicated learning organisation.

Seventeen of the 20 staff, aged from 18 to 62 years, at The Hermitage in Welshpool are involved in work based learning programmes leading to National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs).

The programmes, which are being delivered for post-16 education and training body ELWa by Welshpool-based learning provider Powys Training, have enhanced teamwork, upgraded skills and improved the standard of care given to the 26 residents.

The staff are following the infectious example set by the home's manager, Debbie Tonks, 43, who has recently achieved an NVQ level five in management, which is equivalent to the Masters degree. Bitten by the learning bug, she is now aiming for the Registered Manager's Award and is also considering an Open University degree in Health and Social Care.

Care manager, Gill Latham is working towards an NVQ level four and the other 15 staff are seeking an NVQ at either level two or three.

"I came to The Hermitage as a care assistant three-and-a-half years ago and eight of us all started NVQs at the same time," said Debbie, who previously ran her own business as a driving instructor.

"Because I was so enthusiastic about the training all the other staff joined in and they are now very committed and dedicated to learning. Some of them have come on in leaps and bounds in terms of their skills and confidence and seeing their achievements has made me even more enthusiastic.

"The staff are now motivated to identify their own training needs and that makes them look more deeply at improving their work practices. One of the biggest benefits from the training programmes is teamwork and we have developed a really good skills mix. The girls enjoy their jobs and that makes NVQs that much easier."

She said The Hermitage prided itself on its friendly and happy environment and enjoyed a good rapport with doctors, district nurses, residents and their families. Commitment to training demonstrated to the public that staff were competent in their work.

She praised the motivational support the staff had received from Janis Gwynn, a training officer with Powys Training in Welshpool, who has co-ordinated the management and care training provided by Watson Training and Bethany Training.

"The Hermitage is a fine example of a caring organisation that is getting the best out of its staff by being supportive and dedicated to learning," said Mrs Gwynn. "The systems Debbie has put in place are second to none and she has developed a superb team around her.

"She is now considering a step further for The Hermitage by committing to Investors in People, an award that is long overdue and one that is justly deserved."

Modern Apprenticeships are available to individuals of all ages who want to train. Last year alone, 7,000 young people and adults completed Modern Apprenticeships.

Picture captions:
Janis Gwynn, of Powys Training (left) presents a certificate to Debbie Tonks, manager of The Hermitage, watched by (back from left) staff Val Evans, Rosie Cooper, Gill Latham and Sarah Pryce. .