Hamelin Trust has always been committed to the training and development of staff and has its own in house training department.

The department offers appropriate training and development to the Trust's current workforce, volunteers and to members of the projects managed by the Trust, thereby ensuring that all those who work for Hamelin Trust feel valued and supported in carrying out their role.

Under legislation that came into force in April 2002 (Care Standards Act 2000), all social care staff new to learning disability care must register to undertake the Learning Disability Qualification - Induction Award in (level 2 or level 3).

Once completed, the individual will receive an accredited certificate in ‘Supporting People with a Learning Disability’. There are four mandatory units that must be completed successfully. After probationary period staff will be offfered NVQ level 2/3 in Health & Social Care depending on job roles.

The Trust has a four day formal Induction programme, which meets the requirements for the LDQ Induction Award. Staff undertake further training relevant to job roles, e.g Medication Workbook, to make sure they have all the necessary skills needed to complete their job roles safely. New staff members will be supervised supporting service users in their envirionment to have their knowledge and skills assessed.

Hamelin Trust is an approved centre with City & Guilds to deliver LDQ and NVQ awards and has recently received Scheme Approval for Entry Level qualifications in Skills for Working Life and Skills for Life.

A sample of some of the accredited courses offered to external agencies are as follows:

• NVQ Level 2/3 (City & Guilds)
• Appointed Person Emergecny First Aid (HSE)
• Food Safety (acredited by CIEH)
• Health and Safety in Health & Social Care (accredited by CIEH)
• Health & Safety in the Workplace (accredited by CIEH)
• Challenging Behaviour and Managing Aggression
• COSHH (accredited by CIEH)
• Safeguarding Adults/Children.
• A1 Award (City & Guilds)