Stockport Homes
Stockport Homes a limited company formed in 2005, to manage housing stock across Stockport on behalf of Stockport Council. Although owned by the Council they operate independently on day-to-day matters and delivering services to their customers. The stock ranges from residential homes to community centres and supported living accommodation.
The company offers online support about a wide range of issues from housing provision, homelessness, benefits, debt guidance, and employment advice. The company provide learning opportunities for the community through weekly training sessions in IT and health and wellbeing. The housing team provide support across a breath of issues from security to repairs and adaptations that enable tenants to continue to reside in the own homes.
The Challenge
Stockport Homes were looking for a new Safeguarding Training Solution They contacted Athena about a refreshed Safeguarding training plan tailored to meet the needs of the organisation.
Stockport Homes had a number of colleagues identified to deliver the induction and Toolbox talk briefing sessions in house.
In particular colleagues had not been trained in the new Care Act 2014 (Enacted 2015) Safeguarding requirements, this became a feature of the training plan.
The training required would need to be consistent through all levels and tailored dependent on the role and needs of the colleague. The company wanted to equip all colleagues with the skills and knowledge to support their most vulnerable customers.
In addition, Stockport Homes needed to develop the skills and knowledge of recently identified staff members performing the role of Safeguarding Champion.
The Athena Solution
Athena suggested that the following courses were designed and planned aligned to Stockport Homes Vision and Values for delivery ‘in house’ by Stockport Homes colleagues in the following 12 months.
- Safeguarding Induction Training Pack- for all new colleagues
- Toolbox Talk – Mini briefing for new and existing Repairs and Maintenance colleagues
Athena also suggested that the following courses should be delivered by Athena staff in the following 12 months.
- Safeguarding Children Level 1
- Safeguarding Adults at risk Level 1
- Safeguarding Children Level 2
- Safeguarding Adults at risk Level 2
- Care Act training
- Safeguarding Champions Development day
The Outcome
Following the commissioning of Athena; Stockport Homes had a bespoke Safeguarding Induction Pack and Toolbox talk briefing session which they were able to launch quickly using team leaders and line managers to deliver the training.
Stockport Homes later re-commissioned Athena’s services. Following the roll out of the face to face training Stockport Homes had introduced an online Level 1 Safeguarding training session for new members and refresher training sessions.
However the Stockport Homes identified that there was still a gap around the level of confidence colleagues had regarding in-depth safeguarding knowledge.
Athena’s Solution was to advise that a bespoke Level 2 Training pack (children and adults at risk) is developed by them and for nominated Stockport Home’s staff members to attend a Train the Trainers 2 day course. This course would enable trainers to be competent in areas such as understanding participants’ needs, techniques for preparation and the use of creative methods to facilitate safe and inclusive group work. In addition the course would give them time for practice delivery of their new Level 2 Safeguarding training pack guided by an experienced Athena trainer.