Formal and Informal Sources of Support for Learning and Development

Formal Support

Your Line Manager/ Supervisor is the first point of call to discuss how to address a learning need. Your line manager will undertake regular supervision and appraisal sessions with you and help you draw up a Personal Development and Learning Plan and record your learning on a Continuing Professional Development log. See topic 2.12 for ‘Supervision and Appraisal’, topic 2.1 for ‘Personal Development and Learning Plans’ and topic 2.11 for ‘Continuing Personal Development (CPD)’.
Independent Assessors such as NVQ assessors will need to assess your work in relation to a particular qualification framework.
Workplace Assessors are senior staff within the organisation who assess particular areas of competence and skill in relation to qualifications and general quality assurance checks.
Subject Specialists are people who are knowledgeable in particular areas such as moving & handling, behaviour support or undertaking complex health need tasks. They will provide client/ subject specific support as required.
Shadowing of experienced staff. All staff new to a client will shadow senior or experienced staff to understand the skills and knowledge required to work with the individual competently prior to working unsupervised.
SCILS www.scils.co.uk and Skills for Care Websites www.skillsforcare.org.uk

Team meetings where information will be given about specific topics and ethical dilemmas discussed. There is an opportunity for staff to raise queries/ concerns at the meeting.
Discussions with Line Manager outside supervision about how to do something or check that what we think we should do is in line with policy and practice.
Other formal and informal events i.e. Trade Fairs, training events etc.Colleagues, particularly when working in a team which is functioning well could be a valuable source of day to day support, however you must bear in mind that some colleagues, even those with long – term experience may not necessarily advise you correctly.

Use to answer question 2.1a of the Care Certificate