Free materials to support the Care Certificate launched
Free online support is now available to support employers in the health and social care sectors as they prepare for the launch of The Care Certificate in March.
The Care Certificate was a key recommendation of the Cavendish Review to create common learning and development support for new starters in the health and social care sectors. It has been developed after extensive consultation with the sector by Skills for Care, Skills for Health and Health Education England.
The materials are intended as a first step for employers, to prepare them for the official launch of the Care Certificate in March 2015, to help employers become familiar with the fifteen new standards, and how to assess members of staff completing The Care Certificate.
The materials also include documents that will help employers to self-assess and ensure they are comfortable with providing this new expectation.
The materials, including revised standards and guidance, are:
- The Care Certificate Framework
- The Care Certificate Assessor Document
- The Care Certificate Guidance Document
- The Care Certificate Mapping
- The Care Certificate – Certificate
- The Care Certificate FAQ
- Self-Assessment Tool
Skills for Care CEO Sharon Allen said: “The Care Certificate, and the materials being launched, are the result of effective partnership working between Skills for Care, Skills for Health and Health Education England and is a significant step towards greater social care and health integration.
“We now have a fit for purpose set of standards which very clearly define the minimum expectations of what is expected of people joining the social care or health sectors.”
Professor Lisa Bayliss-Pratt, Director of Nursing, Health Education England said: “This is the start of a real opportunity to set a standard of learning for each and every new carer starting in NHS and social care. This programme of work heralds the beginning of a cross sector standardised introduction into care for the health and social care support workforce focusing on practical skills and compassionate care.
The formal launch of the Care Certificate will take place at the end of March, when all health and social care organisations who have relevant care staff will be expected to utilise it as part of the induction of new staff”
John Rogers, Chief Executive, Skills for Health comments; “Paving the way for the launch of the Care Certificate is an important milestone and is the culmination of an invaluable partnership with our colleagues at Skills for Care and Health Education England.
The Care Certificate not only acknowledges the importance of skills development for those entering the health and social care sectors – but crucially puts it into action. However, we do recognise that employers will need support as they prepare for the launch of the Care Certificate.
This suite of informed and accessible materials has been designed to help employers on the frontline fully understand the new Standards and give them guidance on assessing staff confidently and effectively so that the highest standards of care can be delivered. ”
To access these materials click here: http://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Standards/Care-Certificate/Care-Certificate-Materials.aspx
