Bucks partnership develops free health and social care courses
Buckinghamshire Education, Skills and Training (BEST), the partnership venture between Buckinghamshire New University and Aylesbury College, will deliver free Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs) for any employee working within health and social care in Bucks across the NHS, voluntary and private sectors.
The courses – which will be delivered in the workplace with tutor support and ongoing assessment – are free to those who register by the end of July and offer a flexible start date. Applications are welcomed from support workers such as health care assistants, carers and residential wardens as well as non-clinical staff who wish to develop their business and management skills. BEST has secured funding for the courses from the Skills Funding Agency.
Investing in the essential workforce of unregistered workers – which includes 1.3 million care assistants – who provide the bulk of face-to-face patient support was hailed as a key priority by Lord Willis in his Shape of Caring review earlier this month. Lord Willis’ review followed the launch of Health Education England’s (HEE) Talent for Care initiative which provides healthcare employers with a clear strategy to develop their support staff through training and education.
Karen Buckwell-Nutt, Head of Vocational Healthcare at Bucks New University said: “All too often, care staff are under-valued and there is a lack of investment in their training. We support HEE and Lord Willis’ recommendation to provide these important employees with high quality learning and development as this is fundamental to the delivery of safe, compassionate and effective care. We are proud to add the University’s expertise in the health and social sector to help develop the skills of local support workers and deliver benefits to the patients for whom they care.”
Non-clinical staff working in the health and social work sector have the opportunity to complete HLAs to develop their skills in care leadership, management, business and professional management.
Ian Harper, General Manager of Buckinghamshire Education, Skills and Training (BEST) said: “This project is a wonderful example of collaboration between Bucks New University and Aylesbury College, meaning that employers and learners benefit from the combined experience and reach of both institutions. We look forward to welcoming learners to the programme, and the launch of other higher apprenticeships under the same partnership.”
Alison Chambers, Pro Vice Chancellor, Faculty of Society & Health at Bucks New University, said: “At Bucks, we support a parity of esteem between the various routes of education provided within the county. This means giving equal opportunity, status and recognition of achievement to the practical, technical and academic routes. We want to make a difference to learners by providing them with an integrated education which develops skills that are tailored to the needs of local employers. Bucks New University is renowned for the strength of its health and social care departments and we’re committed to ensuring that the Higher Level Apprenticeship students, and local employers, benefit from our expertise.”
There are no formal entry criteria and all candidates will be assessed on an individual basis. All potential students must be employed within the health and social care sector to complete the course. Applicants can register directly or employers can apply on their behalf by emailing [email protected]
