Training available at the Social Care Academy for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

Please note this training is currently only being offered to Learning Disability homes based in the North of the Staffordshire County Course Date Dysphagia Training - 4th December 2025 - 09:00 - 12:00 - Craft Room, Maple West, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6SB How to book this training To book a training event, add it to your cart, there will be an option to choose a training session and "purchase" it from the storefront, if there is only one training session available for that course, you will automatically be enrolled on to that session and if there are multiple dates available then you will be prompted to select an available date. Please note there is no cost for this training. Session Details This training is being held at: Craft Room, Maple West, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6SB Course Aim and Description Do you provide care for people with a learning disability? Do those people also have Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). If so, please watch this short video, which will help you identify any training needs you might have when supporting people with Learning Disability and Dysphagia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKU3xo8VmZ4 To support gaps in knowledge and skill, you can now take advantage of free Dysphagia training, which is being offered by your local speech and language team Who is this session for? • This session is aimed at all support staff working in community settings • Who support someone with a Learning Disability - to eat and drink and take medication • When that person also has swallowing difficulties • The course is delivered in-person and involves a presentation of information using projected slides, as well as practical exercises and group participation and discussion. • The course content covers the following topics: the normal swallow; what factors can affect the swallow; the risks to a person’s health, wellbeing and quality of life when they have difficulties swallowing; and information about how to support individuals to continue to enjoy meals and drinks more safely. This includes learning how to modify the textures of food and drinks. By the end of the session the learner should be able to: • Understand how swallowing works • Understand the risks associated with a swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) - including choking • Understand the factors which need to be considered when supporting a person with dysphagia • Know how to make a referral for a Speech and Language Therapy Assessment of the swallow • Know how to modify textures of food and drink in line with national guidance (IDDSI) Please note, by booking onto this training course you are committing to attending at the referenced date and time. Your space on this session has cost Staffordshire County Council and while there is not a cost to yourself or your organisation, public funds have been utilised to fund the training.  If you cannot attend, you can send someone in your place but we will require notification so we can update the course register.  If you are unable to attend or send someone in your place, we ask for 7 working days’ notice in order to have the opportunity to offer this space to others.  All bookings or unenrolment changes should be emailed to cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk If you have any additional requirements, such as the need for British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation or mobility requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs. Waiting List If this course is fully booked, or you are unable to attend of the available dates, you can request to be added to the waiting list. Read more

Please note this training is currently only being offered to Learning Disability homes based in the North of the Staffordshire County Course Date Dysphagia Training - 7th October 2025 - 12:30 - 15:30 - Craft Room, Maple West, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6SB How to book this training To book a training event, add it to your cart, there will be an option to choose a training session and "purchase" it from the storefront, if there is only one training session available for that course, you will automatically be enrolled on to that session and if there are multiple dates available then you will be prompted to select an available date. Please note there is no cost for this training. Session Details This training is being held at: Craft Room, Maple West, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6SB Course Aim and Description Do you provide care for people with a learning disability? Do those people also have Dysphagia (swallowing difficulties). If so, please watch this short video, which will help you identify any training needs you might have when supporting people with Learning Disability and Dysphagia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKU3xo8VmZ4 To support gaps in knowledge and skill, you can now take advantage of free Dysphagia training, which is being offered by your local speech and language team Who is this session for? • This session is aimed at all support staff working in community settings • Who support someone with a Learning Disability - to eat and drink and take medication • When that person also has swallowing difficulties • The course is delivered in-person and involves a presentation of information using projected slides, as well as practical exercises and group participation and discussion. • The course content covers the following topics: the normal swallow; what factors can affect the swallow; the risks to a person’s health, wellbeing and quality of life when they have difficulties swallowing; and information about how to support individuals to continue to enjoy meals and drinks more safely. This includes learning how to modify the textures of food and drinks. By the end of the session the learner should be able to: • Understand how swallowing works • Understand the risks associated with a swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) - including choking • Understand the factors which need to be considered when supporting a person with dysphagia • Know how to make a referral for a Speech and Language Therapy Assessment of the swallow • Know how to modify textures of food and drink in line with national guidance (IDDSI) Please note, by booking onto this training course you are committing to attending at the referenced date and time. Your space on this session has cost Staffordshire County Council and while there is not a cost to yourself or your organisation, public funds have been utilised to fund the training.  If you cannot attend, you can send someone in your place but we will require notification so we can update the course register.  If you are unable to attend or send someone in your place, we ask for 7 working days’ notice in order to have the opportunity to offer this space to others.  All bookings or unenrolment changes should be emailed to cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk If you have any additional requirements, such as the need for British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation or mobility requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs. Waiting List If this course is fully booked, or you are unable to attend of the available dates, you can request to be added to the waiting list. Read more

This course is for Staffordshire Adult Social Care providers delivering care to individuals in Staffordshire or for individuals outside of Staffordshire receiving care funded or commissioned by Staffordshire County Council. Course Dates IDDSI Framework Training for Texture Modified Diets - 10th September 2025 - 09:30-15:30 - Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite), Stafford Enterprise Park, Weston Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST18 0BF IDDSI Framework Training for Texture Modified Diets - 26th February 2026 - 09:30-15:30 - Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite), Stafford Enterprise Park, Weston Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST18 0BF (Tickets for this date will be released later in the year) How to book this training To book a training event, add it to your cart, there will be an option to choose a training session and "purchase" it from the storefront, if there is only one training session available for that course, you will automatically be enrolled on to that session and if there are multiple dates available then you will be prompted to select an available date. Please note there is no cost for this training. Session Details This training is being held at: Beaconside Conference Centre (Uttoxeter Suite), Stafford Enterprise Park, Weston Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST18 0BF Course Aim and Description Dining with Dignity provides complete training for chefs, catering teams, housekeepers, care home managers, carers, registered nurses, activity coordinators or anyone who could be involved in the preparation, cooking and delivery of food to residents at risk. The training has specific learning outcomes for all individual teams, including practical demonstrations and advice for the kitchen staff to include preparation, cooking and presentation of meals, theory and practical demonstrations. The training includes a workshop with group participation around the delivery of the meal service, and understanding the importance of the dining experience in relation to meeting of individual nutrition and hydration needs. Why the training? Are you providing Texture Modified Diets to individuals in your care? Do you have complaints from residents or family members about the quality/taste/appearance of texture modified diets? Are you unhappy with the presentation of Texture Modified Diets that you currently provide? Are you worried that residents may be at risk of choking or malnutrition because of inconsistencies in the preparation of textured diets? Are you concerned that you can evidence you are meeting the CQC requirements (meeting the individuals dietary needs-special diets). Do you want to improve both the nutritional content and appearance of meals provided to your residents? If the answer is yes, then this training is suitable for you.  The training will cover the following:  Essential Communication for the kitchen Why a Textured Modified Diet? The risk associated with Dysphagia (swallowing problems) Weight loss prevention Methods of cooking meat, fish, vegetables and desserts to enable the delivery of the IDDSI framework To include presentation and texture consistencies Audit tool included to check compliance. Improved dining experience for residents. Booking Changes Please note, by booking onto this training course you are committing to attending at the referenced date and time. Your space on this session has cost Staffordshire County Council and while there is not a cost to yourself or your organisation, public funds have been utilised to fund the training.  If you cannot attend, you can send someone in your place but we will require notification so we can update the course register.  If you are unable to attend or send someone in your place, we ask for 7 working days’ notice in order to have the opportunity to offer this space to others.  All bookings or unenrolment changes should be emailed to cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk Car Parking Please ensure that on the day you register your car registration when entering the venue, there is a tablet or QR code available in the foyer of the venue. If you don't do this you will be charged. Refreshment's Refreshments and lunch will not be provided on the day, however there are shops close by and a cafe on site. If you have any additional requirements, such as the need for British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation or mobility requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.   Waiting List If this course is fully booked, or you are unable to attend of the available dates, you can request to be added to the waiting list. Read more

This course is for Staffordshire Adult Social Care providers delivering care to individuals in Staffordshire or for individuals outside of Staffordshire receiving care funded or commissioned by Staffordshire County Council. Please note this training is a 2 day course, please ensure you can commit to the full 2 days before booking this training.  Course Dates Leadership Support Training - 17th and 18th September 2025 - 09:30-17:00 - The Shire Hall Business Centre, 2, Market Street, Stafford ST16 2JZ Leadership Support Training - 7th and 8th October 2025 - 09:30-17:00 - The Shire Hall Business Centre, 2, Market Street, Stafford ST16 2JZ  Leadership Support Training - 12th and 13th November 2025 - 09:30-17:00 - The Shire Hall Business Centre, 2, Market Street, Stafford ST16 2JZ  How to book this training To book a training event, add it to your cart, there will be an option to choose a training session and "purchase" it from the storefront, if there is only one training session available for that course, you will automatically be enrolled on to that session and if there are multiple dates available then you will be prompted to select an available date. Please note there is no cost for this training. Session Details This training is being held at: The Shire Hall Business Centre,  2, Market Street, Stafford ST16 2JZ Course Aim and Description Learning Outcomes: By successfully completing this course you will be able to: •             Describe the term leadership and the qualities of a leader •             Understand different leadership styles and apply appropriate approaches based on situational needs. •             Understand the importance of being visible and approachable as a leader •             List the relevant legislations in the UK •             Learn how to effectively delegate tasks and responsibilities •             Describe how staff can understand what the vision, values and strategies of your service are, and how they can achieve them in their role •             Understand how to effectively manage resources and identify the appropriate type and level of recourses required to deliver safe and effective service             •             Describe how to identify and address poor or variable staff performance •             Learn how to identify the strengths, interests, and developmental needs of staff members •             Understand how to identify and address staff development needs •             Learn techniques for setting SMART goals for staff development •             Understand why providing constructive feedback and recognition can support staff in their development journey •             Develop skills in providing constructive feedback during supervision sessions •             Learn how to respond to feedback in a timely and professional manner •             Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills to support and motivate staff members •             Understand what is active listening and empathetic communication and how to practice it during supervisory interactions •             Understand the importance of promoting staff wellbeing and resilience •             Understand how to support staff to manage their own health, care and wellbeing and recognising the importance of self-care in leadership roles •             Describe how to manage the impact of their emotions and behaviour •             Understand importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with all staff, including clients, families, and community partners •             Understand importance with working in collaboration with others in and across networks •             Understanding the causes of conflict and how to effectively manage it •             Develop skills in active listening, effective communication, and problem-solving •             Develop skills in active listening, empathy, and effective communication •             Develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, and decision-making •             Understand the importance of considering multiple perspectives and gathering information before making decisions and encouraging other have the confidence and opportunity to contribute. •             Learn how to make ethical and informed decisions that align with the values and goals of the organisation and respecting the culture beliefs the individual •             Understand the importance of effectively managing comments and complaints •             Understand the importance of encouraging improvement and innovation to create continuous service improvement Booking Changes Please note, by booking onto this training course you are committing to attending at the referenced date and time. Your space on this session has cost Staffordshire County Council and while there is not a cost to yourself or your organisation, public funds have been utilised to fund the training.  If you cannot attend, you can send someone in your place but we will require notification so we can update the course register.  If you are unable to attend or send someone in your place, we ask for 7 working days’ notice in order to have the opportunity to offer this space to others.  All bookings or unenrolment changes should be emailed to cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk Car Parking Please ensure that you check prior to attending the training where is most suitable for you to park, we recommend that you refer to Stafford Borough Council's website for car parking information in Stafford Car Parking in Stafford and Stone | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk). The closest car park is the Waterfront car park.  Refreshment's Refreshments will not be provided on the day, however there are shops close by.  If you have any additional requirements, such as the need for British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation or mobility requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs. Waiting List If this course is fully booked, or you are unable to attend of the available dates, you can request to be added to the waiting list. Read more

The Managers Quality Networking Form is an event which provides social care professionals, managers, owners, nurses etc with an opportunity to gain updates on the latest social care issues and networking opportunities with like-minded peers. This course is for Staffordshire Adult Social Care providers delivering care to individuals in Staffordshire or for individuals outside of Staffordshire receiving care funded or commissioned by Staffordshire County Council. Event Date Managers Quality Networking Forum - 11th September 2025 - Beaconside Conference Centre, Stafford, ST18 0BF (09:30-14:15) IMPORTANT - How to book a ticket  To book on to the event, add it to your cart, proceed to checkout, and complete the purchase. It's free, so no payment details are required. Please ensure you only book one ticket per person. Event Details This event is being held at: Beaconside Conference Centre  Stafford Education and Enterprise Park, Weston Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST18 0BF You can download a map to the Beaconside Conference Centre. What 3 Words - (///dining.slip.vibes) https://w3w.co/dining.slip.vibes Event Description The Care Market Development Team are excited to announce that our next MQNF (Managers Quality Networking Forum) is planned for 11th September 2025 at Beaconside Conference Centre, Stafford Education and Enterprise Park, Weston Road, Stafford, Staffordshire,ST18 0BF. Our Managers Quality Networking Form is an event which provides social care professionals, managers, owners, nurses etc with an opportunity to gain updates on the latest social care issues and networking opportunities with like-minded peers. AGENDA 09:30 - Arrival and Registration Welcome and Housekeeping Health & Care Update Dr Richard Harling (MBE) - Director for Health & Care Staffordshire County Council CQC update Debbie Ho - Inspector Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent - Care Quality Commission Coffee & Networking with stand holders Skills For Care update Suzanne Petrie - Locality Manager Skills for Care Lifted – International Recruitment Rachael Crook CEO and Co-founder of Lifted Safeguarding Update Sarah Braithwaite and Charlotte Barr - Staffordshire Adult Safeguarding Team Staffordshire County Council Lunch and Stand holders / Networking Networking Raffle Cards Panel Dr Richard Harling (MBE) - Director for Health & Care - Staffordshire County Council Andrew Jepps - Assistant Director, Care Commissioning - Staffordshire County Council Lisa Bates - Place Based Transformation Lead - Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board Recognising Deterioration Stephen Fawcett - Strategic Clinical Director Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board  Digital Switchover  Fiona Scally - Commissioning Manager OPPD Staffordshire County Council 14:15 Closing Remarks / Summary / Evaluation   Please note if you have any dietary requirements you will need to email cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk confirming your name, organisation and what dietary requirements you have. This needs to be done by 22nd August 2025 to guarantee that we can make this request. If this event is fully booked, please email cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk with your name, email address, organisation and contact number and we can put you onto a waiting list. All bookings or unenrolment changes should be emailed to cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk Car Parking Please ensure that on the day you register your car registration when entering the venue, there is a tablet or QR code available in the foyer of the venue. If you don't do this you will be charged. Refreshment's Refreshments and lunch will be provided on the day. If you have any additional requirements, such as the need for British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation or mobility requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs. Question & Answer Panel If you have any questions that you would like to ask the panel for on the day, please email in these in advance to cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk (please note you would remain anonymous) Certificate Upon verification of your attendance, you will be issued a certificate of attendance for your Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Read more

This course is for Staffordshire Adult Social Care providers delivering care to individuals in Staffordshire or for individuals outside of Staffordshire receiving care funded or commissioned by Staffordshire County Council. Please note that only 2 delegates per registered location will be permitted to access this training. Course Dates - Please note before booking you must ensure that you are able to attend both dates, booking onto this course will automatically enrol you onto both dates.  16th October 2025 - 09:00-15:00 - The Stone House Hotel, Brooms Park Stafford Road, Stone, ST15 0BQ  FOLLOWED BY A SECOND DATE  20th November 2025 - Online Webinar via Zoom - 14:00-15:30 - Link for the zoom is within the session details and will be sent out to you. How to book this training To book a training event, add it to your cart, there will only be the one option to choose a training session for this specific course and "purchase" it from the storefront, you will automatically be enrolled on to both of the session dates. Please note there is no cost for this training. Session Details This training on 16th October 2025 is being held at: The Stone House Hotel,  Brooms Park Stafford Road, Stone, ST15 0BQ  Course Aim and Description Workforce planning seminar – Bookings now open  We’re pleased to share details of the upcoming Operational Workforce Planning seminar from Skills for Care. This seminar is fully funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). It is designed to help providers strengthen their workforce planning and demonstrate compliance with CQC requirements for safe and effective staffing.  This seminar is for providers looking to: understand what workforce planning is and why it matters use data to make informed staffing decisions future proof their service, reduce compliance risks, and ensure high-quality, person-centred care gain the most-up-to-date information about the factors that can affect an organisations workforce begin developing your workforce plan (with at least 20% completed during the session). Who should attend? Chief Executives, Directors, and Nominated Individuals Registered Managers HR professionals Anyone in adult social care responsible for ensuring services are delivered safely and effectively with the right staffing levels Local authority cohort - Thursday 16 October 2025: For providers who contract with or deliver services in a specific local authority area. Important note on feedback and evaluation: As these seminars are fully funded by DHSC, participants will be expected to contribute to the programme’s evaluation by:  completing a short feedback form pre and post event on the day of the seminar  participating in a follow-up survey 4-6 weeks after the event to assess the impact of the training joining a focus group or interview 4–6 weeks post-event to share how the learning has been applied in practice – Afternoon 20th November 2025 This feedback is vital to help us understand the real-world impact of the seminars and inform future workforce development initiatives.  Booking Changes Please note, by booking onto this training course you are committing to attending at the referenced date and time. Your space on this session has cost Staffordshire County Council and while there is not a cost to yourself or your organisation, public funds have been utilised to fund the training.  If you cannot attend, you can send someone in your place but we will require notification so we can update the course register.  If you are unable to attend or send someone in your place, we ask for 7 working days’ notice in order to have the opportunity to offer this space to others.  All bookings or unenrolment changes should be emailed to cmdt@staffordshire.gov.uk Car Parking Please note that there is free on site car parking at The Stone House Hotel. Refreshment's Refreshments will not be provided on the day, however there are shops close by and a cafe on site. If you have any additional requirements, such as the need for British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation or mobility requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs. Read more