Empowering excellence: how continuous learning helps shape outstanding care at Weldmar

Whether a member of the Weldmar team is a new starter or a long serving colleague, one thing is consistent – the opportunity to grow.

Julia Hill and Natalie Court, pictured above, ensure that everyone from nurses to shop staff have access to both statutory training, ‘on the job’ learning, and even the chance to take on apprenticeships and qualifications in order to progress their career.

“It means a lot to be doing this job,” explains Natalie. “You don’t always directly see the difference you are making to families in our care but when you think about it, we’re making sure that our people are equipped to look after patients and families, or supporters and shoppers, to the best of their ability.”

Going above and beyond to fulfil the team’s potential

The education programme ensures that Weldmar not only remains compliant with standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), who currently rate the charity as Outstanding, but offers many optional additional resources via the online Weldmar Learning Hub – modules on subject such as personal development, leadership, mental health, and communication skills. Weekly 45 minute ‘Bitesize’ learning sessions are also offered to staff online via Teams (for the benefit of Specialist Hospice at Home team members based around Dorset) or face to face in the hospice.

Weldmar is also leading the way regionally with the Oliver McGowan Training, as Julia explains. “We’ve become something of a flagship in the South West for delivering this so promptly. It’s mandatory training that ensures every care worker is fully equipped to support people with learning disabilities and autism.”

Weldmar also offers twice yearly in person ‘Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) Competency Training’ sessions for external delegates which is delivered by some of our clinical team.

Ensuring everyone is engaged

It’s not just clinical staff who receive training, with retail and support staff also completing monthly refreshers on subjects ranging from safeguarding to cyber awareness. To keep things fresh, Julia and Natalie have introduced more interactive content, including videos and quizzes.

“We’re dynamic,” says Julia. “If we identify a gap, we fill it. If something isn’t working, we tweak it.”

Weldmar’s hundreds of volunteers are also benefiting from a digital shift. By moving volunteer training from paper to the online Hub, the team can now reach 75% of volunteers instantly via email. “As well as providing learning opportunities, it’s a great way to keep our volunteers feeling included and engaged,” Natalie says.

As Julia sums it up: “It’s all about giving individuals the chance to develop in their role, and it’s something we’re very proud of at Weldmar.”