Learning how to learn better

We’re always working to make improvements for our staff, the people we support and their families.  The Learning and Development team have been exploring new, creative ways to deliver top-class training that puts people we support in control.

Our Learning and Development (L&D) team at mirus have trialled innovative ways to train staff quickly and effectively, and have found great success with a blended approach to learning. The new approach combines online learning and in-person sessions to give the most comprehensive training, which has given staff more knowledge, confidence, and experience.

First, the L&D team made their training programme more efficient by bringing many of the core training modules online.

Margaret Falcon, Head of Learning & Development said:

We used PowerPoint and video tutorials to provide moving and handling training with great success. Staff were able to easily gain the basic skills they needed to keep themselves and the people they support safe, and provide great quality support.

With online training in place, the L&D team were able to concentrate on tailored sessions for services. The people we support use a wide range of lifting equipment that varies depending on what they need. Although basic moving and handling skills are a great start, our staff needed more specific training on individual pieces of equipment.

The L&D trainers now travel to people’s houses to deliver more in-depth training using the equipment that’s already there. Staff can practice their moving and handling techniques in a safe and supported environment by using ‘Jack’ a 6ft2 manikin in place of a real person. Staff said that the hands on practical training has made them feel more confident using the equipment.

As well as training mirus staff, L&D have opened the training up to the people we support and their family members, so that everyone can benefit from knowledge that will help to keep them safe. Because they are part of the training, people we support have been able to give feedback about their preferences, and the equipment that is used.

Margaret said:

Attending the sessions and giving feedback has given people we support more choice and independence. It has made them feel empowered and involved in decisions about the support they receive.

More people are now able to attend the training as it fits around their work schedule, and as a result we have higher numbers of staff trained in moving and handling than ever before. Visiting the houses has also meant that the team can ensure that the equipment being used is right for the task, and that it is serviced regularly.

The L&D team want to develop their moving and handling training even further, and are holding a forum in July. They hope staff will come together to share ideas, challenges and achievements, give and receive advice, and support each other.