As well as providing other training relevant to individual posts (see Staff Training), the service must ensure that its staff and volunteers undertake training on the safeguarding policy, procedures and professional practices that are in place locally, and which reflect their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding adults. Everyone should undertake this, and recognise their critical role in preventing and detecting abuse and neglect. This should include:
- basic mandatory induction training with respect to awareness that abuse and neglect can take place and duty to report;
- more detailed awareness training, including training on recognition of abuse and neglect and responsibilities with respect to the procedures in their particular service;
- specialist training for those who will be undertaking enquiries, and managers;
- post qualifying or advanced training for those who work with more complex enquiries and responses or who act as their organisation’s expert in a particular field.
Training should take place at all levels in an organisation and be updated regularly to reflect best practice. To ensure that practice is consistent – no staff group should be excluded.
Training should include issues relating to staff safety within a health and safety framework and also include volunteers.
Training is a continuing responsibility and should be provided as a rolling programme. Whilst training may be undertaken on a joint basis and the SAB has an overview of standards and content, it is the responsibility of the service to train its own staff.
Regular face to face supervision from skilled managers and reflective practice is essential to enable staff to work confidently and competently with difficult and sensitive situations.
Staff should agree and undergo other training appropriate to their roles, responsibilities and grade.
