Working in partnership: CeraCare
Our partnerships with employers help ensure education and training align with the needs of local businesses, services and communities. We spoke to Tanya, Registered Manager at Cera Care (Care Quality Services Limited), to discover the value of partnership working and its impact on staff, service users and the wider community.
How would you describe your relationship with UHI Moray?
I have a very positive and professional relationship with UHI Moray. As a Registered Manager, I value the support they provide to my staff as they work towards completing their SVQ qualifications.
They have been approachable, supportive and responsive, providing guidance to staff throughout their learning journey. This support complements the learning and development we provide within the workplace and helps staff to build their knowledge, skills and confidence in their roles.
I feel we have a good working relationship with UHI and appreciate the positive impact their support has on the professional development of our staff.
You talked about a relationship with UHI Moray, how has that evolved over time?
Initially, our engagement was focused on supporting individual staff members to work towards their SVQ qualifications. As we have gained experience of working together, we have developed a stronger understanding of how UHI Moray can support our organisation’s wider learning and development needs.
We now see UHI Moray as a valued partner in supporting the professional development of our staff. Communication and collaboration have become more established, and we have developed a positive working relationship based on mutual support and shared aims.
You work in care, what would you say are the most important skills in the sector?
The most important skills in our sector are strong communication, empathy, patience and the ability to provide person-centred care. Staff need to be able to build positive, trusting relationships with the people they support and understand their individual needs, choices and preferences.
Good teamwork and communication are also essential, as staff need to work effectively with colleagues, families and other professionals. Staff must also have good observation and listening skills, be able to recognise changes in a person's needs or wellbeing, and respond appropriately.
Reliability, professionalism, respect and a willingness to learn are equally important. Working in health and social care requires staff to be compassionate and non-judgemental while maintaining professional boundaries and always promoting the dignity, rights, independence and wellbeing of the people they support.
How are these skills matched by students/apprentices?
They have matched the skills required within the sector very well. They have demonstrated empathy, patience, good communication skills and a genuine commitment to providing person-centred care.
As they progress through their SVQ, they are able to apply their learning directly to their role and contribute to providing a high standard of support to the people we care for. They also bring enthusiasm, fresh ideas and a willingness to learn and benefit the wider team by creating a positive learning environment and encouraging staff to share knowledge and good practice.
Their willingness to learn, accept feedback and put their learning into practice has been particularly positive.
Overall, we feel that the students and apprentices are developing the essential professional and personal qualities needed to work effectively within health and social care.
You mentioned the partnerships working strongly, what makes UHI Moray a valuable partner?
UHI Moray is a valuable partner for employers because they understand the importance of combining academic learning with practical workplace experience. Their support enables staff to work towards recognised qualifications while continuing to develop their skills and experience within their employment.
We value their approachable and supportive staff, good communication and willingness to work collaboratively with employers. They provide a structured pathway for staff development while allowing learning to be relevant to the individual's role and the needs of the organisation.
As a local college, UHI Moray also plays an important role in developing the local workforce and supporting employers to retain and develop skilled staff. We feel that this collaborative approach benefits the employee, the employer and the wider health and social care sector.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience of working with us?
Our experience of working with UHI Moray has been very positive. We value the support they provide to our staff and the professional way in which they work alongside us as an organisation. The opportunity for staff to gain recognised qualifications while developing their skills and experience within the workplace is extremely beneficial.
We particularly value the collaborative approach and the relationship we have built with UHI Moray. Having a local college that can support the development of our workforce is a real asset to our organisation and the wider health and social care sector.
If you would like to more about how we can work in partnership with your business contact Jacqui Taylor, Head of Marketing and External Relations > Jacqui.Taylor.Moray@uhi.ac.uk