The Workforce Development Unit works to a number of policies and guidance documents which are available here. Use the list below by clicking on the policy name.
The City Council has an Appraisal Scheme. It is an important part of Leicester City Council’s commitment to manage performance and develop its employees to do their jobs well. All employees should receive at least an annual appraisal with their line manager in a one to one meeting in order to:
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review performance over the past year
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set clear objectives for the next year
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reflect on the value of learning and development opportunities undertaken
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plan how to meet future learning needs.
The councils guidance and forms can be found on these links:
Appraisal form
Appraisal guidance notes
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The Unit is largely funded by the City Council and through central government grants to deliver learning opportunities to organisations that promote and enhance social care services across Leicester.
The Council invests a significant amount of money in providing learning and development opportunities for its employees. If you do not turn up for a course you have prevented someone else from attending so there may be a charge to your team or organisation if you do not attend.
If you do not complete a qualification programme under the Post Entry Qualification Training (PEQT) Scheme, you will be charged for the fees and expenses.
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The Unit strives to maintain the highest standards and regularly seeks feedback on the activities delivered. Where a member of staff has a complaint there is a complaints process.
Workforce Development Unit Complaints Guidelines
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Continual Professional Development
It is important that all staff continue to up date their knowledge and skills. This is to ensure they know about changes in practice and legislation or policies and procedures, and to help their career development. This is known as Continual Professional Development, often shortened to CPD.
Many professions have specific requirements about the CPD in order to retain registration status with the regulatory organisation or association. You should contact your professional organisation for precise details.
Social Workers are registered with the General Social Care Council (GSCC).
Guidance about the post registration requirements
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The Council has an Employee Development Policy - For Managers (Internal Only)
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The Unit welcomes feedback from participants about the events and learning opportunities delivered. This can be done informally directly to the trainer or facilitator or on a feedback form.
Feedback Form
Feedback Form - Accessible Version
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The Council regards the induction of new starters and those staff who are moving jobs within the City Council as very important. Social care workers also have to complete national induction standards within set time scales.
Information about Induction for Leicester City Council Employees working in Adult Social Care.
Information about Induction for Leicester City Council Employees working in Children's Social Care (Internal Only)
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Sometimes a worker reports practice on a training course that gives the facilitator and other participants that causes concern. Assessors observing practice as part of a qualification requirement may also come across practice that causes concern.
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The Workforce Development Unit supports staff to achieve a number of qualification programmes to meet national occupational standards in social care and social work. See the qualification section.
Some staff are working in very specialist areas of work or in support services and need to attain a qualification for their job or career development that is delivered externally by a college or university. Staff are invited to apply for financial assistance around May each year and if successful, do so under the Council's Post Entry (Qualification) Programme.
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The Council provides a number of placements each year for students undertaking the social work degree in Leicester.
Policy and procedures for promoting practice learning for social work students 2009.
Other organisations may be able to offer valuable placements. Contact De Montfort University or Leicester University for more information.
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Learning and development take place in a number of ways both on the job and off the job. It is important that you keep a record of your learning so that you demonstrate your learning and can apply it at work.
Record of Learning and Development form and guidance
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Guidance notes for Leicester City Council managers
Supervision Policy and Guidance for C&YPS
Supervision Policy and Guidance for Adult Social Care
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Leicester City Council staff can claim certain expenses where you incur additional costs in attending training that is not covered elsewhere. See How to Apply for a Learning Event.
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The remit of the Unit is to plan and develop the social care workforce in Leicester. It co-ordinates the workforce development implications arising from national standards and regulations, from the priorities set by the organisation and its partners and an analysis of the gaps in individual skills and knowledge.
The workforce development framework shows the link between the organisation’s planning cycle and the individual performance appraisal cycle.
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Workforce Development Unit Standards
The Unit aims to achieve high standards in its activities.
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The Unit has a Working Together agreement that sets out the ground rules for how people will behaviour on courses and in groups.
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