we help to improve social care standards 5th March 2012 we help to improve social care standards The Care Ambassador Scheme ‘Inspiring the Workforce of Tomorrow’

Purpose of Care Ambassador Schemes? Care Ambassador Schemes aim to increase understanding of adult social care and the work that people do. The overall objective is to attract more people to working in social care.

What do Care Ambassadors Schemes do? Raise awareness of social care in the community to improve its image and remove prejudices Attract more people to the sector and decrease the number of unfilled vacancies Ensure people have the right skills and training to do the job Help staff to develop new skills as part of their job

Working to Put People First vision One of a confident, enabled, and equipped adult social care workforce – a workforce who are able to deliver truly person centred care and understand and see the key role that they are making to delivering transformation. We see a workforce that is growing in confidence, learning and skills, led by inspiring leaders and championed by government.

Current Challenges and Problems in Social Care Perception – people not understanding what social care does and who it can help Recruitment problems – not enough people wanting to work in the sector Skills and Training – people not having all the right skills and knowledge they need to do the job as best they possibly can Support – leaders and managers needing to support their staff more; and The right people – not having a broad range of people to work in social care, like old and young or people who used services themselves

Perception To raise awareness of social care in the community to improve its image and remove prejudices Opportunity to inspire a positive view of people who use services Opportunity to show people that caring is an important part of society Challenge assumptions and stereotypes

Recruitment To Attract more people to the sector and decrease the number of unfilled vacancies Opportunity to promote positive image of social care Promote diverse range of career opportunities Improve the quality of applicants, enable knowledgeable choice Target broad range of people, via a range of activities

Skills and Training Ensure people have the right skills and training to do the job Support schools, colleges and training providers to deliver Social Care curriculum Involvement in consultation process, NOS etc Support Careers Guidance Services and Job Centre Plus Advisors to understand the needs of the sector

Support Helping staff to develop new skills as part of their job Preparation for supervisory or management jobs, Keep up to date with latest legislation, research and good practice Challenge current practice

What is a Care Ambassador? Is a social care worker, a service user or a carer who, as part of a team, promote the image of social care and act as role models to inspire and encourage people of all ages to consider careers in social care

Who might be suitable to be a Care Ambassador? Someone who is passionate about the job they do Someone who is enthusiastic and has a desire to promote social care to other people Someone who understands the values, skills and knowledge required to work in social care

Where Do Care Ambassadors Work? Work in a variety of roles in social care Receive variety of social care services Represent a variety of services Represent a variety of needs

Who do care ambassadors support? Education Providers Training Providers Apprenticeship Partnerships Job Centre Plus Regulatory Authorities Community Groups

What kind of activities will they be involved with? Giving presentations Run workshops Support recruitment and career events Offer guidance and advice about current practice and career opportunities available Help facilitate creative work experience opportunities

What are the benefits of being a Care Ambassador? Share their enthusiasm for their work Boost their confidence and improve their communication skills Receive training – a wide range of development will be offered, dependant upon their need Make a difference in a rewarding and enjoyable way!

What are the benefits for employers? Involvement in the programme helps: Raise the profile of your organisation and social care Improves recruitment strategies Provides excellent development opportunities for staff Brings new skills, up to date knowledge and enthusiasm into your organisation

Benefits to Employers Assists with recruitment strategy Low-cost marketing of the organisation Generates positive publicity Confidence and new skills acquired by Care Ambassadors Up to date knowledge of the sector

What other employers have said: “This is a great initiative – this has helped us to gain a lot of positive publicity for our organisation” “The scheme has really helped with our recruitment and retention” “As an employer I was worried about the commitment at first; however the benefits have far outweighed the release time”

What next? So what do you think? Types of activity Possible training needs Manager involvement/role Co-ordination of the scheme Recruitment process

Contact details Fiona Macmillan: Telephone: 07967 247 220 Email: Fiona.macmillan@skillsforcare.org.uk www.skillsforcare.org.uk/yh