As a result of our consultancy services, training shortfalls are often identified. In particular, our service evaluation system at RateUs has a module which allows customers to feedback about the service they are receiving, so highlighting shortfalls in identified areas.

Although we are able to customise training to meet the needs of each client, the common areas we offer include:

• Developing Internal Evaluation System - A review of systems of self assessment across the care and education sectors.

• Care Standards Training - Reviewing the care standards and the underpinning legislation. For feedback from our courses click here.

• Listening skills - The precursor to the provision of any service or response to a customer request is effective listening skills. It is also a critical management skill, and an area that many managers underestimate. We provide training days ranging from one to six days that involve theory and practical exercise.

• Person Centred Planning - Service users are rarely effectively involved in the care planning process. This is due to a range of issues including poor staff training, ineffective systems, and lack of advocacy support. Our training focuses on the needs, wishes and aspirations of the user of the service, and provides practical approaches which result in a totally inclusive process.

• Responding to complaints - Many organisations make a token response to complaints procedures, totally underestimating the value of a well managed system. We can assist an organisation to fully develop their systems into a positive working tool. In addition, we can deliver focused staff training that ensures staff understand what a complaint is - and how to respond appropriately.

• Developing an effective information management system - In addition to helping clients develop systems, we can provide training for key managers and staff in order to determine their needs and strategies. Vast sums of money are wasted every year, particularly within the public sector, on databases that do not deliver. Often very basic factors are overlooked or underestimated. We can assist organisations to understand the pitfalls, and minimise the possibility of inappropriate systems being developed or purchased.