For social care employers in North Yorkshire and York

Skills Pledge

Skills for Life

What is the Skills Pledge?

The Skills Pledge is a voluntary commitment by the leadership of a company, organisation or individual employer to actively encourage and help their employees acquire and improve their skills, competencies and qualifications.  This will:

·        Support the current and future employment aspirations of your employees.

·        Enable your employees to acquire essential literacy and numeracy skills and, with government support, work towards their first level 2 qualification in an area relevant to the organisation.

·        Improve your organisation’s performance through investing in economically valuable training and development.

Why should I consider making the Skills Pledge?

Making and keeping the skills pledge will ensure your staff are well trained and competent.  This will:

·        Ensure people who use your services get the best possible support. 

·        Increase staff motivation and improve retention by showing your commitment to developing your staff.

·        Show regulators and commissioners that you not only meet requirements but are actively committed to continuing improvement.

·        Open up further opportunities for your organisation to benefit from skills advisers and funding offers

·        Show that you are making a long term investment in the future of the organisation to meet the challenges of change.

How can I make the Skills Pledge?

For more information click here.

What are Skills for Life?

These are the communication and number skills required by individuals to perform in everyday life and work.  They include reading, writing, listening, speaking, number and IT skills.  These skills are crucial to the development and performance of our workforce.

How can I identify Skills for Life Needs?

There are a numerous materials available to support employers with identifying these skills.  Some resources are available from the developing skills section of the Skills for Care website. 

There is also an online web-based tool called Care Skillsbase. 

The CAWD e-learning project also provides an online package to those involved in the project, to help identify skills for life needs amongst employees. 

Where can I find more information?

You can find out more information on Skills for Life and be sign-posted to the most appropriate training by contacting CAWD or attending one of the CAWD events.

Please see the links on the right for more information...

What funding is available to support the Skills for Life Needs of my staff?

Please click here for more information on funding.