Our Semi-Independent Living service is run by highly qualified professionals with years of experience of working with young people, committed to meeting the needs of young people placed in our homes.

Staff teams are supported by experienced managers, supervision and ongoing training and development programmes.

Given the important role that our employees play in young people’s lives, our recruitment process includes thorough background checks (including enhanced DBS) and a specifically designed interview process.

We provide staff with a comprehensive training programme which enables them to work effectively with the young people placed with us. The programme covers topics such as responding to self-harm issues, conflict management and de-escalation, bullying awareness and safeguarding as well as first aid, communication skills and equality and diversity.

STAFF NUMBERS

Whenever there are any young people in the home, there is a minimum of one staff on duty during the day and a minimum of one sleeping staff on duty by night. In exceptional circumstances due to the needs of a young person there may be a waking night staff, but only if a full risk assessment has been carried out and has been agreed with management and the placing authority at the earliest opportunity.

The staff numbers in the home will reflect the number of young people in the home and the needs of the young people.

It is Wether Homes Support policy not to use agency workers in the services provided. HoneyMoreCare has a pool of bank staff to cover holiday and sickness. This allows for continuity of standard of care provided as all bank staff receive the same training as full/part time staff.

The home is led by a team leader and the home manager and operates a core three-shift pattern, with a senior team member available on call at any time.

STAFF TRAINING

Wether Homes Support is committed to maintaining a competent, motivated and skilled staff group. We recognise the importance of training in achieving this aim. Wether Homes Support has its own training centre which provides core skills training to all its employees.

These, in line with regular staff supervision, enable the home manager to identify the training needs of its staff.

Wether Homes Support is fully committed to all care staff completing their Diploma Level 3 in Children and Young People Workforce and to supporting our qualified staff to maintain, develop and extend their professional knowledge.

Wether Homes Support staff are trained in the following:

• Emergency first aid at work
• Fire awareness
• Safeguarding
• Child Sexual Exploitation awareness
• Diploma level 3 in Health and Social Care/Children and Young People Workforce
• Food hygiene /Safer food
• Safe administration of medication
• Bullying
• Runaways
• Team Teach
• PACE. Self-harm awareness