A recent investigation by ITV News revealed more than half the care homes in England have not had a full inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) since 2020. Around 250 of these homes “require improvement” and are now overdue for inspection by up to four years. This alarming statistic demonstrates the need for internal quality measures and independent assurance.

The delay in CQC inspections raises serious questions about how care quality is monitored and maintained in the UK. Service users and their loved ones rely on external ratings to inform life-changing decisions about their care. Without regular inspections, these ratings are outdated and misleading.

Regulatory oversight is a crucial part of care provision. However, we cannot rely on this as the only safeguard. Care providers can take proactive steps to ensure quality training, continuous development, and strong internal standards. That’s where accreditation comes in.

Quality Doesn’t Wait for Inspection

Advantage Accreditation helps care providers ensure quality and deliver training that meets national standards. We can help you demonstrate your commitment to quality care, without waiting for the next CQC visit.

Many issues uncovered in poorly-performing care homes could be prevented by better staff training, oversight, and accountability.

We support care providers to:

• Deliver in-house training in line with our quality standards
• Upskill staff members to become trainers
• Build a team that adapts to changing regulations and care needs

In other words, accreditation enables providers to raise the bar for themselves.

Restoring Trust in Care

The CQC has acknowledged the need to speed up inspections. However, care professionals, service users and their loved ones are demanding more immediate action.

Accreditation is not a replacement for regulation. It is a way for care organisations to demonstrate accountability, build trust, and safeguard service users.

Proactive, not Passive

Take charge of your training, set high standards, and demonstrate your commitment to quality.

Contact Advantage to find out how accreditation can make a difference for you.

The Advantage Accreditation team is proud to announce the launch of a new suite of course materials on Neurodiversity.

Our curriculum team have developed a range of courses on different neurotypes and how best to support neurodivergent people. These resources apply in any sector and industry, including health and social care.

Why Neurodiversity Training Matters

The term “neurodiversity” encompasses a range of neurological differences. It includes autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and Tourette’s syndrome, among others.

Up to 20% of people in the UK identify as neurodivergent (Gov.UK). 79% of neurodivergent people are in full-time or part-time employment (Personnel Today). Only 23% of HR professionals and 29% of senior leaders have completed neurodiversity training within the past 12 months (City & Guilds).

With up to a fifth of our population identifying as neurodivergent, we need to create inclusive and accessible environments for neurodivergent people. This starts with educating ourselves about neurodiversity.

Here’s how neurodiversity training can benefit your organisation:

Improved Productivity

Neurodivergent people bring unique strengths to the workplace. These can include:

• Innovative problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Deep concentration
• Analytical skills
• Strong memory
• Dedication

Creating an inclusive workplace means employers can access the unique skills of neurodivergent workers. Failing to provide adequate support creates barriers to work for neurodivergent people. Employers need to understand neurodiversity to embrace neurodivergent traits at work.

Improved Outcomes

Outside of the workplace, neurodivergent people make up a significant proportion of those in education and those using health and social care services.

Neurodiversity training is essential for improving outcomes in both education and care. Educators must accommodate different learning styles so that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Health and social care providers must deliver person-centred care, tailoring support to each individual. Person-centred care reduces barriers to healthcare and improves trust and communication.

Improved Compliance

Disability is considered a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. While neurodiversity itself is not a disability, many neurodivergent conditions can be considered disabilities. Through neurodiversity training, organisations can ensure compliance with legal requirements under the Equality Act 2010 and reduce discrimination against neurodivergent people.

Our New Neurodiversity Courses

We have developed course materials to support our accredited centres in delivering outstanding neurodiversity training. Courses include:

• Mandatory Autism & Learning Disabilities Training
• Autistic Spectrum
• Working with Autistic People
• Learning Disability Awareness
• Learning Disability & Autism
• SEND Awareness
• Angelman Syndrome
• ADHD Awareness
• Dyslexia Awareness
• Acquired Brain Injury Awareness
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Neurodiversity Awareness for Managers

How to Access These Courses

These neurodiversity training materials are available to all existing accredited centres. If you are already accredited through Advantage, you can integrate these courses into your training offerings. Please get in touch if you are interested.

For those looking to become an accredited training provider, our team is ready to guide you through the process.

Q&A Session: New Courses

We’re hosting a live online Q&A to discuss the latest additions to our course portfolio. Our team will be happy to answer your questions about these courses and about accreditation in general.

Wednesday 9th April, 2pm-3pm

Please contact us to sign up, and we will send you a Microsoft Teams invitation.

Our Next Live Online Q&A – Advantage’s Newest Courses

We recently launched four all-new Health and Social Care courses:

• Level 3 Award in Trauma-Informed Care
• Level 2 Award in Strengths-Based Approaches
• Level 2 Award in Crisis Management in Care
• Level 3 Award in Crisis Management in Care

Learning materials for these courses are available now to our accredited training centres.

To help you understand these courses and decide if they’re the right fit for your organisation, we’re hosting a free, live Q&A. The online Q&A is open to existing accredited centres, plus anyone interested in pursuing accreditation.

Wednesday 9th April, 2pm-3pm

This interactive session is your opportunity to:

• Learn about the content and structure of each new course
• Find out how these topics are relevant to your organisation
• Get direct answers from our team

Level 3 Award in Trauma-Informed Care

Duration: 1 day

This course explains what trauma is, how it impacts individuals, and how trauma-informed practices can improve care outcomes.

It explores how trauma may influence an individual’s engagement with care services, and how services can unintentionally cause further harm.

Through this training, learners can adapt their practice and communication to better support those affected by trauma.

Level 2 Award in Strengths-Based Approaches

Duration: 1 day

This course introduces strength-based approaches in care. Learners will understand what strength-based approaches are and develop skills to implement strengths-based practices.

The training also covers how to assess the effectiveness of strength-based models, and how to accurately document practices in care and support plans.

Level 2 Award in Crisis Management in Care

Duration: Half day

Learners will gain a foundational knowledge of crisis management within care settings. This course covers risk assessment, prevention strategies and emergency response techniques.

The training teaches how to communicate with a person-centred approach while under pressure. Plus, learners will understand their legal and ethical responsibilities and how to evaluate crisis responses for continuous improvement.

Level 3 Award in Crisis Management in Care

Duration: 1 day

A more in-depth alternative, this training is intended for managers and team leaders in Health and Social Care settings. 

Like the Level 2 version, the course covers risk assessment, prevention, communication, responsibilities and continuous improvement. In addition, the Level 3 version discusses specific critical incidents, including medical emergencies, fires, floods, and missing persons.

Sign Up for Our Q&A

To join our live online Q&A about our new courses, simply contact us and we’ll send you an invitation to the Microsoft Teams call.

The Q&A will take place Wednesday 9th April, 2pm-3pm.

Announcing the launch of our latest accredited course: Level 3 Award in Trauma-Informed Care.

The course is available to our accredited training centres. If you would like to deliver this course, please get in touch.

Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters

1 in 3 adults in England have experienced trauma (Mental Health Foundation). Trauma impacts all aspects of life, including how a person interacts with Health and Social Care services. Staff need to know how to effectively support those who have experienced trauma.

Trauma-informed care prevents re-traumatisation: reliving the emotional or psychological impact of a traumatic event. Aspects of health and social care could trigger re-traumatisation. For example, an individual may feel powerless if their personal preferences are ignored. This could remind them of past experiences of powerlessness.

Through education on trauma-informed care, we aim to create care settings where everyone feels safe. This will, in turn, improve engagement and improve overall outcomes.

Level 3 Award in Trauma-Informed Care

As a level 3 award, the 6-hour course provides an in-depth understanding of trauma, its impact, and strategies to apply trauma-informed practice.

Course contents:

• Trauma and its effects
• How trauma impacts service users’ well-being and engagement
• Ways to adjust practice to avoid re-traumatisation
• Trauma-informed personal care
• Signs of trauma and PTSD, and when to refer
• Self-care and accessing support
• Assessment

Learning resources available:

• Slide presentation
• Lesson plan
• Syllabus
• Trainer notes/guidance
• Assessment materials
• Group activities and scenarios

Mapping

The course is mapped to national guidelines and frameworks, including:

• UK Government’s Working Definition of Trauma-Informed Practice
• NICE PTSD Guidelines (NG116)
• Care Act 2014
• Equality Act 2010

Access the Course

If you are already an accredited centre with us, please contact Advantage.

If you are not already an accredited centre with us, click here to learn more about our accreditation service for health and social care organisations.

Since 2022, learning disability and autism training has been a requirement for health and social care staff. The Health and Care Act (2022) states training must be appropriate and follow national guidelines and frameworks. Through training, staff can provide care that respects and meets the needs of autistic people and people with learning disabilities.

The government endorses the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. Some of our accredited training centres already provide Oliver’s Training. We support this excellent training programme, especially in its commitment to co-development and co-delivery by autistic people and people with learning disabilities.

However, many organisations have trouble ensuring staff receive the right training, as mandated in the Health and Care Act. Those approved to deliver Oliver’s Training are busy or at capacity. Plus, the co-delivery framework requires three trainers per course, incurring additional financial costs and logistical problems.

While Oliver’s Training is the government’s preferred training programme, this is not mandatory. Only the completion of autism and learning disability training, which follows national guidelines, is mandatory.

Advantage Accreditation offers ready-to-use training materials in a broad range of topics. Materials include presentations, assessments, trainer notes, group exercises, and lesson plans. This includes training on autism and learning disabilities.

Courses available:

• Level 2 Award in Autism Spectrum
• Level 2 Award in Learning Disability and Autism
• Level 2 Award in Learning Disability Awareness
• Level 3 Award in Working with People with Autism

We map all our courses to the latest standards and best practices, including:

• Health and Care Act 2022
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) Fundamental Standards
• The Care Certificate
• Skills for Care Code of Conduct

Our accredited training centres can use our materials to ensure their staff meet the Health and Care Act’s requirements. Advantage Accreditation can also accredit original courses. This means you can develop materials to teach about autism, learning disabilities, and other neurodivergencies. As long as this training follows national guidance and frameworks, it can contribute to your staff’s training requirements.

In-House vs. Standardised Training

Benefits of In-House Training

• Tailored to your organisation’s policies, procedures, and the unique needs of your service users.
• Focus on real-world scenarios, challenges, and strategies relevant to your team.
• Trainers understand the company culture, structure, and context, improving engagement and relevance.
• It can be adapted for different roles, from frontline staff to senior management.
• Training directly addresses day-to-day situations staff encounter, promoting actionable learning.
• Advantage Accreditation ensures the training meets professional standards, providing credibility without sacrificing flexibility.
• After the initial development, training can be delivered repeatedly with reduced external costs.

Benefits of Standardised Training

• Ensures all staff receive the same baseline content across organisations.
• Using a nationally endorsed framework may be viewed positively by families, carers, and external partners.

While there are some additional benefits of standardised training (such as reduced development time and no need to review and update content), these are also benefits of external accreditation. This means Advantage Accreditation balances the benefits of both in-house and standardised training: We provide flexibility and credibility.

How to Become an Accredited Centre

Get in touch with us to start the process. You can book a consultation or join our upcoming open consultation (live Q&A).

If you’re considering accreditation, it can be tricky knowing where to start. Our free, no-obligation consultations are the perfect first step.

We understand that every organisation has unique needs. Our consultations give you the information you need to make the right decision.

What Happens in a Consultation?

When you book a consultation with us, here’s what you can expect:

An Overview of Our Services

We’ll walk you through what we do and how our accreditation process works. We make sure you have a clear understanding of the benefits we offer.

Tailored Advice

We take the time to understand your organisation, the courses you deliver, and your goals. We provide tailored recommendations on how accreditation can support your success.

A Chance to Ask Questions

This is your opportunity to ask us anything. Whether it’s about our accreditation process, the requirements involved, or how we support training providers, we’re here to help.

No Pressure, No Obligation

Our consultations are purely informative. There’s no commitment required, just a chance for you to explore your options.

Book a Consultation at a Time That Suits You

We know your time is valuable, which is why we offer flexible booking options. You can schedule a consultation at a time that works best for you.

Join Our Live Q&A Session

If you’d prefer to get an overview of Advantage Accreditation and have your questions answered in a group setting, why not join our next live Q&A session?

Our upcoming session is on Thursday 6th March at 2pm. This takes place on Microsoft Teams. We’ll be discussing our accreditation process and answering any questions from attendees.

Get Started Today

Whether you choose a one-on-one consultation or our live Q&A session, we’re here to support you in making an informed decision about accreditation.

Book your free consultation: calendly.com/admin-advantageaccreditation

Sign up for our live Q&A on 6th March: Contact us to let us know you’d like an invite.

The curriculum team at Advantage Accreditation recently produced an all-new course.

The Level 2 Award in Strength-Based Approaches is for health and social care professionals. It teaches care staff to use strength-based practices at work. The course takes one day to complete.

What are Strength-Based Approaches?

Strength-based approaches identify and build on an individual’s abilities, resources and resilience. This shifts the focus from addressing their challenges and promotes person-centred care. The individual plays an active role in their own support.

Why was this course developed?

We aim to create meaningful improvements to care and support practices through education. The Strengths-Based Approaches course promotes positive, person-centred care.

Strength-based approaches emphasise the belief that people are experts in their own lives. This practice shifts the focus from “what’s wrong” to “what’s possible”. Individuals receive support that fosters autonomy and confidence.

Traditional methods of care and support focus on managing deficits. This is important but can create a sense of helplessness and dependency on services. Through training, care staff can change this mindset.

Strength-based approaches harness the individual’s own resources and their existing support networks. This reduces the pressure on care services to meet an individual’s needs.

The care sector is embracing strength-based practice. Regulatory bodies emphasise the importance of approaches that foster independence, well-being and resilience.

See more:

UK Government
NHS
Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

Our course helps care organisations follow guidance from regulatory bodies.

What does the course cover?

• The framework for a strength-based approach

• Leadership skills to promote strength-based practices

• Evaluating the effectiveness of strength-based models

• Strategies to support teams in adopting strength-based practices

• Accurate recording of strength-based care and support plans

If you’re interested in learning more about this course, please contact Advantage Accreditation. We’re happy to help!

Heart-related emergencies can be confusing and frightening, with symptoms that often mimic a heart attack. Recognising the signs and understanding the differences between cardiac events can save lives.

Common Heart Issues and Symptoms

Angina

Symptoms: Vice-like chest pain, pain radiating to the left arm, shortness of breath, weakness, and anxiety.

Caused by narrowed arteries, angina is not a heart attack but requires medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent.

Cardiac Arrest

Symptoms: Sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, abnormal or no breathing.

Cardiac arrest it a sudden loss of heart function. It demands immediate action—CPR, defibrillation, and calling emergency services.

Heart Attack

Symptoms: Severe chest pain radiating to the left arm, breathlessness, sweating, weak pulse, ashen skin, cyanosis, and an overwhelming fear of dying.

A blocked artery stops blood flow to the heart. It’s vital to call 999, assist with positioning the person comfortably, and be prepared to administer CPR or use an AED.

Heart attacks can lead to cardiac arrest.

Cardiac Arrest vs Heart Attack

Cardiac Arrest: An electrical malfunction causes the heart to stop suddenly. Symptoms are immediate and severe.

Heart Attack: A blocked artery restricts blood flow to the heart. Symptoms may develop gradually or intensify over time.

Both conditions are life-threatening emergencies. Call 999, start CPR, and use an AED if available.

Not all chest pain signals a heart attack. Conditions like angina or even panic attacks can mimic similar symptoms. However, any worsening or persistent pain should always be medically assessed.

How to Help

Call 999 immediately if you suspect a cardiac emergency.

Perform CPR and use an AED if trained to do so.

Offer aspirin (300mg) for a suspected heart attack, unless the person is allergic or otherwise advised by a medical professional.

Training Matters

Knowing how to respond during a cardiac emergency can save lives. Our accredited centres can access first aid course materials to equip their teams with the skills needed to act confidently in critical situations. Contact Advantage Accreditation today to prepare for the unexpected.

Click to find out more about angina, heart attack, and cardiac arrest.

Starting your accreditation journey can feel overwhelming. From understanding the requirements to navigating the process, it’s easy to feel unsure about where to begin. At Advantage Accreditation, we believe in empowering organisations to reach their full potential through training and development—and that starts with having the right information at your fingertips.

That’s why we’re happy to introduce our first-ever live open consultation: a FREE, no-pressure Q&A session created to give you the clarity, confidence, and answers you need to move forward with ease.

What’s in it for you?

This exclusive session is your opportunity to:
– Ask questions directly about the accreditation process, whether they’re general or specific to your organisation’s needs.
– Learn from our team at Advantage Accreditation, who have years of experience guiding organisations like yours.
– Gain valuable insights and tips that can save you time and effort, all without any obligations or commitments.

When and Where

Date: Thursday, 23 January 2025
Time: 2:30 PM
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams

Whether you’re a training provider looking to enhance your credibility, an organisation seeking to ensure compliance, or someone exploring whether accreditation is the right step, this session is perfect for you.

Why Attend?

Accreditation is more than just a badge of approval—it’s a mark of excellence that demonstrates your commitment to delivering high-quality training and development. However, we know it’s not always clear how to get started or what’s involved.

Our live open consultation is designed to:
– Break down the process into manageable, straightforward steps.
– Help you understand how accreditation can benefit your organisation, from boosting reputation to enhancing learner outcomes.
– Provide personalised answers to your specific questions, ensuring you leave with the clarity you need.

And the best part? There are no obligations, no commitments, and no pressure to sign up for anything. It’s simply an opportunity for you to learn and explore your options.

Who Should Attend?

This session is ideal for:
– Training providers looking to elevate their courses and gain accreditation.
– Organisations interested in meeting compliance standards or improving training quality.
– Anyone curious about the advantages of accreditation and what’s involved in the process.

How to Register

Joining the session is simple:
Get in touch and we’ll send your invitation to the Microsoft Teams call.

If you already have questions or topics you’d like us to cover, feel free to include them in your email. We’re happy to provide answers ahead of the Q&A to ensure your experience is as productive as possible.

We’re committed to making accreditation accessible, approachable, and beneficial for organisations of all sizes.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Whether you’re just exploring your options or ready to dive in, this live Q&A is your chance to get advice and make informed decisions about your organisation’s future.

Contact us to sign up: advantageaccreditation.com/contact

Feel free to share this event with colleagues or industry peers who may benefit from the session.

Let us help you take the next step toward excellence in training and development. We can’t wait to see you there!