Our Next Live Online Q&A - Advantage's Newest Courses

New Courses Q&A

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.

New Course Trauma-Informed Care

Introducing New Trauma-Informed Care Course

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.

Save Thousands on Staff Training

Save Thousands on Staff Training

The idea that accreditation saves you money might seem counterintuitive. Accreditation costs money, right?

Accreditation looks like an added expense, but delivering in-house training can save you thousands.

 

Cost Comparison: External Training vs. Advantage Accreditation

Let’s use the example of a typical UK care home.

Staff need to complete training in topics like:

  • First Aid
  • Moving and Assisting
  • Safe Handling and Administration of Medication
  • Safeguarding Adults
  • Health, Safety and Fire
  • Infection Control and Prevention
  • Food Safety, Nutrition and Hydration

 

Many care homes pay external training providers. Courses cost around £500 each, depending on location, topic, duration and delivery method. Just two courses per month would add up to £12,000 per year.

 

Advantage Accreditation can save you £9,680 per year.

 

How the Savings Work

As an accredited centre, you pay:

£120 per month for course approval, learning materials and our support (£1440 per year)

£600 to approve your centre, trainers and courses (you only pay this once)

£1 per learner to process certificates using our training management system (if training 40 staff in 7 course topics, that’s £280 per year)

 

£1440 membership fees + £600 one-off set-up fee + £280 certification fees = £2320

 

Priceless Benefits  

Unlimited training—Run as many sessions as needed at no extra cost; we don’t charge per session

Flexible scheduling—Train staff around shifts to reduce disruptions

Customised content—Adapt training to your specific needs

Potential income—Offer training to external learners to generate extra revenue

 

If you’re interested in becoming an Advantage-accredited centre, please contact us or book a consultation.

In House vs Standardised Training

In-House vs. Standardised Autism and Learning Disability Training

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:

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).

No-Obligation Consultations

Free Consultations with Advantage Accreditation

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.

Strengths-Based Approaches

New Course: Strengths-Based Approaches

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!

Is it a Heart Attack?

Is it a Heart Attack?

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.

Open Consultation: Live, Online Q&A

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!

Public Train the Trainer Courses (2)

Advantage Accreditation Introduces Public Train the Trainer Courses

Advantage Accreditation is proud to launch our public Train the Trainer courses, providing a flexible and cost-effective way for professionals to gain certification as trainers. Whether you’re looking to train others within your organisation or expand your skill set to train externally, these courses are designed to meet your needs.

Our public courses are ideal for individuals or small teams who may not have the numbers to justify the cost of an in-house session. By opening up training to the public, we’ve made it easier and more affordable for everyone to gain the skills and qualifications they need.

 

Why Choose Public Train the Trainer Courses?

Our in-house Train the Trainer courses are priced at £600 for one to six delegates, making them a fantastic choice for larger teams. However, we understand that smaller teams or individual learners may not need an exclusive course.

That’s why our public Train the Trainer courses are priced at just £110 per person per day, offering exceptional value for smaller groups or solo learners.

Save even more! If you attend both days of training, you’ll receive a 20% discount, reducing the total cost to £176 per person for two full days of training. This flexible option allows you to choose the specific training you need while saving money.

 

February 2025: Launching in Pershore, Worcestershire

We’re excited to announce the first dates for our public Train the Trainer courses, which will be held at our Head Office in Pershore, Worcestershire.

Course Schedule:
27th February: Moving, Assisting & Hoisting Subject Knowledge
28th February: Presentation Skills

Learners can choose to attend just one of the modules or combine both for a comprehensive training experience. Each day offers focused, hands-on learning tailored to equip you with essential skills in your chosen area.

 

Module Highlights

Moving, Assisting & Hoisting Subject Knowledge
This module is perfect for individuals who need to train others in safe and effective moving and handling practices, particularly in health and social care settings. Gain the subject knowledge required to deliver practical, accurate training sessions on key topics such as:
– Safe manual handling techniques
– The use of hoisting equipment
– Reducing risks and ensuring compliance with regulations

By completing this module, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to train others in these critical workplace skills.

 

Presentation Skills

Effective training delivery starts with strong presentation skills, and this module is designed to help you master them. You’ll learn how to:
– Understand the roles and responsibilities of a trainer
– Adapt your teaching style to accommodate Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic learners
– Use the communication model to engage learners effectively
– Adapt sessions for neurodiverse learners

Through group activities and reflective exercises, you’ll explore ways to create engaging training sessions, assess learner progress, and incorporate feedback to continually improve your delivery. This module is a must for anyone looking to deliver professional, impactful training.

 

Training in Comfort and Convenience

All public courses will be held at Bank House, High Street, Pershore, a welcoming and accessible location in the heart of Worcestershire.

For those travelling to attend, we’ve partnered with The Angel Inn Hotel, conveniently located next door to the training venue. Learners can access discounted stays at this charming hotel, making your training experience as seamless and comfortable as possible.

Why Become a Certified Trainer with Advantage Accreditation?

By completing our Train the Trainer courses, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to deliver high-quality training in your area of expertise.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your current role or expand your career opportunities, being a certified trainer is a valuable skill.

 

Book Your Place Today

Spaces for our public Train the Trainer courses are limited, so we encourage early booking to secure your spot. Don’t miss this opportunity to become a certified trainer and take your career to the next level.

If you have any questions about the courses, pricing, or Advantage Accreditation’s certification process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Ready to get started? Book your space now and join us in February for a transformative learning experience.

Take the first step toward becoming a confident and skilled trainer with Advantage Accreditation!

Book a space: advantageaccreditation.com/public-train-the-trainer

Delegated Healthcare Activities Updated Guiding Principles

Delegated Healthcare Activities: Updated Guiding Principles

In recent years, more clinical healthcare tasks have been delegated to care workers in various health and social care settings. This means healthcare professionals can transfer the responsibility to carry out a specific task to another trained individual. This could be a support worker or care assistant. The guiding principles for delegated healthcare activities aim to improve patient safety and ensure staff are working within their competencies. They ensure staff are trained, supported, and monitored to deliver high-quality care. Several recent developments have shaped the way delegated healthcare activities are carried out:

 

Definitions

To ensure clarity and consistency in various sectors and settings, the guiding principles aim to define what constitutes a delegated activity, and when delegation is appropriate. Tasks might include administering medications, basic healthcare assessments, and personal care. Clear definitions reduce the risk of errors and confusion.

 

Roles

The UK health and social care sector has an ever-increasing demand for skilled professionals. As a result, support workers and care assistants are increasingly tasked with delegated healthcare activities. These are carried out under the supervision of qualified professionals. Support workers and care assistants must be equipped with the right skills and knowledge through training.

 

Competency

Healthcare organisations must ensure staff are competent to perform delegated activities. Training includes practical lessons including realistic scenarios and challenges.

 

Supervision

Ongoing supervision is essential. When a qualified professional delegates a task, they are still held accountable for the task. They need to oversee and offer guidance and support as necessary. This supervision may include check-ins, audits and feedback sessions.

 

Responsibility

The guiding principles emphasise the importance of accountability and responsibility. The delegate and delegator must understand their roles and responsibilities clearly. This helps encourage transparency, ethical practice, and safe, person-centred care.

 

If you are interested in delivering accredited in-house training in your care organisation, please get in touch. We support our accredited training centres by ensuring their policies are compliant and their training is effective.

Exploring Assisted Dying Pros and Cons

Exploring Assisted Dying: Pros and Cons

More countries are considering legalizing assisted dying, sparking conversation about its pros and cons. This topic affects overall health and social care delivery as well as the personal experiences of staff and service users. At Advantage Accreditation, we advocate for effective education. To help you understand the pros and cons of legalizing assisted dying, here is a brief guide:

Disclaimer: This information is intended to educate the general public and should not be considered professional advice.

Reader discretion: This guide discusses sensitive topics of death, suffering, and mental health issues which may be distressing for some individuals.

 

What is Assisted Dying?

Assisted dying is the process where people with terminal illnesses or unbearable suffering can ask for help to end their lives. This includes euthanasia and assisted suicide. Different countries have different legal restrictions for assisted dying.

 

Complexities of Assisted Dying

Assisted dying has a profound impact on the experiences of the patient’s loved ones and health and social care workers.

The patient’s loved ones may struggle to balance their wishes to honour the patient’s decisions with their own views. They may feel guilt or anxiety. The decision may cause tension between those who agree and those who disagree with it.

Care staff must also balance several factors. Staff have a responsibility to honour patient autonomy and reduce suffering. However, all people have their own personal beliefs, and ethical guidelines vary greatly. This leads to significant emotional strain for care staff.

 

Pros of Legalising Assisted Dying

Patient Autonomy: Patients have the right to make informed choices and care staff must respect their autonomy. Some believe this extends to life-and-death decisions.

Alleviation of Suffering: Assisted dying aims to relieve pain and suffering and enable a dignified end to life.

Legal Regulation: A legalised, regulated process can ensure appropriate assessments and well-founded decisions. A requirement for counselling for patients, loved ones, and care staff may also reduce distress.

 

Cons of Legalising Assisted Dying

Risk of Coercion: Vulnerable patients might feel pressured to choose assisted dying to reduce the burden on their loved ones or healthcare systems.

Ethical Dilemmas: The opinions of health and social care staff vary. Those who morally disagree with assisted dying may experience conflict between personal beliefs and professional responsibilities.

Potential Misdiagnosis: Misdiagnosis or misunderstanding may lead patients to make premature decisions to end their lives.

We will continue to pay close attention to updates from the UK government on legalising assisted dying. We encourage ongoing discussion and informed decision-making.

 

Here are further resources to learn more: 

How Accreditation Enhances Care Standards

Beyond the CQC: How Accreditation Enhances Care Standards

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is regarded as the central body overseeing care standards in the UK. Its regulatory framework, established in 2009, sets benchmarks for quality across care providers.

A recent review, led by Dr Penny Dash, highlights several challenges facing the CQC. These challenges lie particularly in its operational efficiency, reporting, and sector expertise.

The findings suggest there’s room for other means of validating and upskilling care organisations.

Care providers can benefit from going beyond traditional regulatory ratings. Independent training accreditation offers an alternative route to showcase commitment to higher standards.

 

CQC Review: Key Insights

Dr Dash’s May 2024 review uncovered several operational inefficiencies in the CQC. These include inspection backlogs, registration delays, and slow adoption of their new Single Assessment Framework (SAF). This leaves care providers frustrated with delays in feedback, unclear statements and inconsistent ratings.

The review gathered input from over 300 people, including care professionals, CQC staff, and service users.

Providers have noted a loss of sector-specific expertise within the CQC, further compounding concerns about the accuracy and timeliness of inspections. This loss of expertise is a result of a 2023 restructuring.

Dr Dash’s findings acknowledge the vital role of the CQC. However, they also raise questions about how well a good CQC rating reflects the quality of care within an organisation.

A second review will be published in 2025. Over the next 12 months, the CQC will work to rebuild expertise and improve performance.

 

The Value of Accreditation

Accreditation offers care providers a proactive way to show their dedication to high-quality services. We help organisations become accredited training centres. Organisations can train staff with bespoke and ready-to-use learning materials on a wide range of care topics. Our materials provide care workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver the highest standard of care.

By becoming accredited, care providers can tailor their training programmes, track learner progress through our online portal, and issue certificates.

 

Accreditation as a Quality Marker

CQC ratings offer an overview of a care provider’s performance. Accreditation dives deeper into the day-to-day operations and continuous professional development of staff.

Independent accreditation reflects an organisation’s ongoing commitment to quality. This offers a more comprehensive picture of the care being delivered.

Our accreditation process includes access to learning materials, such as presentation slides and lesson plans. These resources enhance staff capabilities and ensure providers can confidently maintain and exceed regulatory standards.

 

Become an Accredited Training Centre

Prove your dedication to quality care. Highlight your strengths, support your staff, and offer a clear signal of quality to those you care for and their families.

While the CQC continues to refine its processes, accreditation through Advantage Accreditation offers a valuable, forward-thinking alternative.

For more information on becoming an accredited training centre, contact Advantage Accreditation today.

Education Reduce Stigma and Support Well-being

World Menopause Day: How Education Reduces Stigma and Supports Well-being

World Menopause Day, 18th October, raises awareness about menopause and the support available for those experiencing it. 

This year’s theme is Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT).

What is Menopause?

Menopause refers to a change in hormone levels in people who experience periods. This can include women, transgender men and non-binary people. It usually begins between age 45 and 55 but can begin earlier.

Symptoms include fatigue, hot flashes, anxiety and insomnia. MHT, also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), can offer some relief from symptoms. However, they still have a huge impact on work and personal life. 

Menopause in the Workplace

In the UK, around 4 million people in the workforce are experiencing menopause (Department for Work & Pensions).  59% of menopausal women say it negatively affects their work (CIPD).

It is important to support those experiencing menopause to retain valuable talent, support productivity, and maintain an inclusive workplace. 

The Role of Education

At Advantage Accreditation, we believe education is the most powerful tool to create more supportive environments. Knowing the facts helps reduce stigma and increase empathy and inclusivity. 

We provide accreditation for a wide range of training providers. We are proud to work with Menopause Experts, providing accreditation for their training. If you are looking for more information about menopause, please visit their website.

Employers have a responsibility to support their employees. This not only improves the well-being of employees but also encourages employee retention and productivity (). We highly recommend training on menopause for all workplaces. This can range from awareness on symptoms to in-depth training on supportive measures, such as flexible working, temperature control, policy change, healthcare access etc. Some workplaces choose to appoint menopause champions. 

By raising awareness and equipping individuals with the tools to support their colleagues, education becomes a powerful force for change.

Celebrate World Menopause Day by committing to education, understanding, and support—for a healthier, more inclusive workplace for all.

If you are interested in becoming an accredited training centre, please contact Advantage Accreditation.

It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace

Supporting Mental Health Awareness Through Accredited Training

This year, World Mental Health Day (WMHD) focuses on the critical theme of Mental Health at Work. At Advantage Accreditation, we understand the importance of creating supportive, mentally healthy work environments. Education is key to achieving this, and our accredited training centres play a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering positive change in the workplace.

Poor mental health at work not only affects individual well-being but can also impact productivity, job satisfaction, and overall workplace morale. That’s why WMHD 2024 is advocating for mental health reform, encouraging businesses and training providers to prioritise mental health education. By providing staff with access to mental health training and resources, workplaces can actively combat stress, burnout, and stigma, creating environments where employees feel supported.

At Advantage Accreditation, we’re committed to empowering training centres to deliver high-quality learning materials that support mental health awareness and education. Our resources are designed to help organisations integrate mental health training into their workplace, fostering open communication, reducing stigma, and promoting healthier work cultures. From awareness to action, high-quality education can make a real difference in how mental health is perceived and managed at work.

Becoming an accredited training centre with Advantage Accreditation allows you to access a comprehensive range of learning materials that can transform your workplace. These resources empower staff to better understand mental health issues, recognise signs of distress, and take proactive steps toward supporting colleagues. By offering education that combats workplace stress and stigma, you help create a workplace that values well-being and resilience.

Join us in supporting World Mental Health Day 2024 by becoming an accredited training centre, and by making mental health a priority in your workplace. Please contact Advantage Accreditation to enquire.

Supporting ADHD Awareness Month

Supporting ADHD Awareness Month

October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time to educate and reduce stigma around Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Despite being one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD is often misunderstood. 

What is ADHD?

ADHD affects both children and adults. Symptoms include difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. ADHD impacts how individuals live their daily life, their relationships, and their mental health. It is complex and manifests in different ways, from forgetfulness and difficulty completing tasks to struggling with time management and emotional regulation.

Facts About ADHD:

  • ADHD affects around 5% of children worldwide (NICE).  
  • In the UK, 3%-4% of adults are diagnosed with ADHD (NICE).  
  • About half of children with ADHD in the UK feel unsupported by their school (ADHD Foundation).

Accessing the right diagnosis and support is a huge challenge.

Spreading Awareness

The key to breaking down stigma is education. To help create understanding and reduce misconceptions, we need to share accurate information. You can support ADHD Awareness Month through social media (#ADHDAwarenessMonth), local events, or conversations with colleagues, friends and family. 

Those who support individuals with ADHD, for example, health and social care staff, require ongoing education. We support over 100 organisations in the UK to deliver training to an excellent standard. This includes training programmes that teach care staff to understand and respond to the needs of individuals with neurodiverse conditions. Through training, we can help improve the quality of care and promote better outcomes for all.

Advantage Accreditation supports organisations to achieve excellence in training. We make sure every learner is equipped to make a positive impact. To find out more, please contact us.