How do we train our Staff and Volunteers?
Open Road have a Training Strategy Group, comprised of representatives from the Senior Management team, Operations, Treatment, Quality and HR. The group meet regularly to produce and maintain the Organisational Training Plan.
The focus of the group during 2020 has been to support the introduction of a Drug and Alcohol National Occupational Standards (DANOS) Competency Framework which has changed the way we view the training needs of Open Road.
A review is being carried out of all roles, identifying the relevant DANOS competencies and the associated training required for each role holder to demonstrate these competencies.
This new view point has created the need to categorise training into the following
• Mandatory Health and Safety
• Job Specific
• Enhanced
• Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Mandatory Health and Safety
All staff and volunteers are expected to complete the following training modules as part of their induction, and refreshers every 2 years.
• Safeguarding Adults • Safeguarding Children • GDPR
• Health and Safety • Equality and Diversity • Stress Awareness
• Slips, Trips and Falls • Display Screen • Manual Handling
• Fire Awareness • Unconscious Bias
Job Specific Training
The majority of our front line staff hold a caseload, as do a small number of volunteers. For these roles there are a number of job specific training sessions that are held to strengthen their ability. These training sessions include
• Case Management • Risk Management • Opiate Treatment Model
• Needle Exchange • Safeguarding Processes • Recovery Care Planning
• ITEP Mapping • Mental Health Awareness • Domestic Abuse Awareness
• Conflict Management • Motivational Interviewing • Trauma Informed Approach
Enhanced Training
When a staff member has completed all of their job specific training they may choose, through the appraisal process, to specialise or develop in certain areas. This may include specialising in Domestic Abuse or joining the management pathway by taking on additional responsibilities as a Senior.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Through the appraisal system, staff are able to request further training to develop their skills. Development in HR, Management studies and Train the Trainer have been included in CPD training supported over the past few years.
New Starter Training
For those choosing to volunteer with Open Road, there are a number of induction packages supporting the specific training requirements of the roles within the Appropriate Adult Service, and the SOS Buses.
Health and Safety Training
In order to support our aim to provide safe, healthy environments for our staff, volunteers and service users, we offer staff the opportunity to take on additional duties for health and safety. Training in First Aid, Fire Wardens, Health and Safety Representatives, Safeguarding Level 3 and Mental Health First Aid are all provided for those interested in the development.
NCFE Training
Our Wellness and Recovery service in Chatham are a recognised centre for NCFE and this allows the opportunity for their volunteer mentors to train to NVQ Level 2 in Peer Mentoring, giving them a recognised qualification alongside their volunteer experience supporting service users.
If you are interested in joining the Open Road team, please see our job vacancies and volunteering pages for more information on how to apply.
Open Road values and respects the diversity and individual differences of our services users, staff and our volunteers.
