Training is a key factor in recruiting and retaining care workers

A new study into recruitment issues across the adult social care sector, conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, has found that a reputation for delivering good quality care, flexible employment arrangements and the provision of ongoing training are key factors in attracting and retaining staff.

The study used face-to-face interviews with managers and employees from 18 CSCI registered care homes and domiciliary care agencies in order to discover what they thought was the most effective way of attracting new staff and the key factors that would encourage them to stay.

The care sector is looking to recruit at least half a million new staff by 2025 and the study revealed that those employers who supported training opportunities found that it was one of the most effective ways of attracting and retaining good quality carers. The employees themselves indicated that any opportunities to develop their skills were highly valued and that they appreciated being able to gain qualifications that could lead to promotion. The report also found that it is important that organisations demonstrate ‘good values’ and emphasise the value of team work.

The study found that the quality of care provided to service users, rather than pay rates, was a major influencing factor for potential employees. Good quality care and supervision is clearly linked to job satisfaction, and it can be obtained through regular and high quality training.

Commenting on the findings, Skills for Care CEO Andrea Rowe said: "As the Sector Skills Council responsible for making sure we deliver a well-trained workforce it is particularly pleasing that practical qualifications are seen by employers and employees alike as a key tool for making sure adult social care employers retain staff within their organisation."

Co-researcher Carol Atkinson, who now works at the University of Bradford, adds: " The importance of sound management and HR practice to effective employee and organisational performance are clear to see."

We offer a diverse range of training aimed at the care sector, all of which is designed to improve employee knowledge and the quality of care. You can train your staff at your own premises with a number of full and half day courses, and you can also choose from over 40 E-learning titles for more flexible, interactive training. For further information, please contact us today.