An industry-leading training and development programme

We really mean it when we say that we take staff training and development seriously.

Not only does it help to ensure the best possible outcomes for the children and adults in our care, but it also gives our staff the opportunity to develop their careers by acquiring new skills and qualifications.  Our industry-leading staff training programme is one of the reasons we’re able to recruit and retain such great people.

An opportunity to learn from some of the world’s leading experts

Several of our training courses have been developed in conjunction with and are delivered by a team of experts from the US including Dr Sandra Bloom, Dr Liz Kuh, Dr Sandra Bills, Dr Kevin Ann Huckshorn and Dr Jeff Friedman, all of whom are recognised leaders in their respective fields.

In addition to running our own staff training programme, we are regularly asked to provide training on our model of trauma informed care to other providers, both in the UK and overseas.

All new staff members are required to complete a comprehensive induction training course delivered by members of our training department. This covers a variety of areas including an introduction to the Novalis model and relevant HR policies and procedures, along with all the mandatory training relevant to your role such as safeguarding, first aid, health & safety, fire safety, manual handling and positive behaviour management (Team Teach).

Following successful completion of your initial induction training, your training programme will depend on your role and will include a combination of mandatory training and additional continuous professional development training aimed at ensuring that you develop your knowledge, confidence and skills. In keeping with our value of ‘curiosity’ we encourage all staff to make full use of the training opportunities that are available to them.

All staff employed in a care role working with children will need to complete the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (QCF) within 2 years of joining. Care staff working with adults are required to complete the Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults).

Once you have successfully completed the Level 3 Diploma and if it is relevant to your role, you will have the opportunity to be enrolled on the Level 4 qualification in Trauma Informed Care and/or Level 4 Certificate in Family Work – both are nationally accredited qualifications that we developed in conjunction with external experts.

Care staff who are assessed as having the potential to progress into care management roles will be supported to complete the appropriate Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management.

In addition to the nationally accredited qualifications, our training and senior management teams run a regular programme of continuous professional development training. Each individual’s programme will depend on the nature of their role, but examples of the training we provide include:

  • Person-centred care
  • Creating a caring environment
  • Principles and values of working with young people
  • Understanding and managing the effect of neglect and abuse
  • Developing resilience
  • Developing and promoting positive relationships and sustainable friendships
  • Supporting education and aspirational care
  • Promoting participation in interests and hobbies
  • Safe administration of medication
  • Nutrition and exercise
  • Personal care and infection control
  • Appropriate boundaries
  • Positive behaviour support
  • Report Writing
  • Creating a safe environment
  • Supporting new young people (new admissions)
  • Understanding Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP)
  • Outcome focussed care
  • Supporting transitions
  • Teamwork and working collaboratively with other teams
  • Effective communication
  • Collaborative problem solving
  • Managing difficult conversations

We also provide a programme of additional specialist training in conjunction with a team of experts who are internationally recognised as leaders in their field.

  • Trauma theory training – delivered by Dr Sandra Bloom
  • NMT practitioners training – delivered by Dr Liz Kuh
  • Six core strategies of restraint reduction – delivered by Dr Kevin Ann Huckshorn & Dr Janice LeBel
  • Effective Practice Working with Families & Groups – delivered by Dr Jeff Friedman
  • Systemic family therapy – delivered by Dr Jeff Friedman
  • Trauma Art Narrative Therapy™ (TANT) – delivered by Dr Lyndra Bills
  • Collaborative Problem Solving – delivered by Dr Stuart Ablon
  • Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy – delivered by Dr Dan Hughes

Novalis has got the attention of the national/international BILD organisation with…the development of your Level 4 Trauma Certification curriculum

Dr Janice LeBel, Director of Systems Transformation at MA Department of Mental Health