Charity employees complete their training despite COVID disruptions

Employees at Dorset’s Disability Charity, Diverse Abilities, have completed their qualifications, despite challenges and changes to learning during the pandemic.

A group of 14 started qualifications in Health and Social Care Level 2, Level 3 Residential Childcare Services, Level 3 Health and Social Care, and Level 5 in Management and Leadership in 2019, but quickly had to adapt to new ways of learning when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March 2020.

After starting college together, they soon moved to distance learning, with limited access to college or a tutor for the remainder of their qualification, but all managed to pass their qualifications with flying colours.

Stephanie Vaughan-Mason, wellbeing and training manager at Diverse Abilities, commented: “I am so proud of everyone who has completed their qualifications during such a difficult time. Not only have they had to adapt to new ways of learning, but they have done it whilst supporting the most vulnerable people in the community during the pandemic.”

Diverse Abilities offers a range of training opportunities. All staff complete mandatory, paid-for introductory training to get them ready to fulfil their role in areas such as safeguarding, moving and assisting, and medication training. Staff are also offered opportunities to enhance their career with further qualifications and training throughout their time with the organisation.

Michelle Turner supported living deputy manager, who completed Level 3 in Health and Social Care commented: “It was fantastic to be able to complete my qualification, despite it not being quite how I imagined during the pandemic. I moved into a new department during COVID 19, so completing my Health and Social Care Level 3 has enabled me to put a lot of the theory into practice. I am so proud of everyone who has managed to complete their qualification in these difficult times and the fantastic support we were given”.

Visit diverseabilities.org.uk/careers to find out more about career opportunities with Diverse Abilities.