Training and Development

As a supported lodgings host you should receive effective training and supervision in respect of the specific needs that the young person has, to ensure your placements are more effective, meet their outcomes and provide stability for the young person.

Supported lodgings hosts benefit from training around independent living skills and how to support young people with this.

As a supported lodgings host you will have already completed some basic training and induction.

It is important for you to continue to build on this training in order to be fully equipped to deal with the many situations you may face. The support and training you will be offered will help you to become more confident. There will be mandatory training that you will be expected to do.

This support and development continues throughout your time with the Service, making being a host a positive experience for both you and the young person.

Evidence of your training will be recorded in a training and development portfolio.

There will be some standard training (core) that you must attend. There will also be further training which may be identified by you or your Supervising Worker through your supervision meetings and through your annual appraisal/review.

Your personal development plan will set out how you will be supported with training and development. Your Supervising Worker will also discuss any help or support needed by your own children.

Training sessions are held during the day, evenings or sometimes at weekends in convenient places, and may include online learning. Reasonable expenses may be paid to enable you to attend if the training is in person.

The Service is committed to providing tailored training and support to all its hosts that is based on equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice. You will be provided with a wide variety of training and learning opportunities which are delivered in a variety of formats including:

• Formal training includes formal classroom or virtual training sessions with other hosts and professionals and specific conferences and training course;
• Online training and distance learning includes online learning (e-learning) courses accessed through the Service, information that you obtain via the internet and courses run by external organisations. This must be evidenced by certificates and through discussion with your Supervising Worker on how it relates to your practice as a supported lodgings host;
• Independent learning - This includes reporting on the radio, TV or in newspapers you have listened to or read. This must be evidenced through discussion with your Supervising Worker on how it relates to your practice as a supported lodgings host;
• Support groups - Support groups for hosts provide a valuable opportunity for you to meet with others, share concerns and ideas and develop your learning;

Your Supervising Worker will provide you with a training programme. If you are interested in any courses, speak to them and complete the training form in order to attend.

If you move to another Service, your training portfolio will be transferred if requested.