Somerset County Council LD Services identified a need to train existing staff on new QCF Diplomas to replace NVQ qualifications. They worked with SS&L, who helped them understand the new framework, design relevant qualifications for different staff roles, and integrate training into practice by including internal policies. SS&L provided a flexible training solution and additional support for staff, overcoming challenges and ensuring compliance. The business recommends working with SS&L for their professional and customized training services.

1. ESB Business case studies template
Business Name: SomersetCounty Council LD Services
Number of employees: 13000
Location: Covering all of Somerset
Nature of business: Care Services
Name and Position of person Liz Neil
submitting case study: Network Manager
1. Please tell us a little about the recruitment and/or training need that was
identified within your company (Max 100 words)
Was there new/increased demand for your product or service? Were you diversifying
into new products or services? Did you need someone with specialist skills like
marketing, health and safety or project management to progress your project?
Our service wanted to introduce the new QCF Diplomas to replace the NVQ qualifications
We required skilled support to understand the new qualification framework
2. How did you go about identifying whether you needed to recruit new staff or train
existing staff? (Max 100 words)
To ensure we were compliant with CQC requirements we had to demonstrate staff were
sufficiently skilled and trained to deliver packages of care to individuals with learning
disabilities
3. Tell us about any challenges you faced in finding the right people or right training
locally? (Max 100 words)
We were already aware of the skilled staff working for SS&L from our previous
experience of working in partnership with them, for this reason we did not consider
approaching any other organisation to assist us in this area
4. Can you tell us how you overcame these challenges and which organisations, if
any, were involved in finding/delivering a solution. (Max 200 words)
SS&L were able to assist our understanding of the new QCF training framework
SS&L were able to help us develop and designing qualifications which were relevant to
specific grades of staff which relates to their roles and responsibilities
SS&L were willing to weave our internal policies and procedures into their training
delivery thereby ensuring we were able to cement training into practice and evidence
real changes to the delivery of services experienced by our customers
SS&L were able to respond flexibly and change the content of the training to meet the
specific needs of our service
At regular review meetings with SS&L we were able to identify any staff who required
additional support to continue or complete their training
5. What would you advise other businesses if faced with a similar situation? (Max
100 words)
I would recommend seeking advice from SS&L as they are able to provide a professional and
flexible service

2. It enabled us to provide training specific to the grade and role of staff