This time for our Meet The Team piece we’re speaking with Gary Hitching, our Training Manager. Gary shares how they support our teams through hands-on learning, induction sessions, and the training that helps staff feel confident from day one.
1. What inspired you to become a Training Manager within Peninsula Care Homes?
I was an Instructor with the RAF for over 10 years and already had that as a fall back when I left the RAF. On leaving the RAF I bought a pub which after 7 productive years I had to sell due to the pandemic. I took a job during the pandemic as a chef at a local Peninsula Care Home and was soon recognised by the managements teams for progression at the end of the temp contract. I presented my CV and entered discussions into becoming an in-house trainer for Peninsula, which would also manage the training. I already had years of teaching experience and only needed to learn the trade, which I did over the coming months, working in every role within the care home and then taking the relevant exams to qualify me as an instructor in first Aid and Moving and Handling. I always liked a challenge so this role fitted perfectly into my adaptive lifestyle.
2. How would you describe your role and its impact on the care teams?
On paper my role is to manage the training within the Peninsula group, but actually it's much more than that. I am the designated fire lead – responsible not only for training but the safe practices within the homes. These areI monitored with audits and training sessions which train all aspects of firefighting and evacuation. I manage the Moving and Handling procedures and advise appropriately prior to OT intervention.
So in a nutshell I am here to teach, reassure and support where and when I can
3. What’s your approach to delivering training that helps staff feel confident and supported in their roles?
Humour and inclusion! Easy answer. Our job is very rewarding, but the environment and conditions can be tough. It requires a listening ear, a reactive way of teaching and support. The ability to laugh and adapt, learning techniques quickly, always with a smile. The ability to be approached and give advice, as there are no stupid questions, ever!
4. Can you share a standout training session that staff particularly enjoy or benefit from?
Emergency First aid at work is always an enjoyable session. It’s a registered ofqual qualification to level 3 standard and it takes 6 hours to complete. But it's all about confidence building and practical use of the equipment. People share experiences and before you know it, learning is happening with people engaged sharing tips and techniques whilst supporting each other. When the course has finished many people don’t realise but their communication and teamwork skills have been enhanced. Alongside practical experience they have gathered in reaching this qualification that is valid for 3 years as a registered first aider.
5. Tell us about the face-to-face fire training — what do staff experience during these sessions with the independent fire safety company?
Not only do we teach about our drills policies and our evacuation procedures, we think it's paramount that our staff can actually fight fires. So that’s what we do, we ensure they can physically use an extinguisher and also put liquid and solid fires out under the guidance of our registered independent fire officers.
6. How does the Moving and Handling training showcase best practice for safely supporting residents and managing equipment?
The Moving and Handling training is based on a competency sheet with over 40 practical competencies to complete. All are practical which are first discussed and then demonstrated and then staff are given the ability to practice. Pointers and advice is given by me. The training also includes a workshop where current mobility problems within the home with residents can be brought to the class attention. Then using all of our knowledge under the guidance and supervision of me, these problems are worked through until a suitable answer is provided. This empowers the team to be part of the process and smooths out any problems that have occurred. Part of this training will also see me read out residents risk assessments to check to see if they match their care needs, with any anomalies passed on for correction asap. These Moving and Handling workshops regularly update and streamline our working procedures.
7. What is induction training like for new starters, and how do our training rooms in Exeter and within the homes help them settle in?
Starting a new job is daunting, so placing everyone together in the same boat on an even keel is a great start. We start from basic introductions, this gives me the ability to quickly assess my audience and adjust learning as required. We have a lot to get through on the 2 days of induction and the design of our training rooms allow for a theoretical side and a practical side with minimal disruption. Our own kitchen and relaxing areas are also important for people to start their new working relationships and share their past stories. Peninsula is a family business and the idea of induction is to quickly install the family feel and that everybody has a voice that is worth listening to.
8. How does training provide opportunities for team members from different homes to meet, share ideas, and learn from each other?
All of our training is multi-home, this is an ideal tool for problem solving and teamwork to come into fruition. The homes can be very competitive amongst themselves and at times, events like evacuation are always keen to beat each other. In break times staff are able to share stories of their homes and ask advice on different situations that may have happened. Peninsula CARE values are often clearly displayed when all homes come together in training.
9. Why do we offer refreshments and a welcoming environment during training days? How does this reflect our values?
Food and refreshments are a given, because how can we promote CARE if we don’t care about our staff?? They are the pillars that hold up the organisation and we should and do look after our staff when we are training in the training rooms. Often staff bring cake to share. It's that kind of atmosphere that we wish to create and show off. Learning is fun and so should work be…
10. How have you seen training positively impact staff confidence, teamwork, and the care we deliver to residents?
Staff are more confident, have more drive and actually do understand that they all have voices. They all contribute in their own ways to the success of Peninsula. I have had to evolve the training, as the staff grow hungry for more knowledge that we are more than willing to provide.
