Since my blog last month, I have noticed the Kid’s Company in the news again. Quite rightly, there has been close scrutiny of the funding made available to the charity and how it has been used. I have been interested to talk both to charity trustees and directors of not- for – profit companies concerned about their management role in light of these concerns. There is some great practice going on – very small organisiations who have brilliant finance, HR and health and safety systems. Some of these are managed internally and some are bought in. Regular audits of these systems reassure directors, trustees, staff and funders – as well as most importantly – service users that the organisation is robust and sustainable. I have been enjoying supporting some charity staff with management supervision and also helping a local charity to become health and safety compliant by ensuring the right number of staff have the correct First Aid training. Simple steps but very important!
As time goes by, my concern – shared by many professionals – is for the families which were received support from Kid’s Company. The current economic climate is a very difficult time for anyone with a family try to make ends meet.
These families are now looking elsewhere for support. At this time of year, Christmas is looming with the stress of managing presents and all the extra expenses. I am delighted to be working with Mel at Smartpeople in Halifax to provide a Level 4 course to support those working with parents. Never before has the support been needed so much; but those working with families need their own training and support. This course is focused on developing positive relationships with parents. It is suitable for Family Support Workers who hold some supervisory responsibilities – which could be for other workers, or volunteers – and managers and supervisors within day care. Staff based in schools who work direct with parents – such as home school liaison workers – have found this course really useful. The Level 4 qualification can be used to provide excellent continuous professional development for aspiring learners that have previously completed their Level 3 qualification, or it can be an acknowledgement of prior experience and qualifications of workers. What I love about this course is that is it practical! It considers models of working with families; how workers can keep themselves safe and look after themselves as well as offering support to families which makes a difference. The 4 taught days are full of activities, case studies and learning from each other. Booking for January are now being taken on a first come, first served basis – please visit www.smartpeople.org.uk/qualifications/14/city-guilds-level-4-award-in-work-with-parents
for more details!
Meanwhile, if I can help you or your business in anyway please don’t hesitate to contact me.