awm internal training

1

Internal TrainingApril - September 2013

2

Welcome to the new Autism West Midlands training booklet!

We have recently reviewed all the training that is offered to staff at Autism West Midlands taking into account the requirements of the organisation, the government and most importantly, feedback from staff and managers.

The training programme we offer has been redesigned along with the processes that we follow to plan and deliver them. This booklet came about as a result of feedback from staff. In it you will find details of all the training that is planned from April to September 2013. We have introduced some new courses so have a look out for those. You will also find a copy of the training guidelines for staff and information about how to book onto courses.

We hope you find this booklet useful. Please let us know what you think of it by contacting us on [email protected] or 0121 450 7582

From The Training Team

Training venue 4

How to book onto a course 4

Types of training 4

Guidelines for internal training 5

Induction 6Care staff 7

All other staff 10

Statutory Training 11An Introduction to the Equality Act 12

Emergency First Aid at Work 13

Contents

3

Fire Safety Awareness 14

Food Safety 15

Health and Safety Awareness 16

Medication Awareness 17

Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults (SOVA) 18

Mandatory Training 19Autism Awareness 20

Autism: Putting Current Theory into Practice 21

Managing Challenging Behaviour 22

Managing Challenging Behaviour: Refresher 24

CPD Training 25Anxiety and Autism 26

Challenging Behaviour and Autism 27

Communication and Autism 28

Mental Health and Autism 29

Sensory Differences and Autism 30

Autism from the Inside 31

Change and Transition in Autism 32

Special Interests and Autism 33

Self-esteem and Autism 34

Sexuality and Autism 35

Anger Management and Autism 36

Autism: A Personal Perspective 37

Basic IT Training 38

Basic Record Keeping and Report Writing 39

Diet, Eating, Nutrition & Autism Conference 40

Training for managers 41Managing Absence 42

Managing Effectively 43

Managing Individual and Team Performance 44

Recruitment Overview and Techniques 45

Not found what you are looking for? 46

Accessing vocational training opportunities 46

4

Training venue

Unless otherwise stated all training will take place in our purpose built training suite at the Autism West Midlands Head Office, Regent Court, George Road, Edgbaston, B15 1NU. Due to limited parking facilities please car pool or use public transport where possible.

How to book onto a course

Your training needs should be identified by you and your line manager during your supervision and/or appraisal and all bookings must be made by your manager. For booking and course enquiries please contact Jackie Lewis on 0121 450 7582 or 07500885132 or email [email protected]

You will no longer receive confirmation of your place on the course by letter but the training team will confirm your booking with your line manager. Your line manager will let you know when and where the training will take place and ensure that this is recorded in your rota or diary.

The training team will send a letter to your home address or an email to your work email address (if you have one) approximately 2 weeks before the training will take place to remind you of the date, time and venue plus any other relevant information you will need to know about the training.

Types of training

In the course information pages you will find details about the various courses we have on offer. You will notice that courses are labelled either “Statutory”, “Mandatory” or “Continuing Professional Development”.

Statutory courses are a legal requirement that some or all staff must undertake. Mandatory courses are an organisational requirement that some or all staff must undertake. The course information identifies who should attend each course and the frequency of a refresher course if it is required.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses are those that are not statutory or mandatory requirements and can be accessed if you and your line manager agree that it would be relevant and beneficial to your job role.Some of the training is classed as Statutory or Mandatory for staff working in particular roles or services.If you are not in those particular roles or services you may still access these courses as continuing professional development.

All courses in this booklet including CPD can be attended in work time with agreement from your manager. On occasions there may be the opportunity to attend Autism West Midlands external conferences.These may be offered to staff free of charge however, due to the costs involved, staff will have to attend in their own time. Look out for details of Autism West Midlands conference opportunities as they arise in the future.

5

Guidelines for internal trainingHere are a few points to help you and others get the most out of training:

• Please be aware that your attendance at a training event should be considered a normal working day. As a result, failure to attend without valid reasons or without warning and leaving a training event without permission may result in disciplinary action.

• Be on time. Keep to the times you have agreed with the trainer for breaks/lunch to ensure the training finishes on time and you don’t miss anything. Anyone who arrives more than 20 minutes late will not be able to join the session and will have to arrange to attend another session.

• Switch your mobile phone off or keep it on silent in case of emergency. Don’t use it unless it is really urgent and do not text or check emails during training.

• Join in the training discussions. It helps to relate the training to your own job role and workplace. Wherever possible issues discussed during training will be kept confidential within the training session. However, the trainer does have a duty of care to record and report any safeguarding issues.

• Remember that other people are here to learn too. Stick to one conversation at a time so that the other people in the group can hear what is being said. If you have any issues with what is being discussed you can talk about it during the break or at an appropriate time after training.

• Please take the time to complete the evaluation form at the end of the training. Your comments on the training and what you have got out of it are used to check that the training is relevant and useful.

• At the training event you are not only representing yourself but also your team and/or service. Therefore, unprofessional conduct and behaviour will not be tolerated.

• When courses are more than one day long, delegates must attend the full course on consecutive days. If any day or part of day is missed then the delegate must attend the full course again.

• If you are unable to attend the training for any reason or you are going to be late, please contact Jackie Lewis on 07500885132 at the earliest instance.

• If you are unable to attend as you are ill or for an emergency, then you must contact both your manager and Jackie Lewis.

6

Section 1: Induction

7

Ind

uc

tion

Care staffIt is a statutory requirement for all staff working directly with service users in regulated services and supported living (and any other role or service identified by SMT) to attend specific training and evidence that a set of Common Induction Standards have been met as part of their induction training within 12 weeks of their employment start date.

About the courseThe care staff induction training programme has been designed specifically to meet statutory and mandatory training requirements and the Common Induction Standards for all direct care roles. The training is delivered by qualified trainers and incorporates all the statutory and mandatory training and includes the requirement to complete a Common Induction Standard workbook. The induction training programme is designed to start from the first date of employment and is a structured week of formal training.

Time Training ContentDay 19.30am - 4.30pm

Induction to your role within Autism West Midlands

Important information about:

• Autism West Midlands

• Your role and other roles

• Your employment

• What we expect of you and what you can expect from us

• Your induction (what will happen over next 12 weeks)

• The Common Induction Standards

• Policies and procedures

• Your personal, professional development

• Confidentiality

• Communication

Day 29.30am - 12.30pm

Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults (SOVA)

See page 18 for further information on this training

8

Time Training ContentDay 21.00pm - 4.00pm

Basic Health and Safety Induction

Meeting Common Induction Standards on:

• Working safely

• Health and safety responsibilities

• Fire safety and procedures

• First aid and accident procedures

• Moving and handling procedures

• Infection control

• Food safety

• Security

• Lone working

• Use of hazardous substances

Day 39.30am - 12.30pm

Medication See page 17 for further information on this training. Time and support is allocated after training for Common Induction Standards workbook completion.

Day 31pm - 4pm

An introduction to the Equality Act 2010

See page 12 for further information on this training. Time and support is allocated after training for Common Induction Standards workbook completion.

Day 49.30am - 12.30pm

Your Role and Person Centred Approaches

Meeting Common Induction Standards and mandatory requirements on:

• Person centred approaches

• The difference between care and support

• Communication with the individuals you are supporting

Day 41.30pm - 4.30pm

Evidencing the Common Induction Standards

This time has been allocated as an opportunity to complete the Common Induction Standards workbook with the support of the Induction Mentor

Day 59.30am - 4.30pm

Autism Awareness

See page 20 for further information on this training.

Ind

uc

tion

9

The induction programme also includes the following training:

First AidTo take place on the next available session within 12 weeks of start date.

Managing Challenging BehaviourTo take place on the next available session within 12 weeks of start date and preferably after the new staff member has spent a few weeks working on shift with service users.

More information and dates for these courses are provided on the relevant pages in this brochure. The induction mentor will liaise with service managers to arrange booking onto these courses.

Dates:April care staff induction week: Monday 22nd April 2013 – Friday 26th April 2013

June care staff induction week: Monday 17th June 2013 – Friday 21st June 2013

September care staff induction week: Monday 16th September 2013 – Friday 20th September 2013

Ind

uc

tion

10

Ind

uc

tion

All other staffAbout the courseThe induction training programmes for all other staff (non-care) are tailor-made for each individual job role and designed to ensure that new staff are given the correct training and information to prepare and perform their role effectively.

An induction mentor is allocated to each new staff member to guide them through this training programme and the first 12 weeks of their employment with Autism West Midlands.

Many roles people have specific statutory and mandatory training requirements and standards to be met within a 12 week induction period. It is a requirement for all staff to attend the following training:

• Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults (SOVA)

• An Introduction to the Equality Act 2010

• Autism Awareness

Office-based staff and staff who do not directly support service users will be inducted into their role by the induction mentor and their line manager. Inductions will be arranged as and when required and in liaison with the HR department, induction mentor and service manager. The induction mentor will make relevant arrangements to book the new staff onto the next available required training. Any additional training identified as a need for that particular job role (e.g. First Aid training) can also be arranged by the induction mentor and service manager.

Who should attend?Induction training is statutory for all staff joining the organisation or moving into a new role within the organisation.

DatesThe dates that these training sessions take place are detailed in the relevant training pages in this booklet. For further information or to plan the induction of a new staff member please contact Jackie Lewis.

11

Section 2: Statutory Training

12

EqualityAn Introduction to the Equality ActAbout the courseThis is a 3-hour course delivered by our own qualified trainer. The course aims to give you a basic understanding of the Equality Act 2010 and the impact this has on your everyday job role. It covers the main areas and learning outcomes for the ‘Common Induction Standard 4 - Equality and Inclusion’. It gives a brief overview of the Equality Act 2010, defines the 9 protected characteristics and highlights areas regarding discrimination and equality within your own working practice that must be adhered to under this legislation.

OutcomesBy the end of this session you will be able to:

• Give a brief explanation of the Equality Act 2010 and which legislation it replaces.

• List the 9 protected characteristics.

• Explain what discrimination is and how it can occur.

• Identify potential or actual discrimination related issues that you may encounter within your job role and the implications legislation has on you.

Who should attend?This is statutory for all employees of Autism West Midlands and forms part of induction training for new staff. All staff should refresh their equality training every 2 years. The training team will be liaising with the managers of each service to organise regular training updates to take place at team meetings.

DatesWednesday 24th April 2013Wednesday 19th June 2013Wednesday 18th September 2013

TimesThis course starts at 1pm and finishes at 4pm.

Sta

tuto

ry Tr

ain

ing

13

Emergency First Aid at WorkAbout the courseThis is a one day course delivered by a qualified first aid trainer and meets the standards of the HSE recognised Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) training.The course will enable you to get help and give safe, prompt and effective First Aid to a casualty in the workplace. It includes:

• Looking at roles and responsibilities when dealing with an emergency situation.

• How to use artificial ventilation.

• Dealing with obstructed airways.

• How to manage bleeding and wounds.

• How to manage shock, burns and scalds.

OutcomesBy the end of the course you will be able to:

• Assess and prioritise at a first aid incident.

• Deal with an unconscious casualty.

• Deal with an adult or child who is choking.

• Carry out resuscitation (C.P.R.) on adults and children.

• Control bleeding and manage shock.

• Recognise and deal with a range of common injuries until the arrival of medical care.

Who should attend?This course is statutory for all staff that come into regular and direct contact with service users in regulated adult services and supported living services and other staff who have identified a need to access this training as part of their job role (e.g. named First Aiders). This training needs to be refreshed every 3 years. It forms part of the induction training.

DatesThursday 9th May 2013Friday 28th June 2013 Thursday 11th July 2013 Wednesday 21st August 2013Monday 23rd September 2013

TimesThis course starts at 9.30am and finishes at 4.30pm.

Statu

tory Tra

inin

g

14

Fire Safety AwarenessAbout the courseThis is a 3-hour course delivered by Steve Ostridge, ex-Fire and Rescue Service and accredited fire trainer from Fire Marque. The course aims to provide you with a basic awareness of the fire triangle (flammable material, raising the alarm and escape) and the necessary knowledge and skills to understand the causes of fire and how to evacuate the premises safely.


• Identify the components of the fire triangle.

• Identify methods of how fire spreads.

• Identify different types of fire extinguisher.

• Identify fire points and signs.

• State the correct method of evacuation.

Who should attend?This course is statutory for all staff who come into regular and direct contact with service users in regulated adult services and supported living services and other staff who have identified a need to access this training as part of their job role (e.g. Fire Wardens). This course should be attended as soon as your probation period is complete and needs to be refreshed every 3 years.

DatesWednesday 1st May 2013Wednesday 5th June 2013 Monday 15th July 2013Wednesday 11th September 2013


Sta

tuto

ry Tr

ain

ing

15

Food SafetyAbout the courseThis course will qualify you in a CIEH Level 2 Food Safety in Catering. The trainer, Nadia Green from NLG Hygiene and Safety Consultancy, is an approved Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) trainer and centre via Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC).

The course covers all aspects of basic food hygiene, providing you with essential knowledge and understanding of good hygiene practice. The overall aim is to develop a level of understanding of the basic principles of food hygiene, to enable improvement of standards and help prevent food poisoning.

The course covers: bacteriology, food poisoning, prevention of food poisoning and contamination, temperature control of food, personal hygiene, cleaning and disinfection, pest control, food premises and equipment, hazard analysis and legal obligations.


• Identify symptoms and main causes of food poisoning.

• Identify principles of hygiene and good working practices, including personalhygiene.

• Identify procedures for the prevention of cross contamination and H.A.C.C.P.systems.

• Identify characteristics and behaviour of different types of bacteria.

• Identify Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995 and the concept of due diligence.

Who should attend?This course is a statutory requirement for all support staff working in regulated adult services and staff responsible for food preparation areas. This training should be attended as soon as probation is complete. This qualification needs to be refreshed every 3 years.

DatesFriday 3rd May 2013 Tuesday 4th June 2013 Wednesday 17th July 2013Thursday 12th September 2013


Statu

tory Tra

inin

g

16

Health and Safety AwarenessAbout the courseThis 3-hour in-house course is delivered by a qualified trainer and will provide you with a basic awareness of health and safety in relation to your job role, including:

• Responsibilities of employees and employers under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

• COSHH and RIDDOR requirements

• Manual handling

• Risk assessments

• Lone working

The aim of this course is to enable you to understand and perform good health and safety practices in the workplace.


• Explain what health and safety means.

• Briefly explain what the health and safety legislation is and who it applies to.

• Identify basic responsibilities of your employer and identify your basic responsibilities as an employee.

• List the key requirements of COSHH and RIDDOR.

• Explain how to lift/move/handle loads safely.

• Explain what a risk qssessment is, why they are important and how to carry out a risk assessment.

• Identify the risks involved in lone working and how to manage them.

Who should attend?This course is statutory for all staff to be attended as soon as probation is complete. Health and safety training must be updated every 3 years. The training team will be liaising with the managers of each service to organise regular training updates to take place at team meetings.

DatesThursday 2nd May 2013, Thursday 6th June 2013, Thursday 18th July 2013 , Thursday 5th September 2013


Sta

tuto

ry Tr

ain

ing

17

Medication AwarenessAbout the courseThis is a 2-hour course delivered by a qualified trainer and aims to provide basic knowledge and understanding that will enable you to safely handle and administer medication. This course covers parts of the main areas and outcomes for Common Induction Standard 8.5 in relation to medication and the Skills for Care knowledge set for medication. The training relates directly to Autism West Midlands medication policies and procedures.

OutcomesBy the end of the session you will be able to:

• Identify legislation in relation to medication.

• Identify types and classification of medication that may be used within your workplace and the routes that these may be administered.

• Explain the importance of service user consent, independence and choice in relation to medication and your role in promoting this.

• Describe the processes involved in relation to medication including: prescribing, dispensing, ordering, checking, storing, administering, recording, reporting and disposal.

• Explain the roles and boundaries of all involved in these processes.

• Describe any changes (side effects and adverse reactions) that may occur to an individual after medication has been administered and the importance of recording and reporting them.

Who should attend?This is statutory training for any staff involved in handling service user medication. It forms part of the induction training for new staff in care services. Services can obtain advice on further training requirements from their pharmacy.

DatesWednesday 24th April 2013Wednesday 19th June 2013Wednesday 18th September 2013


Statu

tory Tra

inin

g

18

Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults (SOVA) About the courseThis 3-hour course is delivered by a qualified trainer and includes information on how to safeguard vulnerable adults from abuse. It explains Autism West Midlands policies and procedures on safeguarding adults. The aim of the course is for you to have a good, working understanding of Autism West Midlands safeguarding adults policies and procedures.


• Identify who a vulnerable adult is, what abuse is and the various forms, signs and symptoms of abuse.

• Explain issues regarding the characteristics of autism in relation to signs and symptoms of abuse.

• List some of the legislation in relation to adult protection.

• Identify the procedures to be followed if you suspect abuse.

Who should attend?This course is statutory to all staff at Autism West Midlands and forms part of the induction training. Staff who have direct contact with service users will need to update their SOVA training annually and the training team will be liaising with the managers of each service to organise regular training updates to take place at team meetings.

DatesTuesday 23rd April 2013 Tuesday 18th June 2013 Tuesday 17th September 2013

TimesThis course starts at 9.30am and finishes at 12.30pm

Sta

tuto

ry Tr

ain

ing

19

Section 3: Mandatory Training

20

Ma

nd

ato

ry Tr

ain

ing

Autism AwarenessAbout the courseThis one day course, known previously as “ASD Day 1”, has been specially adapted to the new requirements under the Autism Act and Statutory Guidance. The course is delivered in-house by a qualified trainer who has extensive knowledge and experience in autism. It will provide you with a basic understanding of autism that is essential for all our employees in our specialist organisation.

It includes:

• An outline of the history and current understanding on the causes of autism.

• An overview of what autism is and how it impacts upon different individuals with the diagnosis.

• A brief overview of some key strategies to use when working or living with people who have autism.


• Explain the historical and current understanding of what autism is.

• Explain the way diagnosis occurs and what a diagnosis then tells us about the individual who has been given it.

• Describe how an understanding of autism can and should affect the way we work with individuals with autism.

• Demonstrate strategies that lead to effective ways of working.

• Explain the four key areas of impact that autism has on individuals.

• Identify why people with autism may behave differently.

• List basic strategies to use for more effective working with people with autism.

Who should attend?This course is mandatory to all staff and forms part of the induction training.

DatesFriday 26th April 2013Friday 21st June 2013Friday 20th September 2013


21

Ma

nd

ato

ry Train

ing

Autism: Putting Current Theory into PracticeAbout the courseResearch on autism is ongoing and theories about causes and strategies are constantly developing and changing. This is a one day course aimed at reinforcing your current knowledge and updating you on the latest theories and developments in the world of autism so that you are able to apply these to the individuals you support. It is delivered by our fully qualified trainer who had extensive knowledge and experience in autism.


• Identify the key areas of impact that autism has on an individual.

• Outline the latest research and updates on autism theories and strategies.

• Identify how these new and other well established theories and strategies can be relevant to the individuals you support.

• Explain how these theories and strategies can be put into practice and the impact this will have on the support we give to individuals with autism.

Who should attend?This is a mandatory course for all staff to attend the latest version every 3 years after they have attended the Autism Awareness course (previously known as ASD Day 1).

DatesMonday 10th June 2013Monday 30th September 2013


22

Ma

nd

ato

ry Tr

ain

ing

Managing Challenging BehaviourAbout the courseThis 3-day course is delivered by a qualified Studio 3 trainer and is specifically aimed towards people supporting individuals with autism and related challenging behaviours. This course is often known as “Managing Challenging Behaviour – 3 day” or “MCB – 3”. It forms part of the induction training and is designed to be attended in the later weeks of the 12 week induction programme. You must attend the full course on consecutive days. If any day or part of day is missed then you will have to attend the full course again.

The aim of the course is to enable you to have a good working understanding of legal and organisational responsibilities when working with people who may display challenging behaviour and low arousal strategies and techniques to use when dealing with challenging or potentially challenging behaviour. It includes:

• Defining challenging behaviour and why it occurs.

• Low arousal techniques.

• Management vs. change of behaviours.

• Causes of challenging behaviours.

• Debriefing after an incident.

• Techniques for aversive situations.


• Demonstrate an understanding of the law with regard to going “hands-on” with someone in your care.

• Identify various causes of challenging behaviour.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of debriefing after an incident.

• Identify and demonstrate techniques for dealing with challenging behaviour when everything else has failed.

Who should attend?This 3-day course is mandatory for all staff who come into regular and direct contact with service users in regulated adult services and supported living services, and other staff who have identified a need to access this training as part of their job role. Regular refreshers are required depending on service needs as agreed by SMT.

DatesFriday 12th April, Monday 15th April and Tuesday 16th April 2013Monday 24th June, Tuesday 25th June and Wednesday 26th June 2013

23

Ma

nd

ato

ry Train

ing

Tuesday 6th August, Wednesday 7th August and Thursday 8th August 2013Tuesday 12th November, Wednesday 13th November and Thursday 14th November 2013

TimesEach date in this course starts at 9.30am and finishes at 4.30pm.

24

Managing Challenging Behaviour:RefresherAbout the courseThis 1-day refresher course is delivered by a qualified Studio 3 trainer and is specifically aimed towards people supporting individuals with autism and related challenging behaviours. You should already have attended the Managing Challenging Behaviour 3-day course and this refresher is usually repeated every 12 – 36 months, depending on your service requirements.

The session aims to review the legal aspects and theories of challenging behaviour and the low arousal strategies and techniques that can be used when dealing with challenging or potentially challenging behaviour. You will also refresh and practise the techniques and physical ‘break away’ manoeuvres taught in the initial 3-day training.


• Demonstrate an understanding of the law with regard to going “hands-on” with someone in your care.

• Identify various causes of challenging behaviour.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of debriefing after an incident.

• Identify and demonstrate techniques for dealing with challenging behaviour when everything else has failed.

Who should attend?This refresher course is mandatory for all staff who come into regular and direct contact with service users in regulated adult services and supported living services, and other staff who have identified a need to access this training as part of their job role. The frequency of this training refresher is to be agreed by Service Managers and SMT depending on individual service or staff needs.

DatesMonday 29th April 2013Wednesday 29th May 2013Thursday 4th July 2013Thursday 15th August 2013Tuesday 24th September 2013


Ma

nd

ato

ry Tr

ain

ing

25

Section 4: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) TrainingThe training on the following pages is available to staff who have identified a need to develop their knowledge and skills.

Professional development needs should be discussed with your line manager in your supervision and appraisal. If you identify that attending this training will benefit your professional development and/or the development of your service your manager can make booking enquiries.

Courses can be attended in work time with agreement from your manager.

26

Anxiety and AutismAbout the courseThis course aims to give you an overview of the nature of autism, the associated anxiety and stress, the impact this can have and to explore coping strategies to minimise the impact of anxiety and stress. It includes:

• An overview of autism.

• An exploration of the causes of anxiety and stress in autism.

• The importance of structure, routine and predictability and how to practically apply these.

• Coping strategies to minimise the impact of anxiety and stress.

OutcomesBy the end of this session you will:

• Have a better understanding of the causes of anxiety and stress for those with autism.

• Have a better understanding of the importance of structure, routine and predictability in reducing anxiety and stress.

• Gain a practical understanding of coping strategies to reduce anxiety and stress in those with autism in order to improve the quality of their everyday lives and their interaction with others.

DatesThursday 16th May 2013Monday 21st October 2013


CPD

Tra

inin

g

27

Challenging Behaviour and Autism

About the courseThe aim of this 1-day course is to explore in greater depth the impact of the “triad of impairments” and sensory differences on the behaviour of an individual with autism and to look at the development of strategies to help individuals and their families or support staff to manage those behaviours more effectively and also change them. The course includes:

• A recap of the elements central to autism, communication, social interaction and inflexibility of thought as well as sensory differences and difficulties.

• The close link between the above difficulties and differences and the way an individual behaves that can often be challenging.

• With improved understanding will come new ways of working and you will have the opportunity to make these links in their own working environment and explore what they can now do differently to improve and alter the behaviour that is a challenge.

• Clear ideas about the implementation of strategies and tools that can be created to support them.

OutcomesBy the end of this course you will:

• Be able to build on your basic understanding of autism and have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of why challenging behaviour can occur.

• Be able to understand better the communicative function of some of the challenging behaviours you are presented with.

• Be able to develop some new strategies for the prevention of challenging behaviour and also gain some ideas for altering behaviour.

DatesMonday 22nd July 2013


CPD

Train

ing

28

Communication and AutismAbout the courseThis 1-day course aims toprovide the opportunity to explore in greater depth the nature of the communication difficulties and differences associated with autism and to look at the development of some simple strategies to help staff facilitate and improve communication with individuals with autism.

The session explores the contrast between the development of communication in people who have autism and those who do not and examines the range of communication difficulties and differences associated with autism, including problems with using and understanding both verbal and non-verbal language.

This session will help you understand how to begin to build a foundation for improved communication and consider the strategies and tools that can be used to support this.


• Be able to build on your basic understanding of communication difficulties and differences in autism and will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the differing levels of competence of speech and other communication systems, in use and comprehension, found in individuals with autism.

• Gain a better understanding of the need to adjust your own practice, to aid effective communication and how to implement strategies that improve communication

DatesWednesday 17th April 2013Friday 27th September 2013


CPD

Tra

inin

g

29

Mental Health and AutismAbout the courseThis Mental Health and Autism session aims to give an overview of the nature of the core difficulties associated with autism (i.e. communication, social interaction, inflexible thinking and behavior and sensory difficulties and differences) and explore a range of mental health issues that may affect individuals with autism and the underpinning reasons that cause them.

This session also considers ways of helping people with autism understand themselves better and develop coping strategies for dealing with these mental health issues and with the underlying autism related causes.

The session includes:

• An overview of autism.

• An exploration of mental health issues associated with autism.

• The need for greater self-awareness of what it means to have autism and coping strategies for dealing with the impact of autism and the resulting mental health issues.

• An opportunity to listen to a person with autism speak about their experiences.


• Gain a better understanding of the nature of autism and of the associated mental health issues that may result from living with this diagnosis.

• Have an opportunity to explore strategies for helping people with autism become more self-aware and cope better with mental health issues and with the way autism impacts on them as individuals.

DatesThursday 13th June 2013Tuesday 19th November 2013


CPD

Train

ing

30

Sensory Differences and Autism

About the courseThis 1-day course aims to explore the range of sensory difficulties and differences associated with autism and their impact on the individual. It will consider ways of minimising the impact of some of these sensory issues and creating an autism friendly environment. It includes:

• A general introduction to the importance of sensory issues in relation to autism and an explanation of associated concepts and terminology, including sensory processing, sensory modulation, sensory overload, hyper- and hypo-sensitivity.

• An overview of the range of sensory issues that may be encountered in people with autism, with emphasis on the individuality of these issues for specific people.

• Ways of modifying the sensory environment and developing coping strategies for people with autism that will better enable them to function in a multi-sensory world.

OutcomesBy the end of the course you will:

• Have broadened your knowledge of the range of sensory issues associated with autism in general.

• Have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the impact of sensory difficulties and differences on the daily lives of people with autism and will appreciate better the need to modify the sensory environment and how to go about this.

DatesThursday 22nd August 2013


CPD

Tra

inin

g

31

Autism from the Inside

About the courseThis course is a series of six sessions, each lasting two hours, focusing on specific topics commonly arising for people with autism:

• Transition and change

• Special interests

• Self-esteem

• Sexuality and relationships

• Anger management

• A personal perspective

Although each session stands alone, if you attend all six sessions you will be able to reflect week by week on the impact of autism in the lives of people with this diagnosis, culminating in the personal perspective in the final session which will draw together all the elements of the previous five weeks as one person’s story.

Date TopicWednesday 1st May 2013 Change and transition

Wednesday 5th June 2013 Special interests

Wednesday 3rd July 2013 Self esteem

Wednesday 4th September 2013 Sexuality

Wednesday 2nd October 2013 Anger management

Wednesday 6th November 2013 A personal perspective

CPD

Train

ing

32

Autism from the Inside: Change and Transition in Autism

About the courseThis is the first date in the Autism from the Inside sessions, a series of six sessions each lasting two hours focusing on specific topics commonly arising for people with autism.

The change and transition in autism course aims for you to:

• Identify the wide range of difficulties that individuals with autism experience with change and transitions.

• Explore the reasons why change and transitions are so difficult for people with autism.

• Discuss ways you can try to make change and transitions easier for individuals with autism and examine some transition tools that may help.


• Have a better understanding of what individuals with autism find so difficult about change and transitions and the reasons for these difficulties.

• Have some ideas to take away for making change and transition easier for people with autism.

Date Wednesday 1st May 2013

TimeThis session starts at 7pm and finish at 9pm.

CPD

Tra

inin

g

33

Autism from the Inside:Special Interests and Autism

About the courseThis is the second date in the Autism from the Inside sessions, a series of six sessions each lasting two hours focusing on specific topics commonly arising for people with autism.Many individuals with autism have special interests – things they enjoy doing and are usually very good at.

This session will explore the role of these special interests in the lives of people with autism, how to maximise their effectiveness as a well-being and motivational tool and how to manage them so that they do not hinder people with autism from doing other things.

OutcomesBy the end of this session you will have:

• Identified a range of special interests for people with autism that you know.

• Recognised the importance of special interests in the lives of people with autism in terms of motivation and well-being.

• Discussed how to manage the special interest and put limits around its use so that it does not take over the lives of people with autism.

Date Wednesday 5th June 2013


CPD

Train

ing

34

Autism from the Inside:Self-esteem and Autism

About the courseThis is the third date in the Autism from the Inside sessions, a series of six sessions each lasting two hours focusing on specific topics commonly arising for people with autism.This course on self-esteem and autism aims to:

• Examine the evidence of low self-esteem and negative self-image in individuals with autism.

• Identify the reasons for low self-esteem in individuals with autism.

• Explore some strategies for building self-esteem and a positive self-image with individuals on the autism spectrum.


• Have a better understanding about self-esteem issues in relation to the autism spectrum.

• Be able to take away some ideas for building self-esteem and a positive self-image with individuals on the autism spectrum right across the intellectual range.

Date Wednesday 3rd July 2013


CPD

Tra

inin

g

35

Autism from the Inside:Sexuality and AutismAbout the courseThis is the fourth date in the Autism from the Inside sessions,a series of six sessions each lasting two hours focusing on specific topics commonly arising for people with autism.

The sexuality and autism session aims to:

• Explore what is known about how autism impacts on the sexuality of individuals and on their ability to develop relationships right across the spectrum of intellectual ability.

• Recognise some reasons why people with autism have difficulties in the area of sexuality and relationships.

• Identify strategies to help support individuals with autism understand themselves better and their sexuality as part of who they are, along with a better understanding of different kinds of relationships.


• Have a better understanding of issues around sexuality and relationships for people with autism.

• Be able to take away some ideas to help support people with autism more effectively in this area of development.

Date Wednesday 4th September 2013


CPD

Train

ing

36

Autism from the Inside:Anger Management and AutismAbout the courseThis is the fifth date in the Autism from the Inside sessions, a series of six sessions each lasting two hours focusing on specific topics commonly arising for people with autism.The anger management and autism session highlights that many people with autism find understanding and expressing emotions very difficult. Anger is one emotion that they often experience but do not know how to deal with, with damaging outcomes for themselves, other people, property and possessions.

This session will explore the role of anger in the lives of people with autism and share some strategies for managing their anger and for teaching them how to control their anger and express it in more appropriate ways.

OutcomesBy the end of the session you will have:

• Identified situations where people with autism get angry and the ways they express their anger.

• Learnt what you can do to manage angry outbursts in a safe way.

• Explored some resources and strategies to help people with autism have a better understanding of their own anger, what causes it, how you can recognise when it is building up and begin to use self-regulation to manage your own anger.

Date Wednesday 2nd October 2013


CPD

Tra

inin

g

37

Autism from the Inside Autism: A Personal PerspectiveAbout the courseThis is the sixth and final date in the Autism from the Inside sessions, a series of six sessions each lasting two hours focusing on specific topics commonly arising for people with autism.

Nothing is more effective than hearing the personal perspective from someone who is on the autism spectrum to help us grasp the nature of autism and bring to life our theoretical understanding. In this session you will have the opportunity to hear someone with Asperger syndrome talk about life with this diagnosis and to ask questions about this life experience to enhance your understanding.

OutcomesBy the end of this session you will have:

• Listened to the personal perspective of someone on the autism spectrum about life with a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome.

• Had an opportunity to ask questions about what you have heard.

• Reflected on how this personal perspective fits with your existing knowledge of autism.

Date Wednesday 6th November 2013


CPD

Train

ing

38

CPD

Tra

inin

g

Basic IT TrainingAbout the courseThis is a 1-day course delivered by a qualified trainer who has extensive knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office programmes. The aim of the course is to develop your basic understanding and knowledge of the commonly used Microsoft programmes: Outlook, Excel and Word, and includes step by step guidance, demonstrations, teacher support and opportunities to practice all the tasks covered in the course.


• Create and send emails and use commonly used functions.

• Create calendar appointments and use commonly used functions including add, invite attendees, amend, delete, change view (day, week, month) and view others’ calendars.

• Create and view/delete tasks, plus view tasks from different areas of Outlook.

• Describe and demonstrate the functions in the navigation pane.

• Describe and demonstrate the different functions within a worksheet.

• Create and format a table of information.

• Demonstrate how to format the text in a document.

• Demonstrate how to insert different objects.

• Demonstrate how to review the spelling and grammar.

DatesWednesday 12th June 2013Thursday 26th September 2013


39

CPD

Train

ing

Basic Record Keeping and Report Writing

About the courseThis is a 3-hour session covering the basics of record keeping and report writing in residential care and supported living settings. Its aims are for you to understand the importance of and develop good practice in record keeping and report writing. It is delivered by a qualified trainer who has extensive practical experience and knowledge in this area. Learning is aided with the use of DVD and participant activities.

OutcomesBy the end of this course you will be able to:

• Identify key points of legislation in relation to record keeping and explain how this impacts your role.

• List the different types of records that are kept in the workplace and describe the purpose of them.

• Demonstrate good practice in all areas of record keeping including selecting and gathering information, accuracy and authenticity of information, anti-discriminatory practice and confidentiality.

DatesFriday 14th June 2013Thursday 29th August 2013


40

CPD

Tra

inin

g

Diet, Eating, Nutrition & Autism ConferenceAbout the conferenceFollowing the success of our sell-out Diet & Autism half day conference last year, we are running a new and improved version. The day is longer, enabling more time for discussion and questions, plus lunch is included.

The conference provides an overview of autism and all related issues around diet, eating and nutrition. Speakers include Elizabeth Attfield, an experienced autism trainer and mother of a young man with autism, Zoe Connor, an NHS-trained registered dietitian with ten years experience in helping adults and children with all sorts of diet related problems and chair of Dietitians in Autism and a personal perspective will be provided by Pamela Hirsch.

More information about this conference can be found on www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk

DateTuesday 30th April 2013

TimeThis conference starts at 10am and finishes at 3pm.

41

Section 5: Training for managers

42

Tra

inin

g fo

r ma

na

ge

rs

Managing AbsenceAbout the courseThis course will provide you with a basic knowledge and understanding of managing absence and the importance of it and will support you in your day to day role as a manager. It will cover the various types of absence and your role in the effective management of each of these types of absences.


• Detail why managing absence is important.

• Explain the different types of absence and the law related to each.

• Identify your role in the absence management process and the stages to follow.

• Understand the absence notification procedure.

• Know how to conduct an effective home visit.

• Identify when formal action is required.

• Understand medical capability dismissals.

Who should attend?This is mandatory training for staff that have line management responsibilities.

DatesTuesday 16th July 2013Wednesday 25th September 2013


43

Train

ing

for m

an

ag

ers

Managing EffectivelyAbout the courseThis one and a half day course will provide a set of skills needed to be a successful manager and get the best out of your staff. The course is both for new managers and to refresh and reinforce these skills for experienced managers.


• Understand the importance of communicating effectively both up and down and identify techniques to do this.

• Identify and use various coaching and feedback skills that can help in the effective development of people.

• Identify factors which enable a good working relationship.

• Know the importance of empowerment and effective delegation.

• Identify ways to motivate your team and promote good team work.

• Understand the importance of conflict management and mediation and identify some techniques to do this effectively.

Who should attend?Those managers and employees involved in the recruitment of new staff and/or volunteers to Autism West Midlands and those who wish to refresh their recruitment knowledge and skills.

DatesThursday 23rd May 2013 and Friday 24th May 2013 Tuesday 9th July 2013 and Wednesday 10th July 2013

TimesDay 1 starts at 9.30am and finishes at 4pm.Day 2 starts at 9.30am and finishes at 12.30pm.

44

Managing Individual and Team PerformanceAbout the courseThis course will provide you with a basic knowledge and understanding of some effective ways to manage performance and will support you in your day to day role as a manager of individuals and teams. It will cover the various stages of the performance management cycle and help you to identify when you need to take action as a manager to increase the performance of your employees.


• Identify the different stages of the Performance Management Cycle.

• Know the importance of regular supervisions and be able to conduct an effective supervision.

• Understand the appraisal process and your role in it.

• Know the importance of regular team meetings and be able to conduct an effective team meeting.

• Understand and be able to highlight the difference between conduct and capability.

• Recognise when a conduct or performance issue needs addressing and the steps to take.

• Understand the importance of probation periods and know how to use them effectively.

• Understand the disciplinary and capability processes and your role in conducting them.

Who should attend?This is mandatory training for staff that have line management responsibilities.

DatesThursday 27th June 2013Tuesday 20th August 2013


45

Recruitment Overview and TechniquesAbout the courseThis course will provide you with a basic knowledge and understanding of recruitment at Autism West Midlands along with the legalities surrounding recruitment and the hiring of employees. It will cover the various approaches to recruitment and give you a good basis for conducting effective recruitment processes.


• Understand the legalities surrounding recruitment.

• Highlight when there is a need to recruit or not to recruit.

• Detail the recruitment process at Autism West Midlands and what is required of you at each stage.

• Explain the importance of various stages and approaches to recruitment.

• Understand the importance of a robust job description and person specification and know what to include in each.

• Know how to effectively conduct a competency-based interview and understand various questioning techniques and when to use them.

• Know how to determine whether a candidate will make a good hire or not.

• Appreciate the importance of a good induction process.

• Understand the use of secondments and ‘acting up’ opportunities.

Who should attend?Those managers and employees involved in the recruitment of new staff and/or volunteers to Autism West Midlands and those who wish to refresh their recruitment knowledge and skills.

Course datesWednesday 24th July 2013Wednesday 28th August 2013


46

Not found what you are looking for?If you can’t find a training course in an area that you have a training need, please discuss this with your line manager during your supervision and appraisal. If your manager agrees that training in this area will be beneficial to your role within your service they can contact the training team who can investigate the possibility of organising this training on either an individual, team or organisational level depending on requirements.

Accessing vocational training opportunities (Apprenticeships and Diplomas – previously known as NVQs)Autism West Midlands will, where possible, support staff that choose to embark on relevant vocational training. In the past, most of the training qualifications that we have been able to access for staff have been funded by the government. During these difficult economic times the money that the government allocates to fund staff training has been greatly reduced and is limited to particular target groups (i.e. people aged 19-24 and the unemployed). This means that we are not able to offer you the amount of opportunities to gain qualifications that we have been able to offer in previous years.

For us to ensure that we can support you in accessing the best quality qualification training we ask that you access external training only via training providers that have been authorised by us, especially for courses that require that the training providers access our services and service users.

We are currently working with Learn Direct, a national training provider, and Bournville College to access training and where possible funding for training. Here are some of the qualifications that we may be able to access:

• Diploma Level 2 in Health and Social Care (Adults)

• Diploma Level 3 in Health and Social Care (Adults)

• Diploma Level 5 in Care Management

• Certificate in Management Level 3

• Certificate in Team Leading Level 2

• Certificate in IT User Level 2

• Certificate in IT User Level 3

• Certificate in Business Administration Level 2

• Certificate in Business Admin Level 3

• Certificate in Customer Service Level 2

• Certificate in Customer Service Level 3

If you are interested in these or any other courses you should discuss this with your line manager. The training team will do all they can to accommodate requests for vocational training.

48

About Autism West MidlandsThere are more than half a million people in the UK living with autism, an invisible, misunderstood and lonely disability. 60,000 live in the West Midlands.

We are the leading charity in the West Midlands for people affected by autism. We exist to enable all people with autism and those who love and care for them to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. Our passionate, expert staff and volunteers work across all age groups and abilities, providing direct support to people affected by autism.

Contact usAutism West MidlandsRegent CourtGeorge RoadEdgbastonBirminghamB15 1NU

Email:General enquiries: [email protected] and advice: [email protected]

Telephone:Main reception: 0121 450 7582 • Information helpline: 0303 03 00 111

Website: www.autismwestmidlands.org.uk

Find us on Facebook: Search “Autism West Midlands”

Follow us on Twitter: @autismwestmids

Our vision is a world where all people on the autism spectrum have the specialist care and support they need to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives.

Registered Charity Number: 517077Registered Company Number: 1953344 (England and Wales)

awm internal training

Documents