Teenage boy talking to support staff
Teenage boy talking to support staff

Staff Training & Development

Staff at Budwood form a diverse team of empathetic, hardworking individuals who are dedicated to helping young people with complex needs. While some moments can be challenging, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a young person develop their skills and find their independence. 

Our staff are well versed in taking part in multi-agency working, working closely with all those involved in a young person’s wellbeing to ensure that all of their needs are accommodated. Our staff receive thorough, therapeutically informed training and have plenty of opportunities to grow and develop their own practice.   

“I love all the staff. [They] did an amazing job, which I’m thankful for.” 

– Pete, who was supported until independence at Budwood 

Our Management Team

Managers at Budwood are experienced practitioners who are fully equipped to support the young people and staff who live and work within Budwood’s supported accommodation homes. All Home Managers have received Designated Safeguarding Lead Training, and Senior Managers have completed an advanced Level 5 course in Safeguarding.  

All of our Home Managers have also completed a 5-day PACE practitioner course, meaning that they fully understand and promote of the use of a trauma-informed approach when working with young people who have experienced adversity.    

“I very much had my heart set on growing and becoming a manager one day which [Budwood] 100% listened to. I’ve been working with Budwood for about three and a half years now!” 

– Budwood staff member

Our Support Workers 

All of our staff take part in a thorough induction and a wide range of mandatory training before working at Budwood, continuing throughout their first twelve weeks of employment. This training equips staff with the knowledge and skills they need to offer young people quality support and a deep level of empathy and understanding.  

Core modules include:  

  • Safeguarding 
  • Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
  • Health and Safety 
  • Data Protection & Cyber Security 
  • PRICE training 
  • First Aid training

C.A.T.C.H ® Training 

Every staff member at Budwood takes part in three days of therapeutic parenting and C.A.T.C.H ® training, and strive to implement these principles into their daily practice. C.A.T.C.H ® training enables our staff to develop a culture of openness and trust, where young people feel empowered to share their feelings and any concerns they may have about their wellbeing.  

Staff at each of our supported accommodation residences take part in monthly reflective practice sessions with the house clinician to reflect upon how well C.A.T.C.H ® is being implemented in the home and to identify more ways in which the model can be used to support young people. 

Further Training 

As well as mandatory training, all Budwood staff have access to a range of in-depth courses through our online Learnative platform. Training options include e-courses and online group sessions led by expert trainers.

Group of staff on a training course

A wide range of subjects are offered which can help staff to develop their practice and understand many of the issues facing young people today, including: 

  • Eating disorders and body image 
  • Gangs and knife crime 
  • Online safety  
  • Alcohol and drugs awareness 
  • Supporting LGBTIQA+ young people

We encourage all of our staff to pursue career growth, and there is an opportunity for staff to take part in NVQ training to receive a Level 3, 4, or 5 qualification.  

Supervision & Appraisal 

All staff members working in our supported accommodation homes, including managers, benefit from monthly supervision sessions where their achievements are celebrated, their progress is monitored and they can set new targets and goals.  

Annual appraisals are also conducted where staff receive detailed, clear feedback to help them progress. Staff also benefit from regular supervision sessions from a qualified therapist, who is there to support them in helping young people who have experienced trauma.  

“The support system is really good. They’re really focused on making sure that you know everything that you need to know and have all the tools that you need to do the job.” 

– Budwood Support Worker

Join our Team 

At Budwood we have a thorough and robust selection process which is designed to ensure that our team members are well suited to work with young people. If you’re interested in becoming a member of the Budwood team, we encourage you to find out more about working at Budwood or take a look at our current vacancies.