CSTF aligned statutory and mandatory training courses

Statutory & mandatory training for health and social care workers: Aligning with the CSTF

Ensuring staff are well-trained and compliant with current standards is paramount in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. The Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF) is crucial, providing a benchmark for statutory and mandatory training for health and social care workers. In this blog, Rose explores the importance of CSTF-aligned training, key facts and statistics, relevant legislation, and best practices while highlighting how our ComplyPlus™ software can streamline your compliance efforts.

Key facts and statistics

Mandatory training compliance - According to the Care Quality Commission (CQC), failure to comply with mandatory training requirements can result in sanctions, including fines and service suspensions.
Training impact - Studies show that well-trained staff are more likely to provide safer and higher-quality care, reducing the risk of errors and enhancing patient outcomes (Health Education England, 2023).
Staff retention - Organisations with robust training programmes experience higher retention rates, as employees feel more competent and valued (NHS Employers, 2022).

Key definitions

Statutory training - Training required by law, such as fire safety, health and safety, and equality and diversity.
Mandatory training - Training deemed essential by an organisation or regulatory body, covering areas like infection prevention and control, safeguarding, and manual handling.
CSTF - The Core Skills Training Framework is a set of national standards for statutory and mandatory training in health and social care, ensuring consistency and compliance across the sector.

Relevant legislation and regulations

Several key pieces of legislation and regulations underpin the requirement for statutory and mandatory training in the UK:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 - This foundational law requires employers to provide adequate training to ensure the health and safety of employees and service users.
Care Act 2014 - This Act mandates that care providers must ensure staff are adequately trained to deliver safe and effective care.
CQC Regulations - The Care Quality Commission's regulations stipulate that healthcare providers must meet specific training requirements to maintain their registration.

Best practices in statutory and mandatory training

Align training with the CSTF

Ensuring that your training programmes align with the CSTF guarantees that they meet national standards. The CSTF covers a wide range of core skills, including:

Safeguarding Adults and Children
Infection Prevention and Control
Information Governance
Equality, Diversity, and Human Rights
Resuscitation

Regularly update training materials

Healthcare is a dynamic field, and training materials must be regularly updated to reflect the latest guidelines and best practices. This ensures that staff are always equipped with current knowledge.

Utilise technology for training delivery

Digital platforms, such as our ComplyPlus™ software, can streamline the delivery and tracking of training. E-learning modules offer flexibility, allowing staff to complete training at their own pace, while automated tracking ensures compliance is monitored and maintained.

Foster a culture of continuous learning

Encouraging a culture where continuous learning is valued can significantly enhance the effectiveness of training programmes. Regular refresher courses and opportunities for professional development can keep skills sharp and knowledge up-to-date.

Recommendations for health and social care organisations

Conduct training needs assessments - Identify specific training needs within your organisation to tailor programmes effectively.
Invest in quality training providers - Choose accredited providers who align their courses with the CSTF.
Implement robust tracking systems - Use software solutions like ComplyPlus™ to track training completion and compliance.
Engage staff in training - Ensure training is interactive and engaging to maximise retention and application of knowledge.
Monitor and evaluate training effectiveness - Regularly assess the impact of training on staff performance and patient care outcomes.

Conclusion

Statutory and mandatory training is critical to delivering safe, effective, and compliant health and social care. By aligning with the Core Skills Training Framework, organisations can ensure they meet legal requirements and uphold high standards of care. Implementing robust training programmes, utilising technology, and fostering a culture of continuous learning are essential strategies for achieving compliance and enhancing service quality.

Investing in comprehensive statutory and mandatory training is not just about compliance; it's about providing the best possible care. Our ComplyPlus™ software can help streamline your training processes, ensuring your staff are well-prepared and your organisation remains compliant. Click here to learn more about how we can support your training and compliance needs. We can build a safer, more competent health and social care workforce.

About the author

Rose Mabiza

Rose has dedicated over 15 years to improving health and social care quality through practice, targeted education and training. Her extensive experience includes working with older adults, individuals with mental health conditions, and people with autism and learning disabilities.