Training & Competency Policy

1. Purpose 

Falcon Greencare is committed to ensuring that all staff are suitably trained, competent, and skilled to provide safe, effective, and high-quality care. This policy outlines how we meet Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements and ensure staff competence in all roles. 

2. Scope 

This policy applies to: 

• All employees, agency workers, and contractors  
• Healthcare assistants, support workers, and nurses  
• Staff placed in care homes, supported living, and other care settings  

3. Legal and Regulatory Framework 

Falcon Greencare operates in accordance with: 

• CQC Fundamental Standards (Regulation 18 – Staffing)  
• The Health and Social Care Act 2008 
• The Care Quality Commission guidelines 
• Relevant professional standards (e.g. NMC for nurses where applicable)  

4. Policy Statement 

Falcon Greencare will: 

• Ensure all staff are appropriately trained before placement  
• Assess and verify competence regularly 
• Provide ongoing development opportunities  
• Maintain accurate training records 
• Work with clients to meet specific training requirements  

5. Induction Training 

All staff must complete an induction before placement, including: 

• Company policies and procedures  
• Role responsibilities  
• Safeguarding adults and children 
• Health and safety  
• Infection prevention and control 
• Moving and handling  
• Equality, diversity, and human rights 

Where applicable, training aligns with the Care Certificate Standards. 

6. Mandatory Training 

All staff must complete and maintain up-to-date training in: 

• Safeguarding  
• Infection control  
• Moving and handling  
• Basic life support  
• Fire safety  
• Food hygiene (where applicable)  
• Medication awareness (role dependent) 

Training must be refreshed in line with regulatory and best practice guidance. 

7. Role-Specific Training 

Falcon Greencare ensures staff receive additional training relevant to their role, such as: 

• Learning disabilities and autism awareness  
• Mental health support  
• Dementia care  
• Medication administration (for trained staff)  
• Clinical competencies (for nurses) 

8. Competency Assessment 

8.1  Initial Competency 

Before placement, we: 

• Verify qualifications and certifications  
• Conduct interviews and skills assessments  
• Check references and employment history 

8.2  Ongoing Competency 

Competency is maintained through: 

• Supervision and appraisals  
• Feedback from clients  
• Observations (where applicable)  
• Regular reassessment of skills  

9.Responsibilities 

9.1  Management

Management is responsible for: 

• Ensuring training compliance  
• Monitoring competency levels  
• Maintaining training records  
• Supporting staff development  

9.2  Staff

All staff must: 

• Attend required training  
• Maintain up-to-date certifications 
• Work within their level of competence 
• Report any concerns about their ability to perform duties safely  

10. Record Keeping 

Falcon Greencare maintains accurate records of:

• Training completed  
• Expiry dates and renewals  
• Competency assessments  
• Qualifications and certifications 

These records are available for audit and inspection. 

11. Non-Compliance 

Failure to meet training or competency requirements may result in: 

• Suspension from work or placement 
• Additional training requirements 
• Disciplinary action  
• Termination of contract  

12. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) 

We encourage staff to: 

• Engage in ongoing learning  
• Attend additional training courses 
• Develop skills relevant to their role 

13. Monitoring and Review 

• Training compliance is monitored regularly  
• This policy is reviewed annually or in line with CQC updates  
• Feedback from clients is used to improve training provision  

14. Commitment to Quality Care 

Falcon Greencare is committed to ensuring all staff are: 

• Competent  
• Confident  
• Capable of delivering safe, person-centred care 

Date written: 27/2/2026
To be reviewed: 27/02/2027