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Latest News from Workforce Development

**NEW DATES**

Moving & Handling of People

Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes

This session will give staff who work with people, the skills and knowledge to manage the moving & handling needs of their clients, balancing their needs with the safety of the staff. By the end of the course, participants will:

  • be able to list their basic legal responsibilities when undertaking moving & handling tasks at work
  • be able to identify the hazards and risk relating to moving clients which may contribute to choosing the appropriate way to move the person (personal-on-the-spot risk assessment)
  • be able to list the postures to avoid that may cause vulnerabilities whilst carrying out handling tasks
  • understand how to maintain musculoskeletal health and what to do if they experience an episode of back pain
  • be able to demonstrate the Principles of safer moving & handling
  • have the confidence to carry out techniques, based on Principles that are appropriate for their own work area, with and without equipment
  • demonstrate the safe use of moving & handling equipment, including pre-use checks, currently available in their workplace.

Target Audience

DBC People Group

Dates, Times & Venues

  • Tuesday 30 September 2025 from 9.30-4.00pm at Medequip, Unit 3, Beaumont Square, Aycliffe Industrial Park, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6XN
  • Monday 3 November 2025 from 9.30-4.00pm at Medequip, Unit 3, Beaumont Square, Aycliffe Industrial Park, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6XN
  • Monday 9 March 2026 from 9.30-4.00pm at Medequip, Unit 3, Beaumont Square, Aycliffe Industrial Park, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6XN
  • Thursday 14 May 2026 from 9.30-4.00pm at Medequip, Unit 3, Beaumont Square, Aycliffe Industrial Park, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6XN
  • Thursday 10 September 2026 from 9.30-4.00pm at Medequip, Unit 3, Beaumont Square, Aycliffe Industrial Park, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6XN
  • Tuesday 20 October 2026 from 9.30-4.00pm at Medequip, Unit 3, Beaumont Square, Aycliffe Industrial Park, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6XN (THE LINKS ONLY)
  • Wednesday 2 December 2026 from 9.30-4.00pm at Foundations (FOUNDATIONS ONLY)
  • Wednesday 10 February 2027 from 9.30-4.00pm at Medequip, Unit 3, Beaumont Square, Aycliffe Industrial Park, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6XN

**NEW DATES**

Understanding the EHCP Process, the Role of Professionals & the Graduated Response

Aims & Objectives/Learning Outcomes

This session will help delegates understand:

  • the role of professionals in the assessment process
  • understand the circumstances under which an EHC request is appropriate
  • understand the term 'graduated response' and professionals role in supporting this
  • review the EHC timeline.

Target Audience

Any professionals working with children and young people in Darlington who have or may require an EHC Plan

Dates, Times & Venues

  • Monday 14 July 2025 from 9.30-11.30am via MS Teams
  • Thursday 25 September 2025 from 9.30-11.30am via MS Teams
  • Monday 12 January 2026 from 1.00-3.00pm via MS Teams

New Podcast Episode

Darlington College – Supported Internships

During this episode we meet with Rebecca from Darlington College to discuss their supported internship programme and speak with Andrew & Meadow who are current interns working for Amazon. For further information on Supported Internships email: Rebecca Lister

Please share with colleagues/partners.

To listen please click on one of the following links:

North East ADASS Conference

North East ADASS are delighted to bring you this conference in partnership with the NIHR and the Applied Research Collaborative based at Newcastle University. It will be held on Thursday 19 June 2025 from 9.30-4.30pm at the Frederick Douglass Building at Newcastle University. There is no charge for the event, and lunch will be provided.

Sessions include:

  • Social Care Reform: What is Possible in a Complex Ecosystem? – Professor Catherine Needham - An ecosystem is a metaphor from nature which is commonly used in public policy to refer to something which is complex and interlinked, and where no one is control of the whole. Drawing on our research as part of the ESRC Centre for Care, this talk focuses on analysis of a change programme (the recommissioning of home care) in a local authority. It highlights the ways in which the local social care ecosystem is nested within national and international care regimes which destabilise local initiatives. It considers the ways in which local commissioners and managers can equip themselves for this environment, steering a path through being over- and under-optimistic about what is possible.
  • Working with Risk, Complexity & Professional Curiosity (Research in Practice) - This one hour session introduces key concepts around working with risk and complexity through a lens of curiosity
  • An Introduction to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Research in Practice) -  This one hour session introduces some of the key principles and concepts of DEI and taking an intersectional approach to practice, as well as sharing some of the findings from Research in Practice's recent Equity Change Project
  • Research isn’t just for Academics – Opportunities for Fully Funded Fellowships for Local Authority Staff - Scott Lloyd and Helen Close will share details of fully funded research opportunities for people working in adult social care.
  • Using Technology to Give Choice & Flexibility to Unpaid Carers – Mobilise will share with us there finding from their regional work across the North East and North Cumbria as funded by the Accelerating Reform Fund. We will hear from people directly impacted by the service and why innovation is crucial in this space.
  • How to leverage tech expertise in adult social care? We will hear from a range of organisations who are working with local authorities to develop innovative solutions to the issues facing people and services within the North East.

Sarah McClinton, Chief Social Worker for Adults (Department for Health and Social Care) & Kwajo Tweneboa, author of 'Our Country in Crisis' & Social Issues Campaigner will also be in attendance. 

Tickets can be booked here: Eventbrite [external website]

DBC Staff - please inform WFD if you book a place

Diabetes Week 9 - 15 June 2025

Diabetes Week is a week to make some noise, raise awareness and shout about the things that matter to people with diabetes, shining a light on what it’s like to live with day in, day out. To read more click on the following link from Diabetes UK: Newsletter [pdf document]

Learning & Skills Darlington

Learning & Skills is a further education and training provider based in Darlington. They offer a number of FREE courses to help local adults gain in confidence, upskill and get the job they want. These range for pre-entry level courses for people with limited skills and experience, through to a-level equivalent qualifications. We also offer apprenticeships and courses for younger learners aged between 16 and 18.

Family Courses

Parenting Together – From 6 June 2025 - Fridays from 12.45-2.45pm at McNay Street Childrens Centre, DL3 6SW (5 weeks)

This course is for adults with children up to the age of 11 years old or learners looking to boost their CV for a career in schools. You will learn how to identify effective parenting strategies, promote self-esteem, use positive communication skills and much more.

Family First Aid – From 11 June2025 - Wednesdays from 10.00-12.00pm at McNay Street Childrens Centre, DL3 6SW (5 weeks)

This course is for adults who would like to improve their first aid skills and create a safe environment in the home. It will focus on first aid procedures, ways to create a safe home, resuscitation skills, how to handle an emergency situation and more.

Skill Courses

Cooking on a Budget – From 3 June 2025 - Tuesdays from 1.00-3.00pm at The Edge Church, DL3 6AR (5 weeks)

This course is for anybody aged 19+ who wants to learn how to create simple and affordable meals. The course will cover food costing comparisons, supermarket tricks and plenty of recipes, like homemade pizzas, quiche, and soup. This course is taught in-person so you can get hands on with the cooking for the most effective learning.

Creative Crafts – From 12 June 2025 - Thursdays from 1.00-3.00pm at Darlington Library, DL1 1ND (5 weeks)

Design and create fun crafts that you can showcase to your family and friends and display around the home!

Career Courses – North Yorkshire Location Only!

Upskill for employment Food Manufacturing with ABP – From 30 June to 4 July 2025 – Monday to Friday from 10.00-3.00pm at APB foods Dale House, Leeming Bar, Northallerton DL7 9UL ( 1 week) 

This course is for anybody aged 19+ who lived within the North Yorkshire area and is interested in working within a food factory. Gain interview techniques, further knowledge of ABP Foods, their values and what they do and what skills are needed to work in food manufacturing, such as manual handling and food safety. At the end of the course, you will be given a tour of the company, and a guaranteed interview.

Choices College Event

Following the success of their recent information evening, Choices College are hosting a second session for any parents, carers, or anyone who may have missed the first session or would like to find out more about Choices College. This event is open to anyone interested in learning more about Supported Internships, what Choices College offer & how they support young people on their journey into employment and independence. It will be held on Wednesday 25 June 2025 at 5.30pm in the Pease Suite, Dolphin Centre

Please click on the following link for more information: Leaflet [pdf document]

Rethink Formulation

  • Thursday 12 June 2025 from 9.30-4.30pm in the Stephenson Suite, Dolphin Centre
  • For more information click on the following link: Training Directory

Developing Awareness of ADHD in Adults

  • Tuesday 17 June 2025 from 9.30-4.30pm in the Stephenson Suite, Dolphin Centre
  • For more information click on the following link: Training Directory

Team Teach Level 1

  • Wednesday 25 June 2025 from 9.30-4.30pm at Tandem (Morton Park Business Training Centre)
  • For more information click on the following link: Training Directory

Anti-Racist Practice

  • Tuesday 24 June 2025 from 9.30-4.30pm in the Stephenson Suite, Dolphin Centre
  • For more information click on the following link: Training Directory

Self Neglect: An Overview Involving the Voice of the Person

  • Tuesday 8 July 2025 from 9.30-4.30pm in the Stephenson Suite, Dolphin Centre
  • For more information click on the following link: Training Directory

 Just Checking Assessment Tool Awareness

  • Wednesday 16 July 2025 from 10.00-11.00am via MS Teams
  • For more information click on the following link: Training Directory

The Children's Society

#LookCloser: Building Positive Relationships with Children and Young People

We continue to hear from children & young people that the interactions they have with professionals can have a profound impact on how they view their experiences of abuse and the support they receive. We’re often asked for guidance on how to best engage with children and young people, and whilst this should always be an individualised approach, this session shares some general ideas and tips based the voices of victims, survivors of exploitation and children and young people more generally.

In June 2025 we will be launching our new resource 'building positive relationships with children and young people' which focuses on a trauma-informed and child-centred approach. This will create the foundation for the session. In this session we will:

  • explore how to embody the key messages within the resource
  • consider aspects of identity and why this is important when working with children and young people
  • explore what cultural humility can look like when working with children and young people
  • identify and celebrate examples of building successful relationships with young people.

It will be held on Tuesday 17 June 2025 from 1.30-3.00pm. To book please click on the following link: Book [external website]

Social Work Week Playlist

Social Work Week 2025 brought together thousands of people including professionals & people with lived experience to learn, connect and influence the future of the social work profession. Across the week they had 58 presenters including people with lived and learned experience, with backgrounds across health, social care, education and research.

If you were unable to attend or want to revisit any of the topics, they've shared highlights from some of these sessions in a YouTube playlist. To watch please click on the following link: YouTube [external website]

Unconscious Bias – Practice Briefing

We all have unconscious bias, it is a part of human nature. But its impact can be damaging and it can prevent workplaces really progressing on their inclusion journey. Here you will learn about the different types of unconscious bias, the challenges it can bring to the workplace and importantly, how to prevent it from happening. Please click on the following link: Briefing [pdf document]

Creative Life Story Work

New courses are available:

  • Recover - Monday 23 June 2025
  • All About Me Direct Work - Monday 7 July 2025

Courses are free to those who have an account. For more information click on the following link: Creative Life Story Work [external website]

Lunchtime Learning

The North East Children & Families Principal Social Worker Network have continued to plan & deliver a series of bespoke Lunchtime Learning Sessions which are open to all Children’s Services practitioners across the region. Below you will find an overview of the sessions. All sessions are held between 12pm-1pm on the identified dates and you can attend as many as you like! Please add the Teams Link to your calendar to join.

Authority

Date

Session

Link

Redcar & Cleveland

Thursday 17 July 2025

The Power of Language - click on the following link for more info: Power of language flyer [pdf document]

Join the Power of Language meeting now

DBC Staff - Please inform Workforce Development if you attend so we can keep your training record up to date.

Boost

The North East & Cumbria Learning & Improvement Community for Health & Social Care

The Boost learning academy offers flexible training & development. It offers a wide range of courses, seminars and events all designed to help deliver the best possible care. The learning academy is open to everyone working or volunteering in the North East & North Cumbria health & care system including all of social care.

It offers a wide range of learning opportunities from leadership & improvement courses to prevention & addressing inequalities programmes using a making every contact count approach. Learning opportunities cover a variety of topics relating to population health including alcohol, tobacco, mental health, poverty, inequalities & more. Plus, there's the opportunity to connect & learn together with like-minded people from across the region

People can join the learning academy & get on track to growing their skills & knowledge by clicking on the following link: Boost [external link]

Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Training

CAMHS run a rolling programme of training including the following awareness raising sessions:

  • Anxiety, Worries, Fears & Phobias
  • Anxious About School
  • Attachment Difficulties
  • Attentional Difficulties
  • Childhood Trauma & Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)
  • Deliberate Self Harm
  • Eating Difficulties
  • Emotional Wellbeing & Communication
  • Low Mood & Depression
  • Social & Communication Difficulties

For more information click on the following link: Training Directory

Darlington XTRA

DARLINGTON XTRA podcasts bring you the views of sector leading professionals & the voices of families. Interviews & conversations to support learning & development across Darlington.

Learning & Skills Darlington

Welcome to Learning & Skills Darlington. They are a local training provider offering a wide range of learning opportunities for all ages. They offer a wide range of learning & training opportunities for all ages, including:

  • Adult & Community Learning
  • Functional Skills
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
  • Distance Learning (DL) & Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
  • Family Learning
  • Intensive Support
  • Higher & Further Education
  • Apprenticeships
  • Study Programmes & Pre-Apprenticeship Programmes

For more information, please click on the following link: Learning & Skills Darlington

Skills for Care Tools, Resources & E-Learning Modules

Skills for Care offer a range of tools, resources & e-learning modules on various care topics including:

  • Oral Health
  • Equality & Diversity
  • Person Centred Approaches in Health & Care 
  • Modern Slavery
  • Infection Prevention & Control
  • Culturally Appropriate Care
  • Mental Health
  • End of Life Care
  • Medication
  • Pressure Ulcers
  • Dementia
  • Learning Disability
  • Mental Capacity Act
  • Supporting People with Challenging or Distressed Behaviour
  • Learning Disability & Autism
  • Autism

For more information click on the following link: Skills for Care Website [external website]

Community Care

Community Care has lots of information available on the issue of social care/social work on their website. Click on the following link: Community Care [external website]

E Learning Modules Available:

Zero Suicide Alliance on-line training

Council for Disabled Children - SEND Basic Awareness

The MS Society - MS Awareness Course

Safeguarding Adults & Children

For details of Safeguarding Adults & Safeguarding Children training, visit the Darlington Safeguarding Partnership Website[external link]

Training Materials & Resources

The Workforce Development Intranet pages contain a range of useful information, training materials & resources available to Darlington Borough Council staff. Search for Workforce Development.

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