Care Academy
Care Academy
Under the banner of the charitable foundation the St Monica Trust aims to improve the standard of care that we provide for older people, both within the Trust and nationally, through the establishment of a sector-leading learning academy at the Somerdale Pavilion in Keynsham.
As well as training our own colleagues and those looking at entering the health and social care sector, the Trust’s first-class training provision will also be available to organisations who can’t afford to pay the fees charged by the private sector.
The Academy will look beyond statutory requirements and provide people with the skills to deliver the best outcomes for older people within the services they work, including the harnessing of new technology to deliver care. We will also encourage people to spread their wings beyond our shores, spend time in countries with exceptional practice in caring for older people and bring those learnings back to the UK.
Through The Academy we have already established a provision of more than one hundred apprenticeships at the Trust within the first year of it opening. The Trust aims to build on that impressive start and run apprenticeships for other organisations within the voluntary sector. Not just for starters who are looking at a way in, but all the way up to PhD level and the sponsorship of academic research into the issues affecting older people.
Training for colleagues
We believe that excellent care starts with excellent training. We are committed to empowering both new and existing colleagues with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to provide the highest quality of care to those we support.
We offer a thorough induction programme that covers essential policies, procedures, and best practices in care. We ensure that every new colleague feels welcomed and fully prepared to start their journey at St Monica Trust.
As care is an ever-evolving field, and we strive to keep our staff updated on the latest techniques, tools, and regulatory changes.
Our ongoing training programs include workshops, online courses, and hands-on simulations to enhance their capabilities continually. Our training emphasises the importance of a person-centred approach, ensuring that all colleagues understand the diverse needs and preferences of those in our care. We instil and promote contribution, connection and choice in every interaction.
Join us in our mission to elevate care standards through exceptional training. Together, we can make a meaningful difference creating communities where older people flourish.
Sarah - Health & Social Care Trainer
Before coming to St Monica Trust, I worked in the care sector for over 15 years. I realised that I wanted to make a difference in older people’s lives and to encourage independence as much as possible and ensuring they had a high standard of care. I started as a care worker who had no knowledge of care to progressing to coordinating a team of care workers in areas of Birmingham. I also worked with the local hospitals in a rapid response team to ensure the safe discharge of individuals from hospital to home. Once moving to Bristol, I found my love for training staff with the passion to upskill members of the team. This was to ensure they had the confidence to care for residents at the highest standard while promoting the company’s ethos.
Clare - Health & Social Care Trainer
I am a Registered Nurse with 40 years’ experience with most of my nursing career spent caring for people with heart conditions. Before I joined the Training Team at St Monica Trust, I took great pride in caring for people living in the community with serious heart problems. I joined the training team 3 years ago to have a change in career direction. It has given me the opportunity to pass on my passion for care for our residents with dignity, kindness and compassion. I particularly enjoy training and passing on knowledge relating to medication administration, first aid and supporting our mental health.
Lucy - Learning Management System Lead
My role is primarily to design e-learning content specific to St Monica Trust and to support colleagues to access our online education platform. I have a passion for supporting others to progress through learning and ultimately offer high quality training to enable them to provide the best possible care for our residents. My favourite part of my job is watching learners flourish and achieve their goals through learning pathways that we can offer them.
Clare - Training Manager
With nearly 20 years of training experience, I lead the Training & Apprenticeship Team here at St Monica Trust with a passion for empowering staff and enhancing the quality of care. I am dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous learning where everyone is given the opportunity to reach their full potential. Recognising that exceptional care begins with comprehensive training, my team and I have implemented innovative training programmes that focus on person-centred care, ensuring that all our colleagues are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the diverse needs of those we support.
Stacey - Apprentice and Work Placement Lead
I have worked in apprenticeships and Further Education since 2012. The part of my job I most enjoy is watching somebody who may have previously dismissed an apprenticeship realising the opportunities it could offer them. I have witnessed managers turn their teams around by embarking on an apprenticeship themselves, and team members who openly express barriers they have faced in education historically, gain a new perspective and sense of self-belief. I will never tire of watching people increase their confidence and realise their potential through accessing education.
