It’s time to say ‘well done’ to over 600 care staff who have achieved a range of qualifications this year (2009). Around 230 local care staff from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Independent and Voluntary Agencies attended an award ceremony last week (Thursday 5th November) at the Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd to receive qualifications that help them succeed in their roles.

The award ceremony saw Council employees, Independent and Voluntary Agencies in the County Borough, who work to assist adults and children in need of support formally applauded and presented with their awards following completion of work based assessment, assignments and exams.

The successful achievers come from all levels of staff, from direct care workers to qualified social workers and service managers.

Importantly, the staff are now ‘better’ qualified after gaining awards ranging from NVQs to Degrees, in subjects including care and management for adults and children, business administration and information technology and social work.

More than half of the study was undertaken at the Council’s very own Training and Development Centre – a dedicated resource for improving standards in social care.

Ellis Williams, Group Director for Children and Community Services, opened the Ceremony by congratulating the achievements from across the Council and the Social Care Sector in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Mr Williams, commented: “I would like to congratulate all those that have successfully gained qualifications in their chosen areas. It is vital that we support employees to reach their full potential and in-turn ensure that we have the best social care workforce possible.”

Councillor Annette Davies, Cabinet Member for Children and Equality, who has been an avid supporter of the awards ceremony and was on hand to present some of the certificates, said:

“For the third consecutive year, workers from partner agencies were welcomed to the event. Both the Council and its partner agencies expect their workers to meet and exceed national standards and the Council continues to support partners to do this with a grant-funded programme of training and qualification bursaries. It was particularly pleasing to see the numbers of workers from these agencies receiving their awards and is testament to the Council’s “One Sector, One Workforce” ethos. I would like to congratulate all those who received their qualification at the event.”

Councillor Mike Forey, Cabinet Member for Health and Adults Services, added:

“I am very pleased to see so many people from the care sector gaining these qualifications. The level of commitment and dedication that they bring to their roles is fantastic. Well done to all!”

This year’s event was themed around Learning Disability and the keynote speaker, Jim Crowe, Director of Learning Disability Wales, emphasised the importance of high standards of training and practice that are vitally important for keeping people safe.

RCT People First presented a DVD they had made reflecting their role in raising disability awareness of children and members of RCT communities.

Clive Pugh, parent and carer of a Learning Disability service user, was complimentary of the commitment to the studying undertaken by the social care workforce and praised their dedication to their work. His key message to professionals is to listen to and actively consult with parents and carers. Clive’s wife, Mary, was also present to enjoy the celebrations. Mary is the editor of the RCT Learning Disability Communicator – a newsletter that is shared with every service user in RCT.

There was also recognition and appreciation given to a group of service users and carers who have delivered training to Social Care workers throughout the year. This training has been useful for workers in gaining their formal qualifications.