03 December 2009

Christies Care, a specialist live-in care agency, has scooped the top honours in the ‘Training & Development’ category of the Anglian Business Awards 2009, organised by Archant and sponsored by Choose Suffolk, announced last month (19th November) at a glittering event in Suffolk.

Christies Care impressed the judging panel by its strategic and innovative approach to training and developing carers and support staff. This included a four-day ‘Introduction to Learning Disabilities’ course for carers, leading to a nationally recognised accredited qualification, which it developed with the help of the British Institute of Learning Disability (BILD).

The company has invested in modern training facilities and accommodation for care assistants whilst they train at its Saxmundham headquarters in Suffolk and over the past two years has introduced a number of other specialist courses such as Stroke Awareness and Dementia, which it introduced after working with The Alzheimer’s Society.

All support staff have a Continuous Professional Development plan and Christies Care, working with the Learning and Skills Council and Skills for Care national skills agency, has introduced a programme for head office staff to work towards National Vocational Qualifications in customer service, business administration and management.

Nicola Warner, managing director, Christies Care said of the award: “We are absolutely thrilled. Our service is only as good as our carers and support team, so we know that training and development is vital to our success. This award is a result of the hard work undertaken by our training team.”

The success at the Anglian Business Awards was the second time this year Christies Care has been recognised for their training success. In June, trainer Helen Drain was a finalist in the 2009 ‘Ceretas Homecare Trainer of the Year’ award.

The Anglian Business Awards 2009 received over 100 entrants across 15 categories.

For more information about Christies Care, telephone 0844 477 6460 or visit www.christiescare.com or www.twitter.com/ChristiesCare