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The cyber attacks in the news remind us of the need for cyber vigilance and the importance of the support offered by the Digital Care Hub. Take a look at their training offers as well as the other training initiatives in this week’s issue.
We do our best to keep the content and structure of our PEN website up-to-date in these fast-changing times and your suggestions on how to improve the website are always welcome.
Upcoming Information Resources Group Meeting for Older Persons’ Care Home Providers (65+)
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Online Meeting: Thursday 16 October 2025, 13:00-14:00pm.
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Focus: Continued discussions around Brokerage Processes and the Guidance.
Please email to express interest in joining this group.
New Apprenticeship Levy: Paving the way for Alternative Education Pathways
In a significant shift from traditional education routes, the new Apprenticeship Levy for 2025-2026 is set to revolutionise the way individuals gain skills and qualifications. Here’s how the updated levy is offering a fresh, flexible approach to learning:
Shorter Durations for Faster Workforce Entry
The new rules reduce the minimum duration for certain apprenticeships from 12 months to just 8 months. This change is designed to accelerate the entry of skilled workers into the job market, addressing industry demands more swiftly.
Streamlined Assessments
The assessment process has been overhauled to provide more flexibility and efficiency. Training providers can now deliver elements of the assessment, with End-Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs) ensuring the validity of the process. This streamlined approach aims to make assessments less burdensome and more integrated into the learning experience.
Integrated English and Maths Learning
Active learning for English and Maths must now be part of the training plan, ensuring apprentices continuously improve these essential skills. This integration emphasises the importance of ongoing skill development throughout the apprenticeship.
Foundation Apprenticeships
A new section dedicated to Foundation Apprenticeships has been introduced, covering aspects that differ from other apprenticeships. This includes final payment details for apprenticeships with a typical duration of less than 12 months, providing clarity and structure for these shorter programs.
Flexibility in Off-the-Job Training (OTJT)
The new rules will publish minimum OTJT hours for each standard, allowing providers to deliver these hours over any timeframe, as long as the minimum duration is met. This flexibility is a game-changer for both full-time and part-time learners.
Find out more
These changes are set to reduce bureaucracy, enhance the quality of apprenticeship programs, and better align training with industry needs. The new apprenticeship levy is not just about gaining qualifications; it’s about making a real difference in people's lives by providing practical skills and real-world experience. To learn more - please click here
Learning and Development Support Scheme Initiative Offers Cash Back for Staff Training
In an exciting development for businesses, the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) is now offering a unique opportunity to get money back for any training accessed from their extensive list of courses and qualifications. This initiative is set to provide significant financial relief while promoting professional growth and development.
How It Works
Businesses that enroll on the LDSS can access a variety of training courses and qualifications. For every course completed, money is credited back to the business's bank account. This innovative approach not only supports staff development but also offers tangible financial benefits.
Endless Possibilities
- With the extra funds, businesses have a myriad of options to consider:
- Increase Wages: Reward your hardworking staff with well-deserved pay raises.
- Invest in Services or Buildings: Enhance your facilities or expand your service offerings.
- Research and Development: Fuel innovation and stay ahead of the competition.
- Increase Capacity: Scale up operations to meet growing demand.
Why This Matters
In today's competitive landscape, investing in staff training is crucial. The LDSS initiative not only makes this investment more affordable but also provides businesses with the flexibility to reinvest the savings in ways that best suit their needs. This dual benefit of upskilling staff and receiving financial returns is a game-changer for many organisations.
A Call to Action
Businesses are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity by signing up for the LDSS program. The potential to enhance staff skills while boosting the company's financial health is an opportunity not to be missed. Find out more by clicking here
Safeguarding Adults and Mental Capacity Act (2005) Training for Provider Services
A reminder to all Provider Services partners of the Safeguarding Adults and Mental Capacity Act (2005) training offer from the Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership. Dates for training are published on the partnership website.
The refresher courses are for those that have completed their Level 2 training 3 years ago or longer. There are still places available on the October presentations of both the Mental Capacity Act (2005) refresher course and the Safeguarding Adults refresher course. Please see the website for full details.
The following courses are available:
- Level 1 Awareness of Safeguarding Adults e-learning
- Level 1 Awareness of Mental Capacity Act e-learning
- Level 2 Provider Services: Responding to Safeguarding Adult Concerns
- Level 2 Provider Services: Responding to Safeguarding Adult Concerns (Refresher training)
*Please note the refresher course is only available 3 years after completing the Level 2 course
- Level 2 Provider Services: Mental Capacity Act (2005)
- Level 2 Provider Services: Mental Capacity Act (2005) (Refresher training)
*Please note the refresher course is only available 3 years after completing the Level 2 course
All training and resources are available from the partnership website here Training and resources - Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership
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Revisit previous good news stories
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