Great care starts with great training. Our Caregivers don’t just learn the basics—they gain the confidence, skills, and support they need to truly make a difference in someone’s life. It’s more than ticking boxes for us; it’s about ensuring every Caregiver feels prepared and empowered to provide the kind of care our clients deserve.
We’re proud to have been honoured with the Princess Royal Training Award in 2024, recognising the real impact our training has on both our Caregivers and the people they support. This award highlights how our approach leads to measurable improvements in care quality, staff confidence, and client satisfaction.
Being a Skills for Care Centre of Excellence further reflects our commitment to going above and beyond in training, offering our Caregivers some of the best learning opportunities in the sector.
We start by building strong foundational skills. From personal care to safeguarding, we cover everything Caregivers need to handle the day-to-day realities of their role. But it doesn’t stop there.
Whether it’s dementia care or complex medical needs, our specialised training ensures Caregivers are ready to adapt to the unique requirements of each client. It’s all about delivering personalised care that truly makes a difference.
And the learning never stops. As Caregivers gain more experience, they continue to grow and refine their skills, always staying ahead of the evolving needs of those they support. This approach helps our Caregivers become trusted, reliable professionals who are confident in every aspect of their work.
Essential Training for Building Caregiver Skills
Every Caregiver’s journey with us starts with an informative structured induction. Caregivers attend a four or five-day theoretical and practical training induction at our head office where we discuss personal care, safeguarding, manual handling, and infection control—making sure every Caregiver, whether new or experienced, has a strong foundation to build on.
This is where everything comes together. Over these days, they gain hands-on experience in tasks like housekeeping and medication administration, along with more specialised care, such as supporting clients with Parkinson’s or dementia.
By the time they meet their first clients, they’ve already practiced these skills and built their confidence.
Following the induction, if they have not already achieved it, Caregivers begin working towards their Care Certificate. The Care Certificate is a nationally recognised qualification across health and social care, ensuring Caregivers meet the standards required to deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality care.
It covers essential areas such as communication, dignity, and health and safety. Caregivers complete this within their first few months, ensuring that they continue developing their skills while gaining practical experience.
We know that our Caregivers come from all kinds of backgrounds, so this training helps bring everyone up to the same high standard. For our live-in Caregivers, who need at least a year of experience before joining, this training prepares them for the unique demands of full-time, in-home care.
Whatever their background, we make sure every Caregiver feels ready and supported to give the best care possible.
Advanced Carer Training for Complex Care Situations
For those who want to take their skills further, we offer advanced training modules. These cover areas like dementia, Parkinson’s, and end-of-life care—helping
Caregivers handle the emotional and physical challenges these conditions can bring. This specialised training is designed to give them the skills and reassurance they need to provide the exceptional care
in even the most complex situations.
What’s more, we help our caregivers shape their own path in care. Whether they want to specialise in certain areas or move into leadership roles, we’re here to support them in that journey.
We understand that not everyone wants the same thing out of their career, so we give Caregivers the flexibility to shape their roles around their personal goals and commitments. For some, that might mean taking on more responsibility. For others, it’s about sticking with the role that fits best with their life. Either way, we’re here to help them excel.
Supporting Growth with Ongoing Learning and Development
We believe that the best care comes from those who are always growing, which is why we make ongoing training a priority. Every year, our Caregivers refresh their skills with courses that help them stay up to date with the latest best practices, so they’re always ready to provide outstanding care.
But it’s not just about technical skills. We also put a lot of importance on soft skills like communication, empathy, and adaptability, which are just as essential as practical knowledge.
By encouraging emotional intelligence alongside these skills, we help our Caregivers build stronger, more compassionate relationships with their clients.
Whether it’s taking on new certifications or simply refreshing their existing knowledge, our Caregivers are supported every step of the way. This focus on continuous learning ensures they can keep delivering care that’s both personalised and of the highest standard.
Building Confidence with Guidance and Support
When a new Caregiver starts with us, we make sure they never feel like they’re figuring things out on their own. We pair them with experienced colleagues for shadowing sessions, helping them settle in and get comfortable with their new role. It’s all about learning by doing, with the support of someone who’s been there before.
We’re also committed to continuous improvement. We regularly gather feedback from our Caregivers, giving them a voice in how we refine our training and support systems. By listening to what they need, we ensure they feel heard, valued, and confident in their roles. We aim to create an environment where everyone has the support and resources they need to succeed in their roles.
Recognition and Rewards: Investing in Caregivers
We know that showing appreciation is key to keeping our Caregivers motivated and happy, so we make sure to celebrate them regularly. Every month, we hand out recognition and dignity awards to those who go above and beyond—whether it’s delivering exceptional care, brightening a client’s day, or simply being there when it matters most.
It’s our way of saying, “we see you” and “thank you.”
But recognition isn’t just about today—it’s about enabling long-term career satisfaction. We work hard to maintain a culture where Caregivers feel valued every day. Whether it’s a shout-out, a thank-you note, or a small gesture of appreciation, it’s these little things that remind our Caregivers they’re making a real difference.
We also invest in their development, offering opportunities to move into leadership positions or pursue higher qualifications. For many, caregiving becomes more than a job—it turns into a long-term, fulfilling career with plenty of room for growth.
Discover What a Career in Social Care Could Offer You
Curious about what a role in care could bring to your life? Whether you’re looking for a fulfilling career that makes a real difference, or you’re eager to grow your skills in a supportive environment, get in touch via recruitment@uniquecare.co.uk or 01789 453838 and we’ll help you explore the possibilities.
You can also explore our opportunities directly to find your perfect role. With our comprehensive training and genuine opportunities for personal and professional growth, a career in care might be exactly what you’ve been searching for.
Jo joined Unique Senior Care as a Carer in 2011, transitioning from a nursing background. With 25 years of experience in health and social care, including mental health and children with disabilities, Jo has embraced numerous growth opportunities within the company.
Passionate about learning and development, Jo earned a Level 5 Diploma in this field and is committed to equipping teams with the skills needed for outstanding care.
Jo’s qualifications include advanced training in people handling, risk assessment, safeguarding, basic life support, first aid, health and safety, and dementia care. Jo has also completed numerous workshops and CPD courses, such as the SCIE’s Co-Production webinar.
These accomplishments reflect Jo’s dedication to fostering a culture of safety and excellence in care.
