'THE DEEPER I GET INTO A SUBJECT THE MORE INTERESTING IT BECOMES. IT IS LIKE MINING FOR DIAMONDS.'

ANDY BRIGHT

SPECIALIST TRAINING

Particular services demand particular training and qualifications which we are keen to support our staff to achieve. For example, for people who deliver courses as part of Work, Learning and Leisure's education programme, a Further Adult Education Teaching Certificate might be necessary. For anyone working for Grounds & Gardens, a qualification in horticulture could be appropriate, or someone involved in Intensive Support Services may require training in Positive Management Behaviour. We also have a comprehensive Management Development program with topics including Recruitment & Selection, Supervision and Appraisal, Capability and Coaching Skills. We also fund Further and Higher Education courses linked with both local colleges and the University of West of England.

There are constant career and development opportunities at Brandon Trust. We believe that it is absolutely necessary to be a cutting edge organisation within the Care Sector and to ensure such an approach is reflected in the way we treat our workforce. We fund staff places at national conferences and are often involved in such conferences as key-note speakers and presenters. Brandon Trust has an annual Bursary which staff can apply to use to fund specialist training not available from other sources.



'WE DON'T JUST LEAVE PEOPLE TO MUDDLE THROUGH, WE BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT FOR STAFF TO HAVE REAL OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP THEIR CAREERS.'

TASH SIDFORD

SUPPORT AND CAREER PROGRESSION

Personal and professional development is key to enjoying your job and getting the most from the work you do. As an employee of Brandon Trust you will be supported and encouraged to develop yourself as a professional within the Care Sector. This means that in addition to a warm welcome you will:

Have a six month new review where we will take time out with you to listen to your views, review your job, check any possible problem areas and try to make any necessary adjustments that can help overcome such issues.

In addition we will support you to work through a Learning and Development Planner to help you identify any learning requirements in relation to the in-house training available, statutory/professional qualifications, mentoring and experimental opportunities.

BRANDON TRUST INVESTS IN ME

ASH: MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT

Brandon Trust has been through many changes since I started in March 1999. I feel as if it has been a personal journey for me. Although I have been involved in accountancy for a number of years, I actually started my career working with people with learning disabilities as a Care Assistant in one of the hospitals. I then had a career change, moving to the finance sector and then, in a kind of roundabout way, I found myself with Brandon Trust, initially as a Finance Assistant. Even back then, I quickly realised that things were beginning to change. Brandon Trust marked the start of a new way of approaching support for people with learning disabilities.

In my view, we have a culture in this organisation of not just seeing people as 'doing a job'. I feel I am valued, my opinions are listened to. I have been supported in developing my skills and knowledge. In the next few years I will, at some point, complete my training as a Qualified Accountant. I have received real positive help in making this possible. I too get involved in passing on my expertise - I am regularly involved in Corporate Induction as well as Finance Induction for all new managers. And yes, my wife, Alice and my brother, Yogi also work for Brandon Trust. I told them Brandon was a good employer!