Supporting other’s learning is a method of CPD, or Continuing Professional Development. It allows staff to be supported in learning, for example, how to use a new piece of equipment, while still being in a professional environment. Supporting other’s learning could be seen in a variety of places, such as care homes, retirement homes, nurseries or schools. It can be used to help new members of staff learn what they need to do. It may also be used when a new piece of equipment is introduced; a member of staff who knows how to use the equipment could support a staff member who is new to using the equipment, or has little experience using it. This method could be used when new members of staff join a team, for example in a school, other more experienced members of staff may act as mentors or supporters. Another time this may happen could be, as said above, the introduction of a new piece of equipment that a staff member has little understanding in using, or is unconfident in using it. A new or less experienced member of staff would be supported in their learning by a more experienced staff member, as they will be able to help them improve and learn. 

Feedback is an essential element of the learning process. In its many forms, feedback allows students to reflect on their learning; clarifies areas where students can improve; and provides students the opportunity to self-assess their skills and capabilities. It can be provided individually or to groups, not only by academic staff but by self-assessment, fellow students and Personal and Academic Support Tutors. Assessment is the principal instrument with which student progress is recognised and rewarded. 

Assessment methods should be chosen explicitly. The form of assessment will affect how students approach it, and different forms will require the use of different skills and styles. Assessment methods should, therefore, be appropriate to the students, the level and the material to be tested. Well-structured assessment can actively drive learning, and encourage students to work on relevant material at the right point in a course or programme. 

Feedback also allows us to build and maintain communication with others. Effective feedback, both positive and negative, is very helpful. Feedback is valuable information that will be used to make important decisions. 

Well-designed assessment can encourage active learning especially when the assessment delivery is innovative and engaging. Peer and self-assessment, for instance, can foster a number of skills, such as reflection, critical thinking and self-awareness – as well as giving students insight into the assessment process. 

 

Reading- 

Reading is using a document to gain information independently e.g. a book or an article. Reading can be either electronically or physical, electronically can be online articles whilst physically can be in the form of a book. Reading can provide additional information in an independent environment. Examples of reading include the nursing times. This is an online article that gives nurse up to date information on their profession. This may be new medical advancements to make their work life easier or new training programs that are available. The nursing times allow nurses to develop upon their skills through reading information displayed by professionals. The nursing time also gives nurses information on illnesses such as cancer, asthma, diabetes and pain management as well as nutrition. It allows health care professionals to work upon their current knowledge and expand it. 

Benefits of reading-
.You can learn from a qualified specialist in your particular area of work. 
.It allows you to work independently, so you can gain skills from learning on your own.

There are various health and social care training courses are available in the UK and are free for individual. Many courses are funded by the NHS or through government sponsorship schemes, these courses give many future physicians and nurses a free entry into this rewarding industry. This sector is linked with a number of elements such as medicine, ethics, biology and nutrition, meaning careers are available for a wide range of professions.

Training can be classed as an important section within an individuals health and social care career as workers can shadow other health care individuals and be trained by them. Specifically,nurses have to be re validated every three years which result in them needing around thirty five hours of continuing professional development. Additionally another form of workplace training occurs when an individual has been employed within the organisation and is undertaking an induction provided to them before starting their job. 

Another specific health and social care worker (social worker) is also liked with continuing professional development as it is a compulsory part within their career as they need to renew their own registration.

What is supervision? 

Effective supervision in social work and social care, looks at the critical role that good supervision plays in delivering good social care. ... Through regular, structured meetings with a supervisor, care staff can develop their understanding and improve their practice 

There are four different purposes of supervision, which are accountability, professional development, personal supports and mediation. 

What are the benefits of Supervision? 

·         Allows workers to share concerns 

·         Provides opportunities for professional development 

·         Provides a safe setting for the provision of feedback 

·         Provides a useful forum for reviewing actions and monitoring progress. 

 

Mediation 

This involves supervisors to make clear what the policy, procedures and expectations are within the agency and why supervisors need to apply these to their practises. The functions are support, accountability, mediation and development. Agencies may only focus on one function. Supervision of good quality balances the four functions, giving health and social care workers opportunities to explore work, organisational requirements and the learning and support they need. 

Professional Development 

Supervisors and supervisee discuss development needs and how they are going to be addressed. Discussion of skilled supervision should provide extensive opportunities for learning and reflection. 

Personal Support 

Discussion of supervision should involve what support the supervisee needs and to explore their feelings about the work and the undertaking of it. 

Team meetings Are important are are a way to deliver CPD. It is often expected of provisions that staff meetings take place. If a manager were to view their staff meetings as small training classes it could maximise enthusiasm and promote understanding of what is expected within the workplace, of the individual and the staff. As a collective staff are able to share any thoughts on ideas on how to make the workplace more efficient, it is also possible that individuals can set themselves cpd goals to reach by the next term. It is a good idea to plan staff meetings and plan the subjects that will be discussed before hand so to project a clearer idea and understanding on what is to be expected of staff. The meetings are also an open environment where people are able to contribute ideas and what they believe will help develop the work place. It's a possibility for goals to be set for the start of each term, this can insure clear Learning objectives and educate staff on what they need to do. is it important that objectives are not overly complicated as staff may lose interest and commitment to the team meetings.Having team meeting is also a place where as a whole management can educate staff members on new policies or legislations, any updates on the previous laws etc. This could be done over a numerous amount of team meeting sessions so that information is easier to digest. Putting suggested ideas into practice from previous team meetings, staff may come together for another meeting so to have time for reflection on how they approached the goal. They may discuss what went well and what they would do to improve, after this the progress can be re-capped and any suggestions that worked well can be congratulated.