Residential staff: How they view their training and professional support

Abstract

The needs and views of 86 community residential staff, supporting people with a learning disability, were investigated. Questionnaire items were developed from the agency's induction program and NVQs for residential, domiciliary and health care services. They were divided into four categories: direct support skills, background knowledge, values and philosophy of service provision, organisational/operational knowledge. Items were rated along three dimensions: importance, preparation and usefulness. Staff also reported on opportunities for professional development, appraisal processes and support structures, their expected tenure, the operation of the agency and the needs of clients. The findi..