Training and Development
At the London Borough of Hackney, we have a wide range of training opportunities. These include our in-house accredited Year 1 and Year 2 Systemic Training, Practice Educator Training, Safe and Together and Contextual Safeguarding. Furthermore, our Advanced Study Programme supports staff to undertake an advanced study that will benefit our services to children and families.
We are the lead local authority North London Social Work Teaching Partnership which provides additional training opportunities for staff. Here at Hackney, we focus on ‘growing our own staff, with many social workers and youth workers starting their journey in Hackney as students, apprentices or during the Assisted and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE), and experienced practitioners with leadership potential being supported to develop and progress here.
Wellbeing
The mental health and wellbeing of our staff is our top priority.
Mental Health Champions Network: This is a staff network made up of trained mental health champions from across the organisation interested in mental health, who have kindly offered to help support their colleagues with their mental health.
Mental health champions can:
- Provide basic tips and advice on maintaining good mental health
- Suggest self-help resources (e.g. apps, online information) that might be helpful for you and your situation
- Signpost you to mental health services and suggest which ones may be appropriate for your needs
Bereavement Support and Guidance: Our Public Health and Human Resources team have worked together to provide guidance and support for staff on Bereavement, including information for staff who have experienced bereavement, how to support others who have experienced bereavement and advice for managers supporting staff with bereavements.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): All employees, including agency staff, and their immediate families, can use the free, independent and confidential counselling and advisory services. Workplace Options (WPO) offer practical information, factsheets on a wide range of subjects, plus referrals to services in your local area and counselling, online seminars and more.
Occupational Health Service: Health Management Limited (our Occupational Health provider)
Wellbeing Wednesday: Every Wednesday, we host talks, workshops, exercise sessions, mindfulness or resilience activities.