The Purpose for the support groups
*Topic TBC*
We realise that fostering can be really difficult at times. Perhaps the only people who really understand it are other foster carers and so therefore we want to give you a place to meet up.
There will be biscuits and/or cake, coffee, tea, and an opportunity for an informal chat at all of the meetings.
Although these will be informal meetings, each session will have a brief agenda, attendance list, and agreed group rules. This is to help those who don’t know anyone and feel awkward about coming along to a new meeting, to feel that they won’t be left alone on the side-lines.
These sessions should be recorded on your Personal Development Plan (PDP).
Session | Session Date | Session Time | Session Venue | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 14 October 2025 | 10:00 - 12:00 | To Be Advised | Map |
Are you wondering whether moving into management is the right career move for you?
This programme aims to give you an insight into what’s involved in management and the steps you can take to prepare yourself to apply for future management roles. It includes e-modules, self-study time and a face-to-face session where you will have an opportunity to learn about management skills through practical activities, discussion and self-reflection.
The topics we will cover include
• What’s expected of managers?
• What skills and experience do managers need?
• Decision making and problem solving.
• Mentoring and coaching.
• Listening, communication and presentation skills.
• Diversity of the council and role profiles.
• Personal development, action planning and career development as an aspiring manager.
The programme will help you to build the foundation knowledge to support your next career steps.
Session | Session Date | Session Time | Session Venue | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 15 October 2025 | 09:30 - 16:30 | Kingswood Civic Centre | Map |
The course programme follows a set syllabus and includes topics such as:
- Apply an ergonomics systems approach to safer handling
- To understand the need for evidence based practice
- Be able to select and evaluate a range of current handling manoeuvres
- Be able to select and evaluate a range of mechanical and small handling aids that are presently available
- Will recognise unacceptable/controversial handling techniques
- To feel competent and confident to assist others to problem solve manual handling scenarios.
- assessment of single handed care using equipment.
Mandatory training course for OTs to comply with Health & Safety at Work Act legislation and meet RCOT code of ethics
Session | Session Date | Session Time | Session Venue | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 15 October 2025 | 09:30 - 16:30 | Acorn Health & Safety Ltd | Map |
As a new employee of the council, it’s important that you get an understanding of how the council works, how your role contributes to the overall council plan, how decisions are made, what is expected of you and what you can expect from us.
This face-to-face induction offers a welcoming and interactive experience and includes a welcome from the Chief Executive or one of his Executive Directors, an overview of the council and it’s services with a guided tour (accessible version available), and the opportunity to meet other new starters.
Social Care staff must also book the afternoon Social Care Learning & Development Welcome session (Click here to book)where you will find out more about the learning and development and career progression offer available to you.
Please note - if you are an existing member of staff, have not previously attended a council induction, and think it would be of benefit to you, you can request a place on this induction.
Session | Session Date | Session Time | Session Venue | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 24 October 2025 | 09:30 - 12:30 | Kingswood Civic Centre | Map |
This 45-minute bitesize session has been designed to support practitioners in learning more about Private Fostering and their obligations.
This session is recommended for all practitioners working with children and young people across all agencies to understand their responsibilities and who to contact in South Gloucestershire to seek help and guidance.
Session | Session Date | Session Time | Session Venue | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 04 November 2025 | 12:00 - 12:45 | Microsoft TEAMS | Map |
The Purpose for these Support Groups:
6pm-6.30pm Share The Care discussion group with Jakie Dyer *ONLY FOR SHARE THE CARE CARERS*
6.30pm-8pm *OPEN TO ALL Carers* - Topic TBC
We realise that fostering can be really difficult at times. Perhaps the only people who really understand it are other foster carers and so therefore we want to give you a place to meet up.
Although these will be informal meetings, each session will have a brief agenda, attendance list, and agreed group rules. This is to help those who don’t know anyone and feel awkward about coming along to a new meeting, to feel that they won’t be left alone on the side-lines.
These sessions should be recorded on your Personal Development Plan (PDP).
Session | Session Date | Session Time | Session Venue | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 03 December 2025 | 18:00 - 20:00 | Microsoft TEAMS | Map |
The course programme follows a set syllabus and includes topics such as:
- Apply an ergonomics systems approach to safer handling
- To understand the need for evidence based practice
- Be able to select and evaluate a range of current handling manoeuvres
- Be able to select and evaluate a range of mechanical and small handling aids that are presently available
- Will recognise unacceptable/controversial handling techniques
- To feel competent and confident to assist others to problem solve manual handling scenarios.
- assessment of single handed care using equipment.
Mandatory training course for OTs to comply with Health & Safety at Work Act legislation and meet RCOT code of ethics
Session | Session Date | Session Time | Session Venue | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 11 February 2026 | 09:30 - 16:30 | Acorn Health & Safety Ltd | Map |
This is an online course for line managers that provides a practical guide to reasonable adjustments. Line managers are often the first person that an employee will discuss their requirements with and the content of this course will help you to feel confident in offering practical and sensitive support to employees.
To access the course click here.
Session | Session Date | Session Time | Session Venue | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | TBA | 09:00 - 09:30 | Online Learning | Map |
Bitesize is the appropriate word here for such a large subject! The pre-recorded session is approximately 30 minutes long and covers managers’ duties, what a risk assessment is, breaks down how to do a risk assessment and provides links to support you when producing one. This will be delivered in the form of Powerpoint presentation with audio, video clips and links to relevant resources.
Risk Assessment Recorded Powerpoint
Session | Session Date | Session Time | Session Venue | Map |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | TBA | 09:00 - 09:30 | Online Learning | Map |