You are the manager of a care setting and you have just taken on a new member of staff who has a relevant qualification and experience.

However, after a few weeks you realise that she has not got the practical skills expected at Level 2. On questioning her further, you realise that she had very little practical experience during her course and the course was mainly knowledge-based. She has settled in well with the team and is keen to learn. There are mixed feelings about her competence from some of her colleagues.

1. What on-the-job and/or off-the-job training and development opportunities would help her gain more practical experience?
2. How could you involve her colleagues and promote positive, supportive relationships within the staff group?
3. How could you encourage the supervisory level staff to be part of the CPD process for lower-qualified staff, and vice versa?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the responses you have to the above scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague or friend and ask them to tell you whether they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your assessor.