The Trust has a SOP for Health care support worker local induction which aims to support Health Care Support Workers (HCSWs) to start a successful career with STSFT. The key elements from the SOP are as follows:

All newly appointed HCSWs should be supernumerary for a period of four weeks from the date of commencement in their clinical area and should be allocated an experienced HCSW to work with as a buddy.

The ward or line manager of the new HCSW and an RN mentor will support the HCSW with achievement of the care certificate standards and ensure early career conversations take place to identify objectives and aspirations and to highlight career opportunities. This conversation should be held within the first 4 weeks and will be recorded in ESR as an appraisal review and then reviewed annually through the appraisal process.

The key objective is to integrate new HCSWs into the Trust as effectively as possible increasing retention rates. If new HCSWs feel welcome and well prepared for the role by being supported, they will be able to successfully contribute to the team and feel valued as a team member.

Click here to read SOP.

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