Transfer of training: the missing link in training and the quality of adult social care

Abstract

Recent UK social care reforms characterised by a policy of increasing personalisation and choice in adult social care have been accompanied by major reorganisation and investment in workforce training and development. There is an assumed link between training and the quality of care received. This assumption has a long pedigree in social care, but rarely does it receive the scrutiny necessary for us to understand better the nature of this relationship. This paper focuses on the potential for in-service training to contribute to the transformation in social care as expected by policy-makers. Reviewing recent findings from the evaluation of training in social care shows that problems continue to persist in demonstrating that training results in changes in practitioner behaviour back on the job. Findings within the social care literature mirror those found more widely in suggesting learner characteristics, intervention design, and delivery and the workplace environment combine to influence whether training transfers to use on the job. The argument advanced here is that without a focus on the transfer of training, the contribution of training to quality of care outcomes will remain illusory. A shift is required in policy-makers' mindsets away from training, to a focus on training transfer in directing workforce development strategies. It might then be possible to begin to identify how and in what configurations training may be associated with quality of care outcomes.

Barriers Encountered in the Transfer of Educational Training to Workplace Practice in Saudi Arabia

“…This approach moves beyond questions about the relative impact of workplace design on training transfer, to the development of workplace design interventions that support training transfer. Clarke (2013) indicated the need for a shift in policy-makers' mindsets, away from training, toward training transfer, in directing workforce development strategies.…”

‘Signs of Safety’ Practice at the Health and Children’s Social Care Interface

“…Training has been central to the work thus far; however, training alone is not enough (Clarke 2013). We had to adjust our places of work so that ideas and debates were encouraged.…”

“…It is widely accepted that any meaningful change in a practice culture takes time (Stanley, McGee and Lincoln 2012;Bunn 2013;Clarke 2013). We are less than halfway through our project and while we have achieved some milestones we have some way to go.…”

“…Our next steps will bring a closer alignment between health and children's services working directly with families in a signs of safety way, more than creating 'maps' but guiding our practice through a focus on change with the family. Learning sets for our practice leaders have been set-up to run through 2014 because we know that training alone is not enough (Bunn 2013;Clarke 2013). Our organisations are supportive of these reflective spaces to help embed this approach to practice.…”

The Principal Child and Family Social Worker: A Munro Recommendation in Practice

“…The health check results informed the agenda for a social work practice conference and our new social work practice induction day. Establishing a 'learning from practice' culture (Clarke 2013) has been one of the outcomes. Organisational culture undoubtedly affects practice (Proctor 2004).…”