Continuing professional development is an important aspect of many careers in social care. Given that new ideas and theories are continually being developed, it’s important that staff keep up-to-date with all the latest techniques. The most fortunate staff will have their own training and development officer, who can arrange courses suitable to their needs
The officer’s brief is to plan and implement a suitable training plan for a given workforce. If this is carried out correctly, staff should remain skilled and motivated, while benefiting their organisation by fulfilling its needs. Other duties include conducting appraisals, designing individual learning plans and meeting with senior management to discuss training plans
A graduate degree is helpful, but not necessary for entry into the progression. However, degrees in business or psychology can lead to some exemptions from professional exams that are part of CIPD accreditation.
New graduates tend to work their way up to this role, after gaining experience in a more general position. Those with over 10 years’ experience in the role tend to earn between £32,000 and £60,000, with the best-paid jobs offered to those with CIPD accreditation.

• Having good negotiation skills.
• Having a sensible and tactful approach to people.
• Being creative and flexible.
• Being able to deal with people from different backgrounds.
• Having good administrative skills.
• Having good written and spoken communication abilities.
• Being able to work on different projects at the same time.
• Being patient.
• Having teamwork skills.
• Having good interpersonal abilities.

Development sector require a degree in a related subject. Courses offered for this area require five GCSE’s (A
*-C) and two A levels as a minimum. It is recommended to check requirements for these courses with every institution.

Other option of academic qualifications for this sector is to have a Higher National Certificate or a Higher National Diploma in a related subject.