Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 12 October 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 October 2001. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Thursday, 18 October 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what guidance the Government will provide on the training appropriate for registered managers; who will decide what training is appropriate; who will pay for the training; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance the Government will provide on the training appropriate for registered managers; who will decide what training is appropriate; who will pay for the training; and if he will make a statement. [8062] Jacqui Smith: Guidance on the training appropriate for registered managers for Care Homes for Older People has been given in the National Minimum Standards for Care Homes for Older People published in March 2001. Guidance on the training appropriate for registered managers of Care Homes for Younger Adults and for Children's Homes will be given in the relevant set of National Minimum Standards. These standards are presently being finalised and will be published later in the year. It is an employers responsibility to ensure that they and their staff receive the relevant training for the work that they have to undertake. However, help towards the cost of funding for national vocational qualifications is available from the learning and skills councils. The Department also contributes towards the cost of training social care workers via the training support programme grant and this year. The Department has also provided £2 million towards the implementation of the national training strategy for social care workers.

Secondary information