Occupational Development and Training Team

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust recognise the importance of valuing and developing staff in order to provide the highest quality services to meet the needs and aspirations of service users, their families/carers, and the wider community. To support staff and volunteers, the Trust has its own dedicated Specialist Service Network (SSN) Occupational Development and Training Team whose role is to support occupational development; develop and deliver learning and development activities; and, to support and promote access to training.

The SSN Occupational Development and Training Team focus on giving staff the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the workplace or for further study. Their approach is to encourage independent learning and continued professional development (CPD) based on the premise that, 'quality services can only be delivered by quality staff', and that this, 'quality comes from a combination of good leadership, experience and high quality training'.

Training is not only provided to GMMH staff but can be provided to any organisation or individual with an interest in the topic. Subject to numbers, the team can travel out and provide training at a venue local to you. Bespoke training packages can be developed on request. The team can also support the facilitation of conferences, show case events, away days and team building events.

The team provides expert tuition combined with the latest course content including nationally recognised qualifications, quality endorsed programmes and 'in-house' CPD training sessions. CPD courses draw upon the expertise of: 'Subject Matter Experts' (SMEs) who have particular expertise in a field of work (many with international reputations); volunteers; families and carers; 'experts by experience' (former service users); and, guidance from a number of academic institutions. 

Usually the team deliver training centrally at our Prestwich site in outstanding learning facilities based at 'The Curve'. Here, learners will have access to our Library Services which hosts a large collection of research, books and journals for all aspects of mental health and substance misuse. The library also includes a large and growing selection of resources (access to computers, Wi-Fi zone and study areas) for learners, service users, carers and families.

About the Learning Programme

The learning programme has been developed in response to a comprehensive training needs analysis that incorporated:

  • the training needs and aspirations that staff (at all levels, across a range of professional disciplines and services/organisations) have reported a need for.

  • recommendations by service users, families and carers

  • recommendations by partner organisations 

  • recommendations by subject matter experts

  • strategic direction at both national, regional and local levels
     

Our courses include:

Training is pre-paid for staff working for Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Substance Misuse Services. Training for other networks/services, partner agencies and seconded staff can be offered at a reduced rate. Bespoke training programmes are costed on an individual basis. For further information on fees please contact the SSN Occupational Development and Training Team.

As a patient

As a service user, relative or carer using our services, sometimes you may need to turn to someone for help, advice, and support. 

Find resources for carers and service users  Contact the Trust