Ofsted results set stage for key strategic partnership
Hundreds of health and social care students will benefit from a new fully funded professional development programme that provides a debt-free pathway to a degree and their careers.
Cheshire and Ellesmere Port-based specialist training provider Richmond and London South Bank University have today announced the new programme for apprentices which enables learners to progress to senior management and nursing qualifications.
Around 250 apprentices are expected to benefit from this training over the next three years. With their studies funded by the Government’s Growth and Skills Levy, Richmond expects as many as 1,500 learners could benefit over the longer term.
Richmond commissioned this work to explore new ways of tackling major challenges in staff recruitment and retention in the health and social care sector.
Research indicates that more than a third of new starters in the adult social care sector leave their roles within a year, creating big challenges for employers and service users.
“This is an important step for us in addressing urgent front-line challenges in adult social care,” said Richmond Managing Director, Gill Waddicor.
“The programme delivers huge benefits to learners and their employers. Any apprentice who progresses with us will be paid while learning and gain a fully funded degree. This enables them to start their career without facing a big debt burden.
“With staff vacancies in adult social care estimated at 165,000 – a vacancy rate of 10.6%[1] – we feel this programme is timely for employers too.
“We’re excited by the prospect of delivering a fully funded new route to careers, not just training for jobs.”
With options lasting between three and seven years, the learning pathways will offer apprentices routes to progress from a Level 2 apprenticeship qualification to senior nursing or leadership roles.
Organisations using the programme for apprentices who are younger than 25 would also be exempt from paying employer National Insurance contributions, saving around £3,000 a year per employee.
Sammy Shummo, Group Director of Apprenticeships from London South Bank University (pictured above), said: “This initiative comes at an important time for employers working in health and social care.
“We know the sector face challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled employees. Our programme aims to play a crucial role in addressing these challenges head on.
“By creating a clear and structured pathway for apprentices, we aim to support their professional growth and improve the quality of care provided to the community.”
Employers working with Richmond welcomed news of the pathway.
Local Solutions, Workforce Development Manager, Andrew Moore, said: “Creating clear pathways of progression and promoting careers in social care are fundamental steps to attracting and retaining an engaged workforce.
“We welcome the work that Richmond and London South Bank University have undertaken to address these areas and look forward to our staff working through these apprenticeships.”
Delivering quality for health and social care employers
The agreement comes as inspectors from Ofsted rated Richmond’s services as good following a recent inspection.
In its recent inspection report, Ofsted noted Ellesmere Port-headquartered Richmond‘s effective leadership and management in improving the quality, with a clear focus on meeting the needs of the local and regional economy.
It also commended the team for its caring and supportive culture, high learner attendance and comprehensive careers advice and guidance provided to apprentices and learners.
London South Bank University was also rated as ‘good’ in its most recent Ofsted inspection, with an ‘outstanding’ grade for personal development.
The report highlighted LSBU’s exceptional commitment to student support, personal growth, and career readiness, noting that apprentices benefit from industry-relevant training and development opportunities that enhance their future employability.
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About Richmond
Richmond is an independent learning provider which operates across the North West and East Midlands.
The company specialises in health and social care with a focus on apprenticeship provision between levels 2 (entry level) to 5 (higher apprenticeship), which equivalent to a foundation degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND). The team also provides three-week skills bootcamps for adults looking to work in the health and social care sector.
Richmond’s clients include BUPA, Clece, the NHS and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.