Training and Professional Development Policy
Policy Statement
Regenerate Mentoring recognises that high-quality training and ongoing professional development are essential to maintaining effective, safe and consistent mentoring provision.
We are committed to supporting all staff, mentors and volunteers to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence so they can provide the highest standard of care and support to children, young people and families.
Professional development is viewed as a shared responsibility between the organisation and the individual.
Legal and Policy Framework
This policy is informed by:
Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
Education Inspection Framework (EIF)
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
Equality Act 2010
Aims
To ensure all staff and mentors are equipped to meet their safeguarding and professional responsibilities.
To promote continuous learning, reflection and improvement.
To ensure training is relevant, accessible and aligned with organisational priorities.
To build a culture of professional curiosity and accountability.
Roles and Responsibilities
DSL: Jonny Doidge
Deputy DSL: Amy Doidge
Senior Leadership Team: Oversees the training strategy and ensures compliance.
Staff and Mentors: Responsible for engaging in training, maintaining competence and reflecting on practice.
Induction Training
All new staff, mentors and volunteers must complete an induction programme covering:
Safeguarding and child protection procedures
Health and safety and lone working
Data protection and confidentiality
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Behaviour management and de-escalation
Role expectations and organisational values
Induction training must be completed before any unsupervised work begins.
Mandatory and Refresher Training
All staff and mentors are required to complete and refresh training in the following core areas:
Safeguarding and Child Protection – annually
Prevent Duty and Online Safety – every two years
Health and Safety, including Lone Working – every two years
First Aid (where applicable) – every three years
Data Protection and Confidentiality – every two years
Equality and Diversity – every two years
Additional specialist training may be provided where staff work with specific needs or risk factors (e.g., SEND, trauma-informed practice, mental health first aid).
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Mentors and staff are encouraged to identify personal and professional development goals.
Opportunities for CPD include workshops, e-learning, shadowing, peer observation and reflective supervision.
Staff may attend external training relevant to their role, subject to approval.
Learning from training must be shared within the team to strengthen collective practice.
Supervision and Reflection
Regular supervision and review meetings provide opportunities to reflect on learning and discuss further training needs.
Supervision also ensures that training translates effectively into improved practice.
Record Keeping
All training completed by staff and mentors is logged on the organisation’s central record.
Records are reviewed termly to ensure compliance and identify gaps.
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with current best practices and organisational goals.
Last Reviewed: September 2025
Next Review Date: September 2026