It is important for you to keep up-to-date with the latest assisting and moving techniques, equipment and legislation.

As changes are introduced, you have a duty of care to ensure that you update your knowledge and skills. 

Changes can be:

Legislation

Equipment

Ability

Circumstance

There are many ways you can keep up to date. 

You might already be using this course as a refresher or to support your continuous professional development alongside a training course. You can also use the internet but make sure you are getting accurate and up to date information from a reliable source.

Being competent in assisting and moving includes keeping up to date with changes. This is about reducing the risk of injury and harm to yourself, the individual you are supporting and others involved.

You might think things rarely change so why bother.

But…things do change!

In the past, people have taken organisations to court to challenge the way they want to be moved. These cases have led and continue to lead to necessary changes in approach and practice for everyone. 

Similarly, safety information for using equipment is usually updated when a person has a serious accident or death.

Thinking about this reminded me of a TV advert by the Highways Agency about car safety.

You may have seen it already but I’ve posted it below. It’s only 30 seconds long. Have a quick watch then I’ll ask you a thought provoking question.

The message behind the advert is a powerful one! So, let’s apply it to yo