Gemma Collins, the Registered Manager, holds NVQ level 2 Special Care Needs, NVQ level 3 Promoting Independence as well as NVQ level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People, City and Guilds Advanced Certificate in Learning Support, NVQ level 4 Registered Manager and the NVQ A1 assessors award. She has recently achieved her NVQ level 5 strategic and operational management. Although Gemma has over 10 years experience in working with children and adults who have been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorders she plans to formalise her experience and knowledge with the successful completion of her Master of Education (MEd) in Autism (Adults), which she will begin in September 2010.

All staff employed by the Witham Valley Care Group are specifically selected for their caring and supportive attitude towards the service users needs. All employees undertake a six week induction to familiarize them with the procedures and ethos of the home which includes guidance on child protection as well as adult protection.

Staff attend one training day every three weeks as part of their rota. During the training days staff will undertake training in the following; Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, Adult Protection, Communication skills inc. Makaton and PECS, Basic First Aid, Dealing with Challenging behaviour, Physical Intervention, Safe Handling of Medicines, Safe administration of medicines and Autism awareness. In addition to this the staff will complete their Common Induction Standards and their NVQ level 2. Senior staff will then progress to their NVQ level 3 health and social care. At present 40% of our staff team have already achieved their NVQ level 3 Caring for Children and Young People and 40% have already achieved NVQ 2 or above in Adult Health and Social Care and the remaining 20% are working towards achieving their relevant qualifications. All staff employed by Village Farm who are working with young persons aged 16-17 are over the age of 21.

Staff receive regular supervision sessions and support from the home manager who will set objectives for the staff to ensure they are progressing within their roles and reaching their full potential.