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Asbestos Awareness

Welcome to Asbestos Awareness for staff who may have to come into contact with asbestos materials and be able to identify where they may be.

This module will help you understand what asbestos is, as well as the health implications of exposure, where it is likely to be found in buildings, or during inspections, and what you need to do if you suspect the presence of asbestos.

This module doesn't prepare you to physically deal with asbestos you encounter. To remove asbestos requires further training and specific Personal Protective Equipment. Contact your line manager if you feel further training is appropriate.

Autism Awareness

By the end of this module you should gain a better understanding  of:

• what it can be like to have autism
• the key facts about autism
• the triad of impairment
• how sensory information can provoke unusual reactions
• how to interact with people with autism

Bribery Act

This module provides an overview of The Bribery Act 2010 and explain how it affects employees, councillors and Preston City Council as a whole.

It will also cover how to report acts of bribery if you have suspicions that it may have occurred.

Business Process Reengineering

This course is aimed at staff who are involved in a Business Process Reengineering project. It is useful for everyone involved to undertake this training so that everyone has the same basic knowledge and understanding. You will be guided through the process by a member of the Service Transformation Team who will have a much more in-depth knowledge of how it should work.

Change Management

This is a suite of 8 courses to guide/support you through the Change Management process

Child Sexual Exploitation

This module will ensure that staff have the basic knowledge to be able to identify children and young people at risk of child sexual exploitation, and the behaviours of potential offenders.

Whilst there is an appreciation that most Preston City Council staff have limited contact with children/young people in their work. It is still important that you are aware of the risk factors and what can be done to minimise these risks.

Customer Care and Communication

This module is aimed at all staff who have contact with our customers. It will look at the implications of good and poor customer care, the importance of customer service standards, how to deal with customers face-to-face, on the telephone, by letter and by email as well as the importance of taking responsibility for meeting customers' needs.

Data Protection Act

This course will explain the terms used within the Act and outlines the main principles of it. You will gain an overview of the rules when it comes to processing sensitive information and what rights the public have with regards to the information you hold on them.

The links between Data Protection Act and Freedom of Information are also outlined within the course.

Data Protection Act Refresher

his is the annual refresher course. It will explain the terms used within the Act and outlines the main principles of it. You will gain an overview of the rules when it comes to processing sensitive information and what rights the public have with regards to the information you hold on them.

Deaf Awareness

This course is aimed primarily at those staff who deal directly with the public and therefore may come into contact with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

It will look at the different types of deafness, the sort of myths that surround deafness and identify the ways in which deaf people communicate.

It will also cover the areas of support available to you as staff who may need to communicate with a deaf person.

Dealing with Difficult Customers

This course is aimed primarily at customer facing staff who may come into contact with angry or difficult customers during the course of their day. It equips staff with the basic tools to calm a hostile situation and try to resolve the problem.

Dementia Awareness

At the end of this module, you will have a better understanding of people with dementia and will be able to;

• Know what Dementia is
• Know the common types of Dementia
• Know the common signs and symptoms of Dementia
• Begin to understand some of the feelings and experiences people with Dementia may have
• Gain skills and knowledge to help you communicate better with someone with Dementia
• Know what support is available for someone with Dementia

Dignity and Respect for Manager

Employers are responsible for preventing bullying and harassing behaviour in the workplace and to helping ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Managers have a responsibility to set a positive example and help their teams work well together . This course explores this in more detail.

Dignity at Work

Disability Discrimination

This module will help you to:

• Understand the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
• Recognise how to provide access to goods, facilities and services for disabled people
• Communicate with and assist disabled customers
• Find out what duties are in place for service providers

Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

Welcome to your learning on Display Screen Equipment (DSE) health and safety in the workplace.

This module is designed to give you an overview of good DSE practice at work, and by the end of the module you will be able to:

• Explain what DSE is and why it is important
• Identify the risks of using DSE
• Set up your workstation and influence your working environment to minimise risk
• Be proactive about monitoring risk 

The majority of public sector employees work in an office setting, so we will focus on this environment during the module.

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Refresher

Welcome to your learning on Display Screen Equipment (DSE) health and safety in the workplace. This is the refresher course which should be completed every 3 years.

This module is designed to give you an overview of good DSE practice at work, and by the end of the module you will be able to:

• Explain what DSE is and why it is important
• Identify the risks of using DSE
• Set up your workstation and influence your working environment to minimise risk
• Be proactive about monitoring risk

The majority of public sector employees work in an office setting, so we will focus on this environment during the module.

Drug and Alcohol Awareness

Did you know that an estimated 2 million people in the UK have an addiction to some form of substance? This module aims to raise your awareness of drugs and alcohol looking at recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption, useful tips for cutting back as well as the more common drug types and their side effects and symptoms. We will also provide sources of support for individuals and employers with information on the early warning signs that someone is developing a substance misuse problem and how to deal with it.

Easy Read

The concept of Easy Read came from making documents accessible for people with learning disabilities.

However, we can use this concept more widely to make our public documents clear and understandable for all our customers, including those who may find reading difficult or where English is not their first language.

Effective Writing

This course will explain what is meant by effective writing. It explains its importance in the workplace and how it can benefit both your business and your customers.

You will learn how to organise your ideas so you that you can produce an effective, well-written and persuasive business letter.

It will also equip you with the tools you need when using emails, telephone and letters and when to decide which one might be the most appropriate depending on the situation.

The course also focuses on the importance of Plain English and its principles when putting together any written document.

Email Stress

Email has changed the way that we do business, but lately we've been hearing more about the problems of email stress and overcrowded inboxes. This module explores aspects of email stress and offers practical advice to help you use email more effectively. Once you have completed the course you should be able to manage email more effectively and help reduce stress levels across your organisation

Emotional Intelligence

Welcome to this e-learning module on Emotional Intelligence.

By the end of the module you will:

• Know what is meant by Emotional Intelligence (EI)
• Understand how EI can increase your emotional self-awareness
• Understand how EI can help you work with others
• Appreciate how you can use EI to bring improvements in team relationships and performance
• Have a checklist of what you intend to do differently in your work and daily life to benefit from EI.

Equality & Diversity

Equality and Diversity (E&D) is more important than ever, with new laws giving public services specific duties to promote equality and diversity in their workforces and in their local communities.

This interactive course will help you to understand the importance of E&D in the workplace. It covers legislation, policies and procedures, their impact on employees and services and how it applies to both the organisation and individuals.

The course also covers E&D barriers that may exist in the workplace.

Faiths & Beliefs

This module is intended to be a basic introduction to different religions. Religions can be complex and this guide is not intended to be a definitive guide to different religions, but a useful tool for staff in their day to day work.

First Aid

On completing this module, you will understand:

• the key aims of first aid and health and safety laws
• how to react in an emergency situation
• the principles of resuscitation and how it is carried out
• how and when to put someone in the recovery position.

Fraud Awareness

Fraud is a crime that is increasing in both the public and private sectors. In Local Government, it is becoming more complex as a result of the increased use by Authorities of partnerships, outsourcing and new technology.

This course responds to these changes by providing people who complete the course with an awareness of the key aspects of Fraud and Corruption.

Freedom of Information

This course was produced in association with the LGA and aims to help local authorities in their efforts to comply with the Freedom of Information Act

In this course, we will:

• Introduce the FOI Act and the benefits of implementing it
• Outline the role and responsibilities of officers and councillors under the FOI Act
• Enable councils to prepare for implementation of the FOI Act
• Demonstrate how to manage information and handle requests for information
• Convey the customer perspective and expectations of FOI

Handling Complaints

Handling Complaints will enable you to process complaints effectively and use data about complaints to inform and influence change for the people you represent.

Specifically the course covers:

• Being equipped to handle complaints
• Your role in the complaints process
• The complaints process
• Your role in service improvement

Health & Safety at Work

After completing this module you will be able to:

• Identify potential dangers to yourself and your colleagues
• Set up and use your workstation correctly
• Discuss the concept of personal health and safety
• Outline your organisation's Health and Safety policies

This course will act as a good overview for those who have completed the Health & Safety Induction and require refresher training.

Health and Safety Induction

This course is designed for new starters to the Council and will provide an overview of Health & Safety in the workplace.

It explains some of the main points that you need to be aware of when starting work. It also provides some brief details of a wide ranging set of issues including health and safety legislation, fire safety and risk assessments.

Healthy Lifestyles

Welcome to the Healthy Lifestyles module. 

A healthy lifestyle can have many benefits in terms of your physical and mental well-being. In this module we will look at the benefits of physical activity and a healthy balanced diet as well as examining ways of maintaining a healthy weight.

By implementing some of these changes now you will reap the benefits in years to come.

Preston City Council General Induction

This course is designed for all new starters to give an overview of the organisation. It explains the structure, the services it provides and the potential for development and training for employees.

Influencing, Assertiveness & Negotiation

The purpose of this module is to equip you with the skills and knowledge to prevail in business negotiation, by looking at some popular theories and models on the subject.

Information Governance

This module will provide you with a comprehensive guide to why information is so important, the risks to its safety and what you can do to protect it

Introduction to e-learning

Introduction to First Aid

This module should provide you with the basic knowledge to help someone in an emergency.

Introduction to Local Government

This module is designed to give you an insight into the purpose of local government, how it operates, who it involves and how it came about.

It is especially useful for those who are in their first job or who have moved to us from the private sector and will give a good overview of how the organisation works

Making Reasonable Adjustments

Did you know that failing to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people could mean we are acting unlawfully? This could result in a court case, a fine and negative publicity for the Council.

This short e-learning guide will explain when and why adjustments are sometimes necessary. It will help you to provide the best possible service to customers with disabilities.

Management Reports & Decision Making

This course has been prepared to assist authors of reports and key staff involved in the decision making process with the drafting and submission of reports.

It sits alongside the practical Cityspace Management Reports training, delivered by ICT.

If you have completed reports in the past and just need a quick memory refresh, try looking at Appendix 8 in 'Resources' as a starter.

Managing Conflict in the Workplace

This module will look at the causes and types of conflict that can arise in the workplace. We'll demonstrate best practice approaches to resolving conflicts, and show everyday measures that can help to prevent future disharmony.

Managing Health & Safety

Managing Meetings

This course aims to refresh your chairing skills and ensure your meetings are well structured and productive. Meetings serve valuable functions, from resolving issues to motivating employees, so it is important to know when to hold them and how to structure them.

Menopause - start the conversation

In this module, we're going to explore the topic of menopause. You'll find out what it feels like to go through menopause, both physically and emotionally, and discover the importance of talking about it.

Whatever your degree of knowledge on this subject, and whether or not you're experiencing menopause yourself, you’ll find some practical tips and advice to help your colleagues who are experiencing menopause feel supported in the workplace

Mental Health Awareness

1 in 4 of us will experience mental illness at some point which means it is likely you know someone who is currently experiencing problems. Would you know how to spot the tell-tale signs of someone who is stressed or depressed and would you know where to get help?

This module aims to raise your awareness of mental health issues and will look at some of the more common problems as well as the causes of mental health illness, stigma and discrimination and where to access help and support

Minute Taking

This module looks at how you can write good minutes for your meetings. There are also courses available which focus on Managing Meetings and Effective Writing which may be of use to you.

Neurodiversity Inclusion for Managers

In this course, you will learn about what neurodiversity is, its strengths and challenges, and how you can be supportive of neurodivergent conditions in the workplace

Office Safety

Welcome to your learning on health and safety in the office.

This module is designed to give you an introductory overview of good health and safety practice in the office workplace.

If you have any questions that relate to a specific health and safety issue in your office, talk to your manager.

Optimising Team Performance

This 'ten minute-manager' suite consists of 6 bitesize courses that will provide you with the tools to help you optimise your team's performance.

Performance & Development Reviews (Employees)

The aim of this module is to help you understand and prepare for your PDR so that you get the most out of it.
After completing this module you will be able to:

Describe what a PDR is

Explain why a PDR matters to you, your manager and the Council

Describe the process and your role in it

Know how to prepare for your PDR

Make a full contribution to the PDR meeting and recognise SMART objectives and their benefits

Know what activities to undertake to follow up on your PDR

Performance & Development Reviews (Managers)

This course is for managers who are responsible for carrying out Performance & Development Reviews (PDR) with their staff.

After completing this module you will be able to:

• Identify the role of PDRs within the context of performance management
• State the benefits of holding effective PDRs for the organisation, the staff member and yourself
• Know the steps to take to prepare for a review with a staff member
• Be aware of the range of skills you require to carry out an effective PDR
• Be confident in setting SMART objectives
• Manage the outcomes of the PDR

Personal Resilience

Welcome to the Personal Resilience module. 

In today's workplace employees are expected to cope with increased pressure, budget cuts, performance targets, changing roles and an uncertainty about the future.

Workplace absences are costing the UK economy 27 billion pounds each year and stress is a big contributing factor.

Personal Resilience can play a key role in how we manage stressful and difficult situations and will help individuals to improve their performance in the workplace as well as having an impact on their health and well-being.

This module is designed to help you understand and think about your own resilience and how it can be improved upon.

Personal Safety

Welcome to Personal Safety at Work. This module is about raising your awareness of personal safety and travelling to work.

Plain English

This module has been created from content used in a long-running training course on plain English.
There a number of exercises in the module, based on real examples taken from the Plain English Campaign's website.

This module's main focus is to outline the basics of plain English. By the end, you will have:

• been introduced to plain English
• had a change to practice writing plain English
  

Presentation Skills

Most of us find the thought of giving a presentation rather nerve-wracking. But if this describes you then don't worry!

You can develop good presentation skills, and this module tells you everything you need to know in order to get it right - from recognising the type of presentation you need to deliver through to combating last minute nerves and dealing with unexpected hitches.

Prevent Awareness

Project Management

We believe that a common and consistent approach to the way in which we commission, plan, manage and implement all of our projects will be a key component of successfully delivering the goals laid out in our Corporate Priorities and individual Service Plans.

The purpose of this course is to incorporate recognised industry good practice standards, such as PRINCE2, as well as practical experience and common sense for the successful delivery of a project that is delivered to time, cost and quality.

You will find links throughout the course to relevant documents and templates, a full list of all these appendices can be found alongside this course, before you complete your evaluation.

Recruitment & Selection

This course covers the Recruitment & Selection policy that all managers must adhere to. The policy is there to ensure fairness for all candidates but also to protect the Council against any claims of discrimination or bias when recruiting.

The full Recruitment & Selection handbook can be found on Cityspace, along with all associated templates.

This eLearning, along with the 1 day course, is compulsory for all managers before they are able to sit on an interview panel.

Redundancy Support

This area provides information and advice for those people who are at risk of redundancy.

It may be that you need some assistance in looking for new employment, or that you are considering early retirement and would like some information regarding retirement planning.

It pulls together information you may need regarding developing your career, polishing your CV, completing application forms, interview skills and searching for jobs. It also covers pensions, volunterring opportunities and finances in retirement.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIPA)

RIPA provides a legal framework for the control and regulation of surveillance and covert monitoring, ensuring individuals' right to privacy, under the Human Rights Act, is properly considered. IPA amends RIPA and covers access to telecommunication.

Relaxation

Stress is a fight or flight instinct that kicks our body into action when it feels threatened. This can be useful at times, but it can also make us feel overwhelmed and exhausted by the physical reaction it causes.

In this module you will learn some tricks for treating your stress with a dose of relaxation. We will show you how to reboot your wellbeing with some tips to help you recharge and unwind both physically and mentally

Risk Management

This e-learning lesson will enable you to define risk as either a threat or an opportunity. We'll show you that everyone in an organisation is responsible for risk management (though roles and responsibilities may vary), and help to familiarise you with the Categories of Risk

Safeguarding

Welcome to this e-learning module on safeguarding and child protection for staff who work outside of Social Services.

Learn how to recognise when a child may be suffering from abuse and what you can do to keep children safe.

Self Development

Welcome to the Self-development e-learning module. After completing this module, you'll be able to explain what self-development is. You'll also have the skills to assess, formulate, execute and review your own career development plan.

Skills for Life

We have a commitment to invest in staff skills and qualifications for work. This means you could be supported to attain an NVQ, Certificate, or Apprenticeship at Level 2/3, or become confident in maths and English. Functional maths and English skills are essential to working life and you will have the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification.

Smoking Awareness

Welcome to the Smoking Awareness module. 

Most of us know that smoking is bad for us but do we really understand the effect that cigarettes have on our health?

This module will look at the health effects of smoking as well as the dangers of second hand smoke.

We will look at why people smoke and the benefits of quitting as well as offering support and advice to help you kick the habit.

Social Media - The Basics

After completing this topic, learners will be able to:

• Describe what social media is and how it differs from traditional communications
• Have an awareness of the different types of tools available and what they might be used for
• Understand how to put together a strategy for using this technology to promote your council and community projects

Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar

Welcome to this eLearning module which covers common mistakes in written English - from puzzling punctuation to sneaky spellings. This refresher should help you to ensure your written work (from emails to reports) is of the highest possible standard.