I am hoping to start working with an agency to support my son who has very complex and serious health problems, the agency say that the members of staff are trained appropriately but are not willing to show what training and when it was completed by. They say I have no right to see this information? Is this correct?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear Wendy,

Thank you for your question.

Most adult social care service providers are proud of the amount and extent of the training that they provide for their staff and would be pleased to show the details to anyone.

It is difficult for me to know why the agency does not want to share the information with you.

Is it because your son has not requested the information himself?

I am afraid I am going to ask a personal question now, who will be paying for the care staff? Is the local authority involved? If they are then they should be able to ask for the information for you.

There is mandatory training which everyone who works in adult social care has to have and which has to be kept up to date. Most of this relates to Health and Safety. It seems to me that you would want to be sure that anyone who was involved in the care of your son was up to date with this essential training. You will also want to be confident that those providing care for your son have the requisite competencies.

I do not think that your request (I presume on behalf of your son) is unreasonable.

With best wishes.

Sheila