Pioneering Independence (PI) is a specialist community based service which has a successful history of supporting people with learning disabilities and complex needs in a community setting. Managers at PI approached POA Learning at HMP Dartmoor for advice concerning staff training and development.  

The organisation is based in the Plymouth area, and also monitors and assists those community members with mental health issues as well as prior criminal histories.

The training needs and required skills set of staff who work for PI are quite specific in order that they can work constructively with their clients in the community and this is where the knowledge of POA Learning's Learner Support Kevin Watts came to the fore. Kevin has extensive experience of delivering offending behaviour programmes for The Ministry of Justice in his previous career and put that experience to best effect in designing a bespoke training package for PI in Plymouth.

The training package was put together in consultation with Pioneering Independence to help their staff in their day to day work in providing care services for people with learning disabilities. 

The training, titled 'Understanding Client Behaviour', has proved popular with staff, one of those attending, Elizabeth, stated...’ that the training helped her to feel more confident in the way she helped to support clients’.

Kevin said:

The staff of Pioneering Independence undertake an invaluable job in supporting people with specific needs to live a fulfilling life in the community.  Their enthusiasm for the training is very rewarding and I look forward to future training events that are scheduled to take place over the coming months."

Andy Harding who manages the POA Learning Centre at HMP Dartmoor went on to say:

The POA Learning project feels duly proud to be supporting community based organisations such as Pioneering Independence in the area of staff training and development.

Kevin Watts is a very experienced staff trainer and his skills and knowledge are being appropriately used for the benefits of the local community and ultimately in assisting those who are most vulnerable in our society. 

What I personally like about this aspect of our work in the community is how POA Learning are utilising the knowledge and experience of our staff for the benefits of not only community organisations but also and ultimately those most vulnerable within our society."