In this letter to care providers, Paul Coles, Service Director (Adults Commissioning) at Somerset Council, and Sarah Green, Director of the Somerset Health & Care Academy, outline current training opportunities and how care providers can shape future support.
Dear colleagues,
You may already have heard about the Somerset Health & Care Academy through provider briefings, events or work at the former Bridgwater Hospital.
In this letter, we wanted to talk to you directly about what the Academy offers now and what is planned for the future.
The Academy is a partnership between Somerset Council, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Somerset. It aims to make health and care training easier to access, relevant to local needs and linked to careers. Find out more on Somerset Council’s website.
What does that mean?
Training is based on workforce forecasts and feedback from social care providers.
We know that the current prospectus does not yet meet every need, so we are launching selected programmes, gathering feedback and improving the offer. Join our engagement group to help shape future training. Express your interest here.
How is training delivered and what makes the Academy different?
The Academy coordinates training delivered by established providers, health organisations and care partners.
Some current courses are delivered by clinical experts from Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and reflect local competencies and social care settings. Spaces are available this month. Find out more and book here.
The Academy also plans to create a framework of approved training providers for specialist and accredited courses.
Providers will be assessed on quality, delivery and their ability to reach learners across Somerset, with input from social care and health partners.
The Academy will coordinate opportunities, while approved partners deliver training and accreditation. We will share updates as the framework develops.
Benefits for social care providers
The shared approach will provide:
- Easier access to quality-assured, locally relevant training.
- Better value through collective purchasing and funding.
- Less administration for providers.
- More consistent standards across the sector.
Ensuring quality
Quality will be supported through robust procurement, co-design with providers, recognised workforce frameworks, learner feedback and a consistent Academy standard.
The future Academy hub
Work is progressing on a Health and Care Training and Innovation Centre at the former Bridgwater Hospital.
- An Independent Living Centre. Watch this video to see what it could look like.
- Flexible training, clinical skills and simulation spaces.
- Careers, digital content, innovation and research facilities.
The centre is due to open in October 2028. Training will also continue across Somerset to meet local demand.
Thank you
Thank you for helping us shape an Academy that meets sector needs and supports a skilled, sustainable workforce.
Sarah Green, Director of the Somerset Health & Care Academy
Paul Coles, Service Director (Adults Commissioning) at Somerset Council
For further information, email SomersetHealthandCareAcademy@somersetft.nhs.uk.
