Running a care home means keeping on top of mandatory staff training. The CQC expects all care home staff to be trained in a core set of subjects, and failing to maintain up-to-date training records is one of the most common reasons for a ‘Requires Improvement’ rating.
Here is the complete list of mandatory and recommended training for care home staff in England, based on CQC guidance, the Care Certificate, and Skills for Care recommendations.
Mandatory Training (CQC Expected)
The following subjects are considered mandatory by the CQC and should be completed by all care home staff:
1. Fire Safety
All staff must understand fire prevention, emergency evacuation procedures, and how to raise the alarm. Fire wardens need additional training. Read our full guide to fire safety compliance in care homes.
Frequency: On induction, then annual refresher
2. First Aid
Care homes must have adequate first aid provision. The HSE recommends EFAW or FAW trained first aiders on every shift. Read our guide to first aid at work requirements.
Frequency: Certificate valid 3 years, annual refresher recommended
3. Moving and Handling (Manual Handling)
Essential for anyone involved in moving or repositioning residents. Covers risk assessment, safe techniques, and use of hoists and slide sheets. See our manual handling training guide.
Frequency: On induction, then annual refresher
4. Safeguarding Adults
All staff must be able to recognise signs of abuse (physical, emotional, financial, sexual, neglect, self-neglect) and know the reporting procedures under the Care Act 2014.
Frequency: On induction, then annual refresher
5. Infection Prevention and Control
Covers hand hygiene, PPE use, cleaning and decontamination, waste management, and outbreak management. Particularly important since COVID-19.
Frequency: On induction, then annual refresher
6. Food Hygiene
Anyone involved in preparing or serving food needs at least Level 2 Food Hygiene training. See our guide: Do I need a food hygiene certificate?
Frequency: Refresher every 3 years
7. Health and Safety Awareness
General health and safety awareness including COSHH, slips and trips, risk assessment, and reporting accidents (RIDDOR).
Frequency: On induction, then annual refresher
8. Medication Administration
Safe handling, administration, recording, storage, and disposal of medications. Covers common error types and controlled drugs.
Frequency: On induction, then annual refresher
9. Mental Capacity Act and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (MCA/DoLS)
Understanding the principles of the MCA 2005, best interests decisions, and when DoLS authorisations are needed.
Frequency: On induction, then as needed
10. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Understanding the Equality Act 2010, protected characteristics, unconscious bias, and providing person-centred care.
Frequency: On induction, then as needed
Recommended Additional Training
Depending on your resident population, you may also need:
- Dementia awareness — essential for homes with residents living with dementia
- End of life care — supporting residents and families through palliative care
- Mental health awareness — recognising depression, anxiety, and other conditions in residents
- Positive behaviour support — managing challenging behaviour without restrictive practices
- Falls prevention — risk assessment and environmental modifications
- Oral health — a growing CQC focus area
The Care Certificate
New care workers should complete the Care Certificate within their first 12 weeks. This covers 15 standards including communication, privacy and dignity, duty of care, and basic life support. It became mandatory for new starters from April 2024.
Training for Care Homes in Cumbria
We deliver all mandatory care home training at your premises across Cumbria, from Carlisle to Kendal, Barrow to Penrith. Our Care Essentials bundle combines the core courses at a reduced rate, and we also offer online courses for flexible learning.
Need a training plan for your care home? Contact us and we will put together a tailored programme.