How can training support strong mental health awareness?

It has long been proven that there is a strong link between indebtedness and mental health issues.

For many, including those who had no previous mental health challenges, the pandemic has put so much strain on them, that they are now struggling to cope, both financially and emotionally.

So, what can the enforcement industry and local authority revenues and benefits teams do to support the mental health crisis that we currently find ourselves in?

For us, we believe that training sits right at the heart of the solution. Regardless of how many policies and procedures may be in place, the people in the front line, dealing day in and day out with debtors who are struggling, need to know in detail and in practice how to identify and then support those in need.

Mental health and vulnerability training

We offer a number of ways to develop team skills, through workshops and qualifications. These have all been developed specifically for enforcement and local authority organisations.

The course designer is David Grimes, who is a member of MIND and a highly qualified researcher, trainer and developer. He is on the Open University student curriculum design panel and has worked in the enforcement industry for over 28 years.

David is a qualified mental health first aider and, this year, was awarded a level 5 qualification for the Dip HE (Psychology) in “Exploring mental health and counselling” by the Open University, which is accredited by the British Psychological Society.

In addition to our level 2 and 3 “Taking control of goods” qualifications, we also provide mental health training, which has been updated to include the Government’s “Public sector vulnerability toolkit”, via our:

“Vulnerability and mental health” workshop
Level 2 award in “Understanding mental health”
Level 3 certificate in “Vulnerability and mental health”
Level 2 award in “The use of body worn video devices”
“Modern slavery and human trafficking” workshop

Our level 2 and 3 qualifications are endorsed by CILEx (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) and our workshops are quality marked by Agored Cymru.

Excel is part of High Court Enforcement Group, which is one of just three approved CIVEA training partners for the delivery of the Level 2 “Taking control of goods” award. Excel is also a National Member of the Money Advice Liaison Group (MALG).

What does training look like post-pandemic?

The training and development landscape has changed. Over the last 18 months, the importance of technology and remote training has come to the fore. Whilst they do not offer the same experience as face-to-face training, digital platforms do reduce carbon footprint, save time on travel, accommodation and other expenses, and provide flexibility for learners.

We also have an extensive range of on-line learning via the HCEG digital learning platform.

Training is an investment; it not only promotes a more professional workforce, it also adds to your bottom line, instils employer and client confidence, job satisfaction, reduces complaints and opens doors to potential new opportunities.

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