H
helping hands
empathy in action
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R
resillience through challenges
outstanding care
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E
encouragement to thrive
strength in service
S
Heroes
Redefining the Narrative:
From Carers to HEROES™
The phrase “I’m just a carer” is heard all too often. This narrative must change.
Children often aspire to be firefighters, doctors, nurses, chefs, or superheroes. These roles are celebrated, embedded in our cultural storytelling, and widely recognised as aspirational. Yet, the role of the carer is rarely portrayed with the same level of visibility or prestige.
This lack of representation matters.
The roles we elevate shape societal expectations and influence the ambitions of future generations. If we are to attract and retain passionate, skilled individuals within the Health and Social Care sector, we must redefine how care professionals are perceived.
The prevailing cultural narrative surrounding carers in the UK is misaligned with the reality of their work. Carers are highly skilled, compassionate professionals who play a critical role in supporting individuals, families, and entire communities. Their contribution is not only essential—it is transformative.
The career opportunities within Health and Social Care are vast, varied, and deeply rewarding. From frontline support to leadership roles, carers are at the forefront of delivering person-centred care.
and driving innovation in service delivery. It is time to reshape the conversation. As a society, we must recognise carers as Registered
Care Professionals and HEROES™—valued, respected, and proud of the vital work they do.
Let’s build a future where every carer is seen, celebrated, and empowered.
Structured for Growth. Shaped Around You.
A flexible, high-impact programme that meets your service’s needs and raises standards across the board
As a comprehensive and intensive programme, HEROES™ sets high expectations. To maintain momentum and celebrate progress, learners will receive individual module certificates and evidence of classroom competencies throughout. These milestones mark each achievement on the journey. Upon successful completion of all mandatory universal modules, learners will be awarded the HEROES™ Certificate—a hallmark of excellence in care.
Ashfield Services understands the need to demonstrate measurable impact. The HEROES™ programme is designed to help your organisation evidence the Care Quality Commission’s Five Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs):
is it safe?
is it effective?
is it caring?
is it responsive?
is it well-led?
To support this, the course includes a robust mandatory universal component, along with a range of optional modules that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your service. This ensures that HEROES™ aligns precisely with your organisational priorities.
If there’s a specific area of development not currently covered, we welcome conversations to explore bespoke module development.
Equipping Learners for Real-World Success
Blending knowledge, practice, and reflection for confident care
Preparation is key to success. Prior to the start of the course, learners will be provided with a suite of pre-course materials, including recommended reading, videos, and resources, allowing them to arrive ready to engage, reflect, and grow.
The universal component of the programme is ideally delivered over five consecutive days:
Day 1, day 2, and Day 3 will consist of virtual learning, incorporating interactive sessions and knowledge assessments
Day 4 and Day 5 will involve in-person competency workshops, including formal assessments
Each module includes a structured reflective element, with an expected time commitment of 30 to 60 minutes per module.
Following this initial training, learners (preceptees) will work closely with their assigned preceptors, actively applying their knowledge in practice and successfully completing workplace competencies. A minimum of 2 hours of independent study per module is recommended, whether undertaken individually or in study groups.
To support continuous reflection and professional development, learners will also be encouraged to keep a daily reflective journal, requiring just 5–10 minutes at the end of each day.
The programme concludes with a second five-day block of delivery:
- Day 6 and Day 7 will be virtual training days
- While Day 8, Day 9, and Day 10 will consist of final competency workshops, culminating in a formal graduation ceremony
Training That Sets the Gold Standard
Evidence-based. Quality Assured. Future-focused.
As the landscape of Health and Social Care continues to evolve, the spotlight on delegated healthcare responsibilities has grown. For years, there has been a growing call to transform the way we work collaboratively, sustainably, and with a shared commitment to better outcomes for all. The traditional ways of working are no longer fit for purpose. At Ashfield Services, we believe in working smarter, not harder — a principle that underpins everything we do.
Rooted in evidence-based practice, uncompromising quality assurance, and a commitment to ‘do no harm’, Ashfield Services delivers gold-standard training designed to raise expectations across the sector.
Our HEROES™ programme equips care professionals with the required and desired knowledge, legal frameworks, practical skills, and confidence to navigate new responsibilities while reshaping outdated models of care.
The independent care sector has long been undervalued, despite the extraordinary work taking place every day. Fortunately, change is underway. Recognition is growing for those making meaningful impact — and now, with HEROES™, you have the opportunity to grow your own team of highly skilled care professionals, supported by expert mentors and specialist educators.
At Ashfield Services, we believe that investing in people is the most powerful way to secure the future of any organisation. That’s why we provide training that is not only relevant and rigorous, but also delivered by experienced professionals who understand the complexities of the sector. With robust quality assurance at every step, we ensure that our clients—and ultimately those they care for—remain at the heart of everything we do.
Empower your team. Elevate your service. Grow your own HEROES™.
The Six Pillars of the
HEROES™ Programme
Evidence-based. Quality Assured. Future-focused.
The HEROES™ mnemonic reflects the core values that define exceptional care professionals. Each letter represents a key quality: compassion, strength, and professionalism, at the heart of high-quality care.
These six principles honour the vital role carers play and empower them to grow with purpose and pride.
Helping hands
The practical and compassionate support that carers provide to those in need symbolises their readiness to assist with tasks, big or small, that improve the quality of life for the individuals they care for. Whether it’s physical aid, emotional reassurance, or just being present to lend a hand, it captures the essence of their role as caregivers.
Empathy in action
The way carers translate their deep understanding of others’ feelings and needs into meaningful, compassionate support. It’s not just about recognising someone’s emotional state; it’s about actively responding to it. For carers, this might mean offering comfort, adjusting their approach to suit individual preferences, or simply being there to listen and connect on a human level.
Resilience through challenges
The ability of carers to maintain their strength, adaptability, and dedication, even when faced with difficult situations. This could involve navigating emotional stress, physical demands, or unexpected obstacles while continuing to provide excellent care. It highlights their unwavering commitment and resourcefulness in overcoming hardships for the well-being of those they support.
Outstanding care
The exceptional level of dedication, attention, and compassion that carers provide. It reflects their ability to go above and beyond in ensuring the wellbeing, dignity, and comfort of those they support. This phrase conveys a sense of excellence and pride in the invaluable role that carers play.
Encouragement to thrive
The way carers inspire and support those they care for to reach their fullest potential. It reflects their role in fostering independence, confidence, and personal growth, enabling individuals to live fulfilling and dignified lives. It’s about nurturing not just physical well-being, but also emotional and mental resilience.
Strength in Service
The inner resilience and determination that carers demonstrate while dedicating themselves to supporting others. It’s about staying composed and dependable, even in challenging circumstances, to provide the best possible care. This strength could manifest as emotional fortitude, physical stamina, or the ability to adapt to different situations, all while maintaining compassion and professionalism.
Mentor Mnemonic
A professional mentor supports, guides, and empowers others through these six core values:
Motivate Others
Inspire action, encourage growth, and build belief in others by sharing energy and positivity
Empower Growth
Support individuals to build skills, confidence, and capability through guidance and opportunity
Nurture Potential
Recognise strengths and create space for development through encouragement and feedback
Teach with Care
Share knowledge and values with empathy, patience, and attentiveness, tailored to each individual learner
Offer Guidance
Provide direction and perspective to help navigate challenges with clarity and confidence
Recognise Strengths
Celebrate unique qualities and help individuals leverage them to achieve success.
Preparing for Success:
Pre-Course Expectations
Before the HEROES™ programme begins, it’s essential that both preceptors and preceptees are fully prepared to embark on this journey of professional growth. This phase ensures alignment with the programme’s values, standards, and expectations. From reviewing ethical codes and delegated healthcare responsibilities to signing learning contracts and engaging with key materials, these steps lay the foundation for a confident, consistent, and impactful learning experience.
| Checklist Item | Preceptor | Preceptee |
|---|---|---|
| Ensure passionate, current, and competent | ✔ | |
| Current DBS | ✔ | ✔ |
| Read: VCPC Code of Practice and NASCSW Code of Ethics | ✔ | ✔ |
| Understand Delegated Healthcare Responsibilities | ✔ | ✔ |
| Learning Contract agreed and signed | ✔ | ✔ |
| Receive programme materials and suggested reading/video list | ✔ | ✔ |
| Complete preparatory training (if needed) | optional | |
| Ensure passionate, supported and focused | ✔ | |
| Personal Statement of Intent | ✔ | |
| Provide Qualification Certificate | ✔ | |
| Complete Learning Needs Analysis | ✔ | |
| Readiness for Zoom Virtual Training Session & opportunity to discuss concerns | ✔ |
HEROES™ is more than skills training—it’s about helping each individual grow into the best version of themselves. There’s no competition, only progress. By pairing learners with experienced preceptors, we nurture confidence, development, and real-world impact in a safe, supported environment. Together with organisations, we empower carers, elevate care, and open doors to meaningful progression.
The HEROES™ Journey
The HEROES™ Roadmap captures the full learner journey—from preparation to celebration. Across ten days, the programme builds confidence, clinical skills, and pride in care through structured learning, reflection, and hands-on practice.
Alongside the full ten days of study, learners complete a pre-course preparation phase and conclude with a Celebration Day to recognise their achievement and professional growth.
Duration: Full programme delivery over 10 study days
Maximum Delegates: 12 per cohort, ensuring personalised learning and mentorship
Pricing: Available upon request
Use this roadmap to explore each step in the HEROES™ experience—designed to elevate care standards and empower Registered Care Professionals.
Pre-course
expectations
Phase 1
Foundation and Knowledge
- Module 1: Communication & Rapport
- Module 2: Infection Prevention
- Module 3: Observation & Escalation
Phase 2
Competency Workshops
- Module 4: Infection Prevention
- Module 5: Observation & Escalation
Phase 3
Specialised Focus
- Module 6: Tissue Viability
- Module 7: Chronic Conditions
- Module 8: Wound Management
- Module 9: Nutrition & Support
Final Stage
Celebration Day
Equipping Learners for Real-World Success.
Blending knowledge, practice, and reflection for confident care
- Building rapport
- Effective communication (including non-verbal)
- Maintaining your wellbeing
- Reflective practice
- Course briefing and Q&A
Formative
Ongoing assessments throughout course – in both the classroom and the workplace
Summative
Written reflection: My First Day of the HEROES™ Certificate Programme
Evaluation
Feedback and personal reflection at the end of the module
-
Module Duration:
Full day
-
Independent Study:
Minimum of 2 hours
-
Structured Reflection:
Up to 60 minutes
-
Independent Journalling:
Up to 10 minutes daily
- Know your enemy: the world of microbiology
- Standard infection control precautions
- Transmission based precautions
- Aseptic non-touch technique
- Catheter care
- The importance of hydration
- Urinary tract infections
- Sepsis
Summative
A knowledge check to assess understanding and reinforce key learning outcomes
Evaluation
Complete an evaluation form to reflect on your experience and provide valuable feedback
Self Study
Carry out workplace reflection to build on learning and connect theory to practice
-
Module Duration:
Full day
-
Independent Study:
Minimum of 2 hours
-
Structured Reflection:
Up to 60 minutes
-
Independent Journalling:
Up to 10 minutes daily
- Recognising the physcially well individual
- Recognising the physically unwell individual
- ABCDE assessment
- RESTORE2 (including soft signs, NEWS2, and SBARD)
- Fingerstick blood glucose monitoring
- Continuous blood glucose monitoring
- Anaphylaxis
- Epilepsy
Summative
A knowledge check to assess understanding and reinforce key learning outcomes
Evaluation
Complete an evaluation form to reflect on your experience and provide valuable feedback
Self Study
Carry out workplace reflection to build on learning and connect theory to practice
-
Module Duration:
Full day
-
Independent Study:
Minimum of 2 hours
-
Structured Reflection:
Up to 60 minutes
-
Independent Journalling:
Up to 10 minutes daily
- Standard infection control precautions
- Transmission based precautions
- Effective hand hygiene
- Aseptic non-touch technique
- Catheter care including urine specimens
Summative
Put learning into practice through a hands-on competency assessment.
Evaluation
Complete an evaluation form to reflect on your experience and provide valuable feedback
Self Study
Competently display skills in practice to connect learning to real-world care
-
Module Duration:
Full day
-
Independent Study:
Minimum of 2 hours
-
Structured Reflection:
Up to 60 minutes
-
Independent Journalling:
Up to 10 minutes daily
- Recognising the physcially well individual
- Recognising the physically unwell individual
- ABCDE assessment
- RESTORE2 (including soft signs, NEWS2, and SBARD)
- Postural hypotension
- Fingerstick blood glucose monitoring
- Continuous blood glucose monitoring
- Emergency medications (epilepsy, anaphylaxis)
Summative
Put learning into practice through a hands-on competency assessment.
Evaluation
Complete an evaluation form to reflect on your experience and provide valuable feedback
Self Study
Competently display skills in practice to connect learning to real-world care
-
Module Duration:
Full day
-
Independent Study:
Minimum of 2 hours
-
Structured Reflection:
Up to 60 minutes
-
Independent Journalling:
Up to 10 minutes daily
- Tissue viability and wound care
- Pressure injury prevention
- Promotion of wound healing
- Importance of nutrition and hydration
Summative
A knowledge check to assess understanding and reinforce key learning outcomes
Evaluation
Complete an evaluation form to reflect on your experience and provide valuable feedback
Self Study
Carry out workplace reflection to build on learning and connect theory to practice
-
Module Duration:
Full day
-
Independent Study:
Minimum of 2 hours
-
Structured Reflection:
Up to 60 minutes
-
Independent Journalling:
Up to 10 minutes daily
- Prevention is better than a cure
- Common conditions
- Sleep apnoea
- Dysphagia, IDDSI and enteral nutrition
Summative
A knowledge check to assess understanding and reinforce key learning outcomes
Evaluation
Complete an evaluation form to reflect on your experience and provide valuable feedback
Self Study
Carry out workplace reflection to build on learning and connect theory to practice
-
Module Duration:
Full day
-
Independent Study:
Minimum of 2 hours
-
Structured Reflection:
Up to 60 minutes
-
Independent Journalling:
Up to 10 minutes daily
- Care of feet and legs
- Compression hosiery
- Wound care skills
- General and peristomal skin care
Summative
Put learning into practice through a hands-on competency assessment.
Evaluation
Complete an evaluation form to reflect on your experience and provide valuable feedback
Self Study
Competently display skills in practice to connect learning to real-world care
-
Module Duration:
Full day
-
Independent Study:
Minimum of 2 hours
-
Structured Reflection:
Up to 60 minutes
-
Independent Journalling:
Up to 10 minutes daily
- Enteral nutrition and management
- CPAP
- IDDSI
- Choking
Summative
Put learning into practice through a hands-on competency assessment.
Evaluation
Complete an evaluation form to reflect on your experience and provide valuable feedback
Self Study
Competently display skills in practice to connect learning to real-world care
-
Module Duration:
Full day
-
Independent Study:
Minimum of 2 hours
-
Structured Reflection:
Up to 60 minutes
-
Independent Journalling:
Up to 10 minutes daily
Celebration and Awards Day:
Honouring Progress. Celebrating Purpose.
The final stage of the HEROES™ journey is all about recognition—of the dedication, growth, and impact each individual has made. On Celebrations and Awards Day, preceptors and preceptees come together in person to mark this meaningful milestone.
Each HEROES™ graduate is awarded a certificate and officially presented with their HEROES™ pin—a symbol of their commitment to excellence in care. Their achievement is captured with photography, and where possible, shared with local press and professional networks.
Graduates are then formally added to the Voluntary Care Professional Register (England) and proudly receive their PIN and title: Registered Care Professional.
Where possible, friends and family are warmly encouraged to attend, ensuring each preceptee completes their journey with pride, shared joy, and a true sense of accomplishment.
Optional Modules
Tailored Learning. Responsive Care.
To complement the HEROES™ core programme, we offer a wide range of optional modules designed to meet the specific needs of your service, setting, and workforce. These modules provide focused, specialist learning to enhance competence in key clinical, practical, and person-centred skills.
Whether you’re supporting individuals with complex needs or expanding your service scope, our optional modules allow you to build a training experience that is both flexible and impactful.
Each module is delivered by experienced professionals and aligned with current best practice and regulatory guidance—empowering care teams to deliver safe, confident, and compassionate care.
Administration of insulin via a pen device
Basic life support and DNACPR
Bowel care
Catheterisation
Ears, eyes, and nose medication administration
Emergency first aid at work
Falls prevention
Mental health first aid
Nebuliser medication administration
Oral care and dental hygiene
Oxygen therapy
Spinal cord injury
Tracheostomy care
Venepuncture
Verification of death