A Moray care home operator is encouraging businesses, organisations and individuals from across the Highlands and Islands to enter a national training competition that they won recently.

Buckie based Parklands Ltd which has care homes in Keith, Aberlour, Buckie and Grantown-on-Spey was awarded the National Training Award (NTA) in London for its innovative approach to managing care homes using a mobile trained nurse to support shift leaders.

NTAs are the UK's number one accolade for those who have achieved lasting excellence and success through training and learning. In advance of this year's competition, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is running a free workshop in Inverness on February 22nd from 11am to 3pm for anyone who would like to find out more.

Managing director of Parklands Ltd, Ron Taylor will be available on the day to give his experiences of last year's competition and the benefits of entering. He said: "Five years ago the care sector in Scotland changed which made us look at new ways to cope with this and remain viable. Our model can now be used by others and it is extremely satisfying to have been recognised with such a prestigious award.

"Our approach to training and development has increased the motivation and morale of our staff and as a result they take a greater pride in their work. Staff now volunteer to be developed and interesting and fulfilling careers are available for carers that didn't exist before."

Parklands have also been supported by their local enterprise company - HIE Moray - towards their training needs. This has resulted in staff attending a level three SVQ in health and social care. Shift leaders at Parklands now have the clinical skills to support the nurses and manager and the company has become an SVQ centre offering levels two, three and four in social care.

Lorna Lindsay, from Highlands and Islands Enterprise said: "I'm sure there are many north businesses and individuals who are using training in innovative ways to tackle challenges that make real differences to their organisations. I would encourage them all to celebrate what they are doing by finding out more about National Training Awards."

To register a place on the information workshop contact Lorna Lindsay at Highlands and Islands Enterprise on 01463 234171.