Colchester-based outsourced training management company Helmsman Services has secured a further three-year contract with the Regard Group to manage its learning and staff development functions.

The Regard Group employs around 2,200 staff at 150 sites across the UK, providing care and support to people with learning difficulties, mental health needs and acquired brain injuries.

The new contract follows on from an initial two-year agreement which included creating a “menu” of training and a framework of providers that would minimise training costs.

It also included responsibility for keeping the group’s National Minimum Data Set database up-to-date, managing NVQs (now QCFs) and maximising training grant claims. These terms will remain the same under the new contract.

Sandie Foxall-Smith, chiev executive at the Regard Group, said: “Last year, Helmsman helped us claim £30,000 worth of funding back from QCFs, increased our training compliance and helped us make sense of new guidelines when they emerged.

“They were also on board during our recent integration with another care provider, ACH, which extended the number of care homes we operate and significantly increased our staffing levels, resulting in additional training requirements and database support.

“We have always been very happy with the service Helmsman provides and with our company growing we felt that they were the best organisation to take us forward.”

Tony Willson, managing director of Helmsman Services, said “In renewing their contract, and for three years, Regard have acknowledged the support that we give them and the financial advantages of outsourcing their training function.

“We work with the company very closely across the country and try to create a feeling of being an internal service, working for the benefit of all of their employees.

“This is the same approach that we adopt with our other clients and it means that they can hand over all of the administration and management, knowing that it is in capable hands.”