About BEN - Motor & Allied Trades Benevolent Fund

BEN runs appraisal and supervision training sessions to ensure that Managers feel confident with the appraisal process and understand the value of it. This ensures they appraise fairly and effectively, agreeing SMART objectives with their team members and reviewing these regularly by means of follow-up meetings and annual appraisals. They also review their appraisal forms and guidance regularly, taking into account feedback from both managers and appraisees, to ensure the process stays effective and relevant. BEN encourages its managers to manage on a personal level, operating an open-door policy to cultivate a culture of open communication and trust.

BEN’s commitment to employee learning and development is demonstrated through their development pathway which begins with a full induction programme relevant to each individual’s area of work. All new care colleagues complete the refreshed common induction standards which, along with all induction programmes, are completed within the first twelve weeks of joining BEN. This is followed by a robust supervision and appraisal programme which includes the setting of challenging objectives and a full training needs analysis to highlight further personal or professional training needs. This process is reinforced by regular mandatory updates and CPD training which is offered to everyone. All colleagues are given time during their normal working hours to allow for assessor visits/attending training and for attendance at external training/conferences and other CPD activity. BEN are currently very fortunate in receiving some workforce development funding primarily for QCF level 2, dementia and end of life qualification and therefore, our actual expenditure does not accurately reflect the current level of training and development being undertaken. Also, for the fact that they utilise internal trainers for many topics including dementia, moving and handling and first aid. BEN’s success in promoting the importance of training and development can be illustrated by the fact that over 75% of their care colleagues are qualified to QCF level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care. Alongside this, management, line-management, supervisory and non-care colleagues are also encouraged to work towards similar awards in their own role. BEN's colleagues' training achievements are recognised through the Annual BEN Training Awards, a series of awards presentation ceremonies which are held at BEN locations across the country. Here, individual and group achievements are recognised in the presence of invited guests e.g. commissioning bodies, training partners, BEN Management Board Members with BEN certificates presented by local mayors or dignitaries.

Being in the care industry the nature of BEN's work frequently involves social events for residents and other beneficiaries. Colleagues at all levels of the organisation are actively encouraged to participate in these events, which also provide a relaxed platform for informal two-way dialogues and the sharing of information. Additionally and on a more formal basis, the senior team visits each of their centres on a regular basis and attends team meetings as well as other less formal gatherings.