A group of senior carers have qualified as team leaders after taking part in a collaborative training programme.

The 10 employees at Doughty's, which provides assisted living for 60 residents in Norwich, completed the course from 1st Care Training and employment and skills provider Seetec as managers felt leadership training would benefit them in their roles.

Belinda White, skills delivery manager for Seetec, said: 'Working with 1st Care Training is a great example of how a local training provider with sector expertise could meet the skills needs of a care employer to help drive their organisation forward.'

Karen Kiddell, training manager at Doughty's, said: 'Our team leaders have really benefited from 1st Care Training and Seetec's support. They have learnt new skills around management and leadership, and now have a much better understanding of their role and requirements and the confidence to manage the frontline staff.'

Team leader Penny Walpole from Norwich, who has worked at Doughty's for 20 years, said: '[The training] has made my roles and responsibilities and what is expected of me and my staff much clearer. It has definitely given me more confidence and helped me to promote best practice.'