Gwalia gains university accreditation
By Effective Communication
A Welsh social housing provider is to pioneer a new health and social care university qualification to offer to its 800 strong workforce.
Grŵp Gwalia, which has its headquarters in Swansea and numerous social housing development schemes across Wales, has been awarded Institutional Approval (Hybrid Status) from the University of Glamorgan’s Faculty of Health, Sport and Science.
The business can now deliver a Higher Education qualification in ‘Supporting Vulnerable People’ to its staff who house and support vulnerable adults and their families across Wales.
The new qualification aims to provide an exciting opportunity for Grŵp Gwalia employees to attain a Higher Education qualification, while ensuring that staff have the most up to date range of skills required to offer a strong support service to those in need.
The qualification, which will consist of five work-based modules covering equal opportunities legislation, race equality, mental health awareness, and protecting and communicating with vulnerable adults, is part of Grŵp Gwalia’s ongoing collaboration with the University of Glamorgan, which has resulted in the creation of a new company called Habren.
Established to develop alternative models of support for vulnerable groups, Habren draws on the expertise of both Grŵp Gwalia and the University of Glamorgan. The first collaboration project will focus on the care of people with dementia and their families.
Professor Donna Mead, Dean of the Faculty of Health, Sport and Science at the University of Glamorgan commented: “The Faculty of Health, Sport and Science has a long standing partnership with Grŵp Gwalia and our joint company Habren provides an excellent opportunity to support the education and personal development of social housing staff.
“I am delighted that Gwalia has successfully obtained Institutional approval from the University of Glamorgan and am confident that this will further strengthen the educational opportunities available to staff.”
Michael Williams, Gwalia’s Chief Executive and a visiting Professor with the University of Glamorgan said, “The Board and staff are delighted that we have been awarded Institutional Approval by the University. The first course will provide staff with the skills and confidence to work effectively with some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. We intend to develop further courses with the University and we look forward to working with Professor Mead and her team for many years to come.”
Tags: Grŵp Gwalia
