The purpose-built "Maria's Training Suite" was opened at the group's Leeds headquarters and will provide a learning and development hub for teams across the estate.

The official opening, with owner and Executive Chairman of MMCG Phil Burgan cutting the ribbon, took place ahead of the first "Induction for All" session at Head Office (previously held off site).

Going forward, this session will be provided at Head Office for all new starters across the group as they begin MMCG's newly developed induction programme, launching their careers with inspirational training and a good understanding of MMCG's history and ethos. This new centre is an addition to a London-based MMCG training centre, which is located in one of its London care homes.

As well as induction sessions, the new dedicated suite will also be used for continuous professional development for staff, hosting both clinical and non-clinical training, personal development, and leadership sessions.

Phil Burgan said, "It was a privilege to open our new training room - Maria's Training Suite - at our MMCG Head Offices in Leeds - a purpose-built training space created to support and develop our teams to be the best they can be.

"I am passionate about making sure the people who live with us in our homes get the best care possible, and I know this comes from the people who work with us feeling valued and appreciated.

"The new training room space is just one of the many ways we are investing in people's future at MMCG, and I truly believe that with this and other developments, we can reach our ambitions further to be a great place to live and work for all."

MMCG has a strong reputation for investing in staff, with a multitude of development opportunities and training structures in place.

A particular success story in recent years has been the group's Trainee Nursing Associate programme, with a larger cohort graduating each year since it began in 2019.

That is part of a wider offer of apprenticeships, which are available to any member of staff in every department, starting at Level 2 and going all the way up to master's degree level, with employees working towards Masters in Medical Ethics and Law and Global Leadership and Management. There is also the Care Practitioners programme, an internal CPD programme unique to MMCG, which develops care practitioners, who can bridge the gap between Senior Carers and Nurses.

And this year, MMCG also launched its "Future Leaders" programme, a learning opportunity that has been created with department heads and managers in mind to allow them to expand their knowledge and expertise and realise their potential as leaders within the group.

Alyson Thompson, Head of Learning & Development at MMCG, said, "We know our service is only as good as our people, and that's what drives our continued investment in training and development avenues for colleagues in all areas of the business. When they are supported to develop professionally and personally to their fullest potential, they can give their best to the people in their care."