About Us

Engaging. Practical. Built for the real world of care.

Our Story

At Polymath Training & Consultancy, we believe training should be more than a tick-box exercise. It should be engaging, interactive, and genuinely useful – helping care professionals build confidence, deliver better support, and stay compliant.

Founded in 2017 by James Bassett, Polymath was born out of both frontline experience and a passion for teaching. James began working in care back in 2009, supporting children with complex needs while completing a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy. Even then, it was the teaching side of the role that sparked something deeper – the satisfaction of helping someone get it, of making a real difference through clear, hands-on instruction.

After graduating, James took on a part-time training role and completed a PGCE (teaching degree) in 2013. Over the next few years, he freelanced as a trainer across the UK care sector – gaining experience in care homes, home care, children’s and adult services, hospitals, hospices, and even as an event first aider. But something was missing: consistency.

“I wanted every course to be delivered with the same energy, clarity, and real-world relevance — not just read off a slideshow.”

And so, Polymath Training & Consultancy Ltd was created. Built on the belief that training should be fun, interactive, and practical, Polymath has since grown into a trusted partner for care providers across the UK.

Engaging Delivery

No dry lectures here.

Relevant Content

Tailored to the real challenges care staff face.

Qualified Trainers

With experience in both teaching and care.

Supportive Approach

Because learning should feel empowering, not intimidating.

What People Say

“One Fylde have worked with Polymath Training & Consultancy since we opened in 2019, and find their training to be of a high quality. Knowledgeable trainers who are experts in their fields to deliver across a wide range of subjects.

James has always been approachable and has created bespoke courses to suit our requirements when specific topics have been requested. He will go out of his way to make sure that the course content sits perfectly with the training requested, for example an Autism course tailored to specific individual’s needs.

One Fylde would have no hesitation in recommending James and Polymath Training & Consultancy for your training requirements.”

One Fylde

We have had the pleasure of using Polymath Training for several years here at Park Grove Care Home Burscough and at the previous home I managed.

The staff are always polite and professional and keep up to date with all current legislation to ensure the training is up to date and current.

The feedback from my staff (the training is always enjoyable and James and his team ensure it is fun as well as learning and educational)

Highly recommend this training provider.

Park Grove

'We have used Polymath Training and Consultancy for around 10 years and during this time their comprehensive training courses have both enhanced the skills of our teams as well as their confidence with being able to practically deliver on what they have learnt.

Their courses are delivered by professional, knowledgeable trainers that create a positive and engaging learning environment. Our training feedback surveys consistently show year on year how satisfied our teams are with the training offered by Polymath.

I would absolutely recommend Polymath Training to other organisations, to support enhancing their training offer for those working in the health and social care sector.'

Active Pathways

We have relied on James/Polymath training for all of our moving and handling training needs for many years. James’ approachable and friendly demeanour makes staff feel at ease, which in turn creates a positive and productive learning environment.

James has a natural ability to engage participants with clear, practical instruction and real-world examples that enhance understanding and retention. He is always willing to go the extra mile - whether it's answering follow-up questions, tailoring content to meet our specific needs, or providing ongoing support and advice.

We greatly value his expertise and the consistency he brings to our training program.

St Luke's Hospice

“Since day one, Polymath Training and Consultancy has fully supported us. Their dedicated team is very supportive of tailoring learning around the needs of 365 Support Limited.

Their open and honest approach means that we can be proactive with any challenges we face, and they work with us to find a solution that works for us. They provide great flexibility for our learners and visit them around our multiple sites.”

365 Support

We’ve worked with Polymath Training and Consultancy for several years and have always found James and his team great to deal with—professional, approachable, and genuinely supportive.

They not only deliver high-quality training, but also keep us in the loop with employer feedback on the learners, which is so valuable. We consistently get great feedback from those attending the training, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to others.

The Local Care

Let’s Get Your Team Trained

Browse our full range of courses or get in touch to chat about your training needs — we’re here to help.