Trainers/assessors should have the knowledge and competence outlined in OEAP NG 3.4d Outdoor Education Adviser.

Trainers should evidence both the competence to teach (see Table 2) and should hold competence in the subject they are delivering.

The list in Table 2 below is not exhaustive but provides a guide to acceptable training and assessing qualifications. Trainers who assess student competence should hold a qualification (or separate qualifications) that enables them to perform both functions. A training organisation may use different individuals to train and assess students, and they should hold qualifications appropriate for their role.

The training organisation should have:

·  a suitable and documented quality assurance plan designating an individual to take responsibility for quality assurance, including assessment of the skills of trainers/assessors at least annually. This ‘designated person’, who can be from inside or outside the organisation, should be independent of training delivery and demonstrate competence for their role:

·  a documented course evaluation procedure that includes feedback from students;

·  a documented complaints procedure;

·  a mechanism for retaining a detailed record of assessments for each student and store those records for a minimum of three years after completion of the course;

·  sufficient quantity of well-maintained equipment that permits students to complete their training and assessment within the appropriate number of contact hours.

Training organisations should demonstrate that class size is appropriate.

Where your candidates for training have learning or communication difficulties these should be communicated to your training provider. The training provider should then make reasonable adjustments to accommodate their learning needs, eg provision of additional learning support.

Some training providers offer training that is a mix of e-learning and face-to-face training. This is known as blended learning and is an accepted means by which training can be delivered. It is important that you conduct the necessary additional checks (due diligence) to decide if this method is suitable. This means you should make sure you are satisfied that:

·  the individual being trained knows how to use the technology that delivers the training;

·  the training provider has an adequate means of supporting the individual during their training;

·  the provider has an appropriate means of assessing the e-learning component of the training.

Employers should also ensure they are complying with regulation 13 of the Health and Safety Management Regulations 1999, which has a requirement to ensure adequate time is set aside during the working day to undertake any training employees receive.

For more information take a look at:

3.4d Outdoor Education Adviser

3.1a Requirements and Recommendations for Employers

6f FAQs: Systems, Roles and Training

The Management of Health and Safety Regulations 13 (2))

DfE Health and safety on educational visits