Training Frequently Asked
Questions
General FAQs
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s
training service has been delivering food safety and health and
safety courses since 1989.
Training courses provide staff with knowledge,
understanding and theory of good practice. However, training means
the continuous, correct, practical application of theory taught on
courses. Certificates on their own do not reduce risk,
prevent accidents or prevent food poisoning.
Owners and managers have a vital part to play
in the training cycle. Effective training in small or large
organisations can only be achieved working from the top down. You
will be ignoring your management responsibilities if you think it
is sufficient just to send your staff on a Level 1 or 2 course and
not provide them with the necessary supervision. Owners and
managers should consider attending Level 3 or 4 courses to ensure
that they can properly supervise, instruct and/or train their staff
about safety issues specific to their work.
Training will motivate staff, provide them
with a vocation related qualification, set a benchmark, reduce
waste, contribute to compliance with the law, and reduce
complaints or accidents.
- What level of training do I need?
The level of training should be commensurate
with a person’s work activities. For example:
Level 1 – New employees, induction, low risk
work activities
Level 2- Employees
Level 3- Owners, Managers, Supervisors, and
potential Trainers
Level 4 - Owners, Managers, and potential
Trainers
Staff changes, promotion, accidents, illness
and injury at work, risk assessments, food safety management
procedures, complaints, or non-compliance of law will determine the
appropriate level and frequency of training.
- Who uses the Council's service?
Businesses, health and social care
organisations, education services, local authorities, voluntary and
community organisations, tenant management organisations, housing
associations, employment and business support organisations, adult
and family learning groups, enforcement officers and individuals
throughout London and the South East.
- What does the law say about training?
The Health and Safety at Work Act, and the
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, require all
employers to provide whatever information, instruction and training
is needed to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the
health and safety of their employees. Visit Health and Safety
Executive HSE or telephone 0845 609
6006 for free advice.
Food Safety Law (EC Regulation 852/2006)
requires food business operators to ensure that their foodhandlers
are supervised and instructed and/or trained in food hygiene work
relevant to their work activities. Visit the Food Standards
Agency.
Enforcement officers will assess legal compliance by:
- Questioning the business operator
- Using the qualifications frame work as a guide
- Linking non-compliance to a safety problem
- Questioning the employees.
Compliance is not necessarily demonstrated because a particular
employee has attended a course and gained a certificate. The course
may not have been relevant to their work activity or
responsibilities, they may have forgotten the information gained on
the course, and/or they may not be putting into practice what they
have been taught.
Choosing and booking a course
- Where can I find out about the awarding
bodies and syllabuses?
- Visit websites of the Chartered Institute of Environmental
Health (CIEH) and Highfield Awarding Body
for Compliance Highfield Awarding Body for
Compliance (Highfield ABC) for syllabuses of the
accredited qualifications. Both organisations have been
approved by Ofqual as
awarding bodies. If you would like to attend or want us
to run any of their courses, please ask. Some of the examination
bodies require candidates to have achieved a specific level of
knowledge before attending an accredited level course (for example,
Level 2 before Level 3). Please check with the appropriate
examination body. The National Database of Approved
Qualifications. For example The
Level 2 Award in Health and Safety offered by both Highfield
Awarding Body for Compliance and Chartered Institute of
Environmental Health hold equal status.
As do the Level 4 Award in Managing Food Safety in Catering
qualifications offered by both.
- What do the Award Levels mean?
A table illustrating the various accredited,
vocational related qualification award level and who would benefit
from them is available here. For further details, please visit
Accredited
Qualifications or Ofqual.
- When are the courses run?
Course dates are listed
under Food
Safety, Health and Safety and
Personal Licence Holders
training. Additional courses are arranged depending on
demand, and waiting lists are kept. Courses may be postponed,
re-scheduled or cancelled at the discretion of the Council.
Courses will only be run when
eight or more candidates have paid in advance. The Council
will not run open courses with less than eight candidates.
For courses in your premises, the
minimum payment will be based on eight
people, irrespective if you have fewer candidates
present for the course.
Fees are subject to change at the
discretion of the Council.
- How much do courses cost?
- download fees for 2012 [PDF]
(file size 135Kb)
Fees include both materials and the
examination - though exam re-sit fees may apply. The fees do not
include lunch and are subject to change at the discretion of the
Council. VAT is not applicable to local authority training
fees.
- How do I book a course and make payment?
Please note the Council will only
accept course bookings by credit or debit card, except for large
organisations or businesses where electronic payment is accepted.
BACS payment may be arranged. Invoices will be issued upon
request.
Call 020 7361 3002 or complete the enquiry
form to make a course booking. If you are paying by
card, please tell us when you call.
We accept MasterCard and Visa credit cards and
Switch, Solo, Visa Electron, Delta and Maestro debit cards. We do
not accept American Express.
N.B. Course attendance will
only be permitted once payment has been received by the
Council. If you have not paid, but have signed and
returned a training agreement, you or your staff may
still be turned away on the day. Please call Environmental
Healthline at 020 7361 3002 to confirm receipt of payment.
Invoices must be settled within 30 days or
before the course start date (whichever date is sooner).
Certificates and course results will not be issued until payment
is received.
- What is the course cancellation policy?
Cancellations or postponements made by
Individuals or Organisations more than 14 days
before the scheduled course must be made in writing and may be
transferred to an alternative course date or given a refund.
The exception will be made on production of a medical
certificate signed by a hospital or general practitioner.
Substitutions in place of the named candidate(s) are acceptable on
the above course. Any request to transfer the candidate(s) on to a
similar level course on an alternative date must be made in writing
at least 14 days in advance of the course. Cancellations or
non-attendance made less than 14 days before or on the day of the
course will not receive a refund.
- Do you offer discounts or concessionary
rates?
Yes. Candidates from the health, social,
voluntary, education sectors or local authorities are eligible
for concessionary rates. Reduced fees per person are
available for courses run in your premises. These are based on a
minimum of eight people per course attending.
A discount is also offered on block bookings and
courses run in your premises. Please contact us at
publichealth.training@rbkc.gov.uk for
further details.
- Who are the Council's trainers?
The trainers are either Council officers or approved trainers
under contract to the Council. The Royal Borough is one of many
registered training organisations and will provide help and
guidance where possible.
- What other courses are on offer?
The Royal Borough also offers a range of
non-accredited short training sessions and workshops. There is no
accredited qualification exam at the end of these courses. Short
workshops are suitable for a wide range of small businesses and
both public and private sector organisations. They will suit
owners, managers, staff, trainers and enforcement officers. If you
cannot find what you are looking for, please ask us.
- How do I organise a course to be run in my
premises?
Please call 020 7341 5606 or email publichealth.training@rbkc.gov.uk.
Fees are based on a minimum of eight per session (maximum 15). You
must provide tables, chairs, laptop, digital projector, screen,
flipchart, wall mounted clock, TV and a DVD/video player. We cannot
shorten courses on the day of training to suit your operational
needs.
- How should I prepare my staff for a
course?
Your staff will need to know why you are
sending them on a course. You must tell them about the supervision
that you will give them afterwards so that the theory learnt can be
put into practice. We will send you joining instructions and a map
to pass onto your staff. Please emphasise the need to be punctual
as late comers may be turned away at the discretion of the trainer,
with no refund given. Staff who have just come off shift duty will
not benefit from training.
Your staff will need to know if they are to do
an examination at the end of the course or on a set date. Level 4,
certain Level 3, and training skills candidates will have
assignments to complete in their own time too.
- How do you help candidates with special educational needs,
etc?
If your staff have any special needs, for
example they have a physical or learning disability, or are
non-native English speakers, please tell us at the time of
your booking. The Council will then advise the trainer,
and where necessary may apply to the examination body on their
behalf to seek arrangements before they sit the
exam. Information about courses run in languages other than
English is available.
If any of your staff need
support with Basic English, Maths and Computer Skills at Level 1
then please contact Nova New Opportunities on 020 8960 2488 or
visit www.novanew.org.uk
- Is there any Reasonable adjustment for
candidates who may be sitting an examination?
Candidates may need reasonable adjustment to undertake
examinations if they have:
- a permanent or long-term disability, medical
condition, or special educational need;
- a temporary or short term disability, medical
condition or special educational need;
- been indisposed at the time of the examination
or assessment;
- or, English as another language;
The Council will then make formal application to the appropriate
awarding examination body. There may be a delay in the candidate’s
examination date pending a decision or appeal. The Council will
refer to the awarding body’s procedures before an application.
- How do you help staff who do not speak or
read English as a first language?
Our courses are delivered in English. Guidance
may be given if you are looking for a trainer to deliver courses in
other languages apart from English. You will also be given details
of publications produced in other languages. Depending upon
the awarding body some subject examination papers may be available
in other languages. The Council must be given four weeks’ notice if
special language papers are to be ordered. You may also contact the
following to find out more about language trainers and papers:
- How does the Council promote equality and
diversity?
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has a clear policies,
visit
Book now, visit www.rbkc-thirdforce.com/
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
has teamed up with Mindleaders Third Force. Various courses are
open to anyone who uses their personal email address.
Alternatively, staff in businesses that each employs less than 15
people may also access the courses. For further information see
e-learning or on-line learning or
www.rbkc-thirdforce.com/.
- Do you offer guided learning or distance learning?
The Council offers guided learning
courses leading to accredited qualifications awarded by Highfield
Awarding Body for Compliance (www.highfieldabc.com). These
qualifications are relevant and fully in line with industry and
regulatory standards.
Organisations and businesses that have four or
more people can access the programme, both study and exam dates
will be agreed. For further information see Guided Learning.
Attending a course
- What are the start and end times of the
courses?
- Course start and finish times for
whole day courses at Levels 2, 3, and 4:
Start – 0900 unless otherwise advised.
End- 1700 (approximately)
- Course start and finish times for half
day courses:
Allow three and a half
hours for Level 1 and some Level 2 qualifications
Please turn up at least ten minutes before the
start time of the course. Late comers may be turned away at the
discretion of the trainer. You will not be allowed to sit the
examinations unless you have attended 100 per cent for Level 1 and
2 courses, or a minimum of 80 per cent for Level 3 and 4
courses.
- What is the course programme?
This will be given to you at the start of each
course. The majority of accredited qualification courses at Level 1
to 4 will take place in a training room. The trainer has to follow
a syllabus and code of practice set out by the awarding body. There
is some flexibility for the style of delivery and tailoring to meet
your needs. A mixture of presentations, group work, quizzes, films,
handouts and candidate participation are designed to ensure that
you get the most out of the event. During train the trainer’s
courses, there is a chance to practise your delivery in front of
others. Half or whole day workshops are generally relaxed and
involve activities and discussion. Group sizes range from eight to
15. If you do Level 3 or 4 qualifications, or a train the trainer
course, then there will be preparation work to do in your own time.
For Level 4 courses, depending upon the examination body, you may
have to submit an assignment at least one month before doing an
examination.
- What are the course aims and objectives?
Visit Chartered Institute
of Environmental Health training qualifications or Highfield
Awarding Body for Compliance training qualifications for
your appropriate course information.
- Where can I find a course syllabus?
Depending upon whether the course ends with an
examination offered by the Chartered Institute of Environmental
Health or Highfield Awarding Body for
Compliance check with the appropriate awarding body
for the qualification course syllabus.
- Is there a pre-course reading list?
Visit Chartered Institute of Environmental
Health, Highfield Awarding Body for
Compliance, Health and Safety
Executive, Food Standards
Agency for suitable reading lists and publications.
Many of the organisations provide excellent online advice too.
- Do I need to bring photographic
identification?
All Level 1 to 4 candidates must bring some
form of photographic ID if they are attending courses that end with
an examination. No ID = No examination. The following are
acceptable: passports, national identity cards, driving licenses,
work identification, college or school identification, travel card,
etc. They must be in date. If not in possession of any of these
then someone in a management position must be able to vouch for
them.
- When are the Examinations and
Assessments?
Examination dates are given on the training
agreement or on the joining instructions sent to you. You will be
notified of any changes in advance or during the course. For Level
3 and Level 4 courses please let us know if you cannot attend the
examination date given to you. For Level 1 and 2 courses the
examinations are normally held at the end of each course.
The Level 3 Award in Training Skills and
Practice will end with an assessment.
Visit please visit www.cieh.org/training/qualifications
or www.highfieldabc.com/qualifications
for examples of examination questions
Special dispensation for language or special
educational needs and learning difficulties, illness, or
impairments may be arranged with the examination bodies. The
Council will need at least four weeks’ notice if they are requested
to support you or your candidate.
- Who are the Awarding Examination Bodies and
what are their contact details?
The Council uses either of the awarding bodies
below. These have been approved as awarding bodies by The Office
for Qualifications and Examination Regulations Ofqual
Tel: 020 7827 5800 (customer services)
Candidate Charter.
In February 2011, The Council’s
training service submitted a completed Centre Self- Assessment
Audit form for the Quality Assurance Team at the Chartered
Institute of Environmental Health. The QA Manager responded
in writing with the following comments: “An excellent audit,
containing detailed information of the systems and procedures in
place at this centre. A varied and comprehensive selection of
evidence has been supplied. A commendable audit performance.
Percentage score: 100%.”
- Is there a Candidate's Charter?
If your course lends to an examination
and qualification awarded by The Chartered Institute of
Environmental Health (www.cieh.org) then read the following:
Candidate Charter.
- When will I receive my certificate?
The examination papers are marked by the
awarding bodies. If you pass an examination a certificate will be
sent to you or your employer about six to ten weeks after the
training course has taken place. Certificates will not be posted
out to you unless payment has been made. There is a charge for
replacement certificates. Please call the Environmental Healthline
on 020 7361 3002.
- How long do the certificates last?
There is no expiry date on certificates. The
Chartered Institute of Environmental
Health recommends refresher training every 36 months.
However, risk assessments, food safety management procedures, legal
notices, civil action, complaints, changes in processes and use of
ingredients, accidents, food poisoning, staff promotion etc will
all influence when training is required. Achieving a certificate is
only part of the training cycle. To demonstrate that you or your
staff have been effectively trained you must put into practice what
you have been taught, or if you are a manager you must supervise
and instruct your staff that have received the training. A
supervisor or manager should be looking at attending a Level 3 or 4
qualification course.
This is normally casual unless your employer
or manager states otherwise.
- Is there any Health and Safety
Information?
The Council has a Health and Safety Policy
which is adhered to, such as no smoking, fire procedures,
evacuation procedures and first aid information. You will be given
health and safety information at the start of the course.
- What about course reading
material?
You will be given appropriate reading
materials on the first day of your course. These are included in
the course fee. If you would like to prepare for the course in
advance you can get free information from the Health and Safety
Executive or Food Standards
Agency . You can also buy materials from the
examination bodies.
- Do certificates demonstrate
evidence of training?
Training could be defined as “knowledge, plus
understanding, together with the correct practical application of
the theory taught on a course”. A certificate on its own does not
provide evidence of training, nor will it satisfy legal
requirements.
- What does the training
involve?
The majority of accredited qualification
courses at Level 1 to 4 will take place in a training room. The
trainer has to follow a syllabus and code of practice set out by
the awarding body. There is some flexibility for the style of
delivery and tailoring to meet your needs. A mixture of
presentations, group work, quizzes, films, handouts and candidate
participation are designed to ensure that you get the most out of
the event. During train the trainer’s courses, there is a chance to
practise your delivery in front of others. Half or whole day
workshops are generally relaxed and involve activities and
discussion. Group sizes range from eight to 15.
Other frequently asked questions
- How do I become a food safety or
health and safety trainer?
To deliver courses leading to approved
awarding body qualifications go to:
For example, to deliver Level 1 or 2
courses you will need a Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in
the subject that you wish to tutor, and a Level 3 Award in Training
Skills and Practice (or minimum equivalent). If in doubt contact
the above awarding bodies about your application.
- What about Data Protection?
The Council has a data protection policy to
ensure that it complies with current data protection legislation
available on our website.
- How do I make a comment,
suggestion or complaint?
The Council welcomes feedback about its
services. If you would like to make a comment or complaint about
our services you can contact us or visit our website.
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