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FAQs

Candidate ID’s

Why must centres check an individual’s identity?

As specified by the SIA, all centres offering licence-linked qualifications must confirm the identity of all candidates prior to the completion of documentation and the taking of examinations. This is an essential part of quality assurance, and MUST be performed by the tutor on the first day of the course and again by the invigilator before the start of the examination.

The candidate’s name as written on the candidate list, candidate information sheet and exam response sheets must all exactly match each other and exactly match the name on the candidate’s identity documents. This is essential to prevent the candidate’s SIA licence application from being rejected.

Please view the SIA’s acceptable identity documents on their website:  http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk

What type of identification is required when registering candidates?

Trident Awards identity requirements reflect those of the SIA.

We require a combination of documents from approved lists, which show the candidates’ current address and date of birth.

For full details see Candidate ID Requirements

Will the Quality Reviewer (QR) check the candidates’ identity?

During their visit the QR will monitor and review the processes you use for checking identities. This may include checking some identities themselves to ensure your processes have been followed, however you remain responsible for all identity checking.

What if a candidate cannot provide the required identity documents for checking?

Any candidate who has not produced the required identity requirements at the time of the examination must not be allowed to sit the examinations. In addition, any candidate who is not yet eighteen cannot sit the examinations.

Centre Approval

What documents do centres need to complete to apply for approval as a Trident Awards centre?

  • Signed Application for Centre Recognition form.
  • Signed Centre Agreement.
  • If with other awarding organisation(s): copy of approval certificate from each, and if possible copy of last EQA report from each.
  • CR1 form for each trainer.
  • CR2 form for each venue.
  • CR3 form if CCTV required.
  • CR4 form for each non-Trident Awards qualification (including APLH) if required.
  • CR5 form for each qualification if flexible/distance learning required.

In addition, the relevant application fee is required to be paid and cleared.

What policies do centres need to have in place?

  • Learner Appeals.
  • Complaints.
  • Internal Quality Assurance.
  • Malpractice.
  • Registrations and Exams (including identity checks).
  • Unique Learner Number.
  • Access to Fair Assessment.
  • Disability Discrimination.
  •  Equal Opportunities and Diversity.
  •  Health and Safety.
  • Criminal Record Checking.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning.

In addition you will need employer’s liability insurance and public liability insurance.

What do centres need to provide to ensure their tutors comply with SIA and Trident Awards requirements?

For each trainer:

  • CR1 form.
  • Photo ID.
  • CV.
  • L3 E&T/PTTLS/Cert Ed/PGCE/equivalent qualification certificate.
  • Current CPD record.
  • For DS and SO: L3/above Delivery of Conflict Management.
  • For DS: L3 Delivery of Physical Intervention.
  • For DS: L3 Approved Physical Intervention Programme current annual certificate.
  • Evidence of relevant occupational experience.
  • For new trainers: evidence of 3 years’ operational front line experience in the past 10 years.
  • For trainers working with another awarding organisation, evidence of approval.

What evidence of procedures/record keeping systems do centres need to be able to demonstrate?

  • Organisational chart.
  • Confirmation of candidates’ English at minimum level 1.
  • Distance learning.
  • Quality assurance including course development and review.
  • Recognition of prior learning.
  • Reasonable Adjustments/Special Considerations.
  • CPD.
  • Training materials.
  • Course delivery including content and details showing Guided Learning Hours and Minimum Contact Time as prescribed by the SIA.
  • Course marketing material.
  • Candidate identity verification.
  • Candidate feedback.
  • Any partnership or sub-contracting arrangements.
  • Communication between all members of staff and any third party organisations.

What will the approval risk assessment visit involve?

  • Risk assessment of the premises.
  • Compliance check of all the documents provided.
  • Meeting with key members of staff.

What other checks will be carried out on centres?

Trident Awards reserves the right to carry out any reasonable checks on publicly available information to identify any potential risks to the compliance of the centre and the welfare of the candidates. This may include checks of the following:

  • Companies House records
  • Director records
  • Credit records
  • SIA web site records

Contact Hours

What is the minimum number of hours to deliver the LASER Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industry?

A minimum total of 45 hours of guided learning.

If you are approved to use distance/flexible learning, the number of face to face hours can be reduced from 45 to 32.5, with the difference of 12.5 hours made up by candidates’ additional learning before the course starts, supported by high quality learning materials provided by you.

This must be made up as follows:

  • Working within the Private Security Industry – 10 hours (1 hour face to face if distance learning approved).
  • Working as a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industion – 12 hours (all face to face).
  • Conflict Management within the Private Security Industry – 8 hours (7.5 hours face to face if distance learning approved).
  • Physical Intervention Skills within the Private Security Industry – 15 hours (12 hours face to face if distance learning approved).

What is the minimum number of hours to deliver the LASER Level 2 Award Upskilling a Door Supervisor working within the Private Security Industry?

A minimum total of 18 hours of guided learning.

If you are approved to use distance/flexible learning, the number of face to face hours can be reduced from 18 to 12.5, with the difference of 5.5 hours made up by candidates’ additional learning before the course starts, supported by high quality learning materials provided by you.

This must be made up as follows:

  • Safety Awareness for Door Supervisors within the Private Security Industry – 3 hours (0.5 hours face to face if distance learning approved).
  • Physical Intervention Skills within the Private Security Industry – 15 hours (12 hours face to face if distance learning approved).

What is the minimum number of hours to deliver LASER Level 2 Award for Working as a CCTV Operator (Public Space Surveillance) within the Private Security Industry?

A minimum total of 32 hours of guided learning.

If you are approved to use distance/flexible learning, the number of face to face hours can be reduced from 32 to 23, with the difference of 9 hours made up by candidates’ additional learning before the course starts, supported by high quality learning materials provided by you.

This must be made up as follows:

  • Working within the Private Security Industry – 10 hours (1 hour face to face if distance learning approved).
  • Working as a CCTV Operator within the Private Security Industry – 14 hours (all face to face).
  • Practical Operation of CCTV Equipment within the Private Security Industry – 8 hours (all face to face).

What is the minimum number of hours to deliver LASER Level 2 Award for Working as a Security Officer within the Private Security Industry?

A minimum total of 28 hours of guided learning.

If you are approved to use distance/flexible learning, the number of face to face hours can be reduced from 28 to 18.5, with the difference of 9.5 hours made up by candidates’ additional learning before the course starts, supported by high quality learning materials provided by you.

This must be made up as follows:

  • Working within the Private Security Industry – 10 hours (1 hour face to face if distance learning approved).
  • Working as a Security Officer within the Private Security Industry – 10 hours (all face to face).
  • Conflict Management within the Private Security Industry – 8 hours (7.50 hours face to face if distance learning approved).

What is the minimum number of hours to deliver LASER Level 2 Award for Working as Cash and Valuables in Transit Operative within the Private Security Industry?

A minimum total of 28 hours of guided learning.

This must all be face to face.
This must be made up as follows:

  • Introduction to the Cash and Valuables in Transit Industry – 10 hours (all face to face).
  • Working as a Cash and Valuables in Transit Operative within the Private Security Industry – 18 hours (all face to face).

Do all the units need to be taught face to face in the training room?

No. Some parts of some units can be taught by distance/flexible learning before candidates attend the course, IF you have approval from Trident Awards to do so and have high quality learning materials which you can supply to your candidates. You must also be available for candidates to contact you with any queries about their learning, and you must check their learning and understanding.

Complete form CR5 and e mail it to your Quality and Curriculum Reviewer (QCR) if you wish to apply for this approval.

How many hours can be delivered this way and which units does it apply to?

  • 9 hours of learning for the Working in the Private Security Industry unit.
  • 0.5 hours of learning for the preperation for training for the Conflict Management within the Private Security Industry unit.
  • 3 hours of learning for preperation for the training for the Physical Intervention Skills within the Private Security Industry unit.
  • 2.5 hours of learning for the Safety Awareness for Door Supervisors unit.

Note that NO assessment may be included in distance learning hours.

What is included in the guided learning hours/face to face contact hours?

Face to face training and all exams (written and practical) are included in the guided learning and face to face contact hours.

Candidates self study (distance/flexible learning) time is included in the guided learning hours but NOT in the face to face contact hours.

Breaks during training and identity checking are NOT included in either guided learning or face to face contact hours.

What is the maximum number of hours training which can be delivered in a day?

8 hours, however for Working as a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industry (only), one of the days can be 8.5 hours.

What is the minimum number of days over which the hours must be delivered for each qualification?

Working as a Door Supervisor within the Private Security Industry: minimum 4 days if using distance/flexible learning, otherwise 5.

Upskilling a Door Supervisor working within the Private Security Industry: minimum 2 days.

Working as a CCTV Operator (Public Space Surveillance) within the Private Security Industry: minimum 3 days if using distance/flexible learning, otherwise 4.

Working as a Security Officer within the Private Security Industry: minimum 3 days.

Working as a Cash and Valuables in Transit Operative within the Private Security Industry: minimum 4 days.

Exam Invigilation

What does an invigilator need to do?

An invigilator is responsible for holding the written examinations according to all the requirements, which includes checking the identity of all the candidates.

Invigilator responsibilities are detailed in the Trident Awards Examination Handbook.

Who can invigilate?

Invigilators have a key role in upholding the integrity of the examination process.

You must ensure that invigilation is carried out by a person who has not prepared the candidates for the examination. This means that the trainer cannot act as the examination invigilator, and must not be present in the examination room. It is not appropriate for invigilation to be carried out by a person related to a candidate sitting the examination. Invigilators must have clear spoken English, legible hand writing and the ability to read and check documents. They do not need to be subject specialists.

See the Trident Awards Examination Handbook Examination Handbook.

What guidance is there for invigilators?

The Trident Awards Examination Handbook has detailed guidance which invigilators must be familiar with and must abide by at all times.

Invigilators must also be fully conversant with the SIA requirements for confirming candidates’ identity.

Is there any training available for invigilators?

Yes. Trident Awards offers a one day training programme which is recommended for anyone carrying out invigilation. For further details, click here.

Initial Assessment of English at Level 1

What is meant by initial assessment of a candidate’s English and why is it important?

The SIA requires all candidates undertaking a licence-linked security qualification to be able to function in listening and understanding spoken and written English at Level 1 or above.

It is the responsibility of the training centre to:

  •  have in place a process to confirm each candidate’s level of English;
  • ensure that every candidate meets the requirement;
  • provide evidence of this for each candidate.

Candidates who cannot fulfil this requirement should not be allowed to start the course or to take the examinations, and should be signposted to an organisation such as their local Further or Adult Education College to improve their current skill levels.

What qualifications does the SIA recognise as acceptable evidence that a candidate has the language skills required at Level 1?

  • A B1 level qualification on the Home Office’s list of recognised English tests and qualifications.
  • A B1 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) qualification.
  • An ESOL qualification at Level 1 on the Ofqual register taken in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
  • An ESOL qualification at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 5 awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and taken in Scotland.
  • A Functional Skills Level 1 qualification in English.
  • An SQA Core Skills qualification in Communication at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 5.
  • An Essential Skills Wales qualification in Communication Level 1.

What do centres need to do if a candidate cannot provide any evidence of having achieved at an appropriate qualification as specified by the SIA?

As the training centre you need to implement a process to assess and record the language skill level of all candidates undertaking a licence-linked security qualification.

You could do this with the Trident Awards Initial Assessment Pack designed specifically for this purpose, which is available to approved centres at a one-off cost of £50 for unlimited use. For further information please contact your Quality Reviewer or the Quality Manager, Julie Corrie on j.corrie@laser-awards.org.uk.

You could also design your own assessment, which will require approval by Trident Awards.

Will the Quality Reviewer (QR) check the initial assessment?

Your QR will check that you have an appropriate procedure in place and are using appropriate materials to carry out and evidence the assessment. You must therefore keep secure records of each candidate’s initial assessment results and the activities you have undertaken to assess the level of English.

Where Trident Awards or the SIA believe that a candidate’s level of English does not meet the required level, an investigation will be carried out, which may result in the candidate’s qualification (and SIA licence if issued) being withdrawn.

Physical Intervention

What is the maximum trainer to candidate ratio for the practical physical intervention training?

A ratio of 1:12 – that is one trainer for a maximum of 12 candidates. So if you have 10 candidates, one trainer would be sufficient, but if you have 13 candidates you must use two trainers.

How big should the training room be for the practical physical intervention training?

At least 2×2 metres (4 square metres) per person including the trainer.

Is there a standard room size?

No, however the room should be no less than 4 metres in width or length.

Is it ok to have furniture in the room during this activity?

Yes, however for health and safety reasons this needs to be carefully managed to avoid injury. All furniture must be stacked/cleared to the side and have at least a metre’s space between it and the activity.

Does the room have to be rectangular?

No, though rectangular is the best shape to allow for all candidates to be able to see and to take part. The room can be any shape provided the trainer has clear sight of all the candidates when they are doing the activities at all times.

What happens if the room doesn’t meet the requirements eg isn’t big enough?

The number of candidates must be reduced accordingly, or an alternative venue found before training commences. If a new venue is found you will need to complete form CR2 and e-mail it to your Quality Reviewer for approval.

How is the physical intervention practical assessment assessed and recorded?

The trainer carries out the practical assessment. They must complete the Observation Assessment Sheet including signing and dating. It is good practice for strengths and development opportunities to be recorded in the box marked ‘Trainer’s Feedback to Candidates’.

Candidates must also sign and date the appropriate boxes on the Observation Assessment Sheet. Candidates should be encouraged to comment and provide any feedback in the box provided.

A candidate must correctly demonstrate every technique in order to pass the unit. Any techniques which are not correctly demonstrated may be repeated.

Some practical physical intervention assessment decisions and feedback to candidates must form part of your internal quality assurance processes which will be monitored by your Quality Reviewer.

What will your Quality Reviewer monitor in relation to practical physical intervention training and assessment, during their visits?

  • Completed Observaton Assessment Sheets.
  • Recording of achievement
  • IQA Records of activity sheets and assessment decisions.
  • Assessment of practical physical intervention.
  • Room requirements.
  • Trainer to candiate ratio.

After the practical physical intervention assessment, what should be sent to Trident Awards?

  • Candidate List.
  • Candidate Information Sheet.
  • Observation Assessment Sheets.

How is candidates’ physical intervention knowledge assessed?

Physical intervention knowledge is assessed by the centre, using the multiple choice examination papers provided by Trident Awards. Every question must be answered correctly in order for the candidate to pass the unit. Any incorrect answers may be retaken after professional discussion with the trainer, either individually or in a group.

Centre Record Keeping

Do centres have to keep a record of each candidate who attends each training session?

Yes it is important you have a record of every candidate signing in and out of every session. You can create and maintain your own recording system or use the Trident Candidate Register.

What documents must trainers keep?

  • Lesson plans.
  • Schemes of work.
  • Records of candidate achievement.
  • Timetables.
  • Class register (with candidate signatures).
  • Candidate feedback.

For practical assessments (Door Supervision and CCTV Operations):

  • Evidence of assessment.
  • Record of assessment decision.

Can the attendance record/register be completed by the trainer?

No. This must be completed by the candidates including their signatures.

Do we need to maintain an accident/incident book?

Yes. This should be completed each time an accident or injury takes place and signed by trainer and (when possible) the affected candidate.

Does the candidate’s car park ticket, time and date marked both in and out at the course venue, evidence the candidate’s attendance at the training for the specified hours?

No, this is not evidence of the candidate attending the course. (They could have gone to the café or shopping!)

Is it sufficient to have a detailed course delivery plan giving start and finish times for every unit, including break times, which meets SIA requirements?

No. Having a plan, however detailed, does not meet the requirement to have evidence of candidates’ attendance. You need to have the candidate’s signature confirming attendance at every session.

What records must the Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) keep?

IQA documentation and evidence ensuring compliance and quality across the programme(s) including monitoring and improving trainer competence and standardisation of the delivery of the programme(s). This will include evidence of IQA documented feedback to trainer/assessor on practical assessment decisions and on written candidate feedback given by the trainer/assessor to candidates.

Do centres need to send Trident Awards any of the IQA records?

Generally no; any that are required will be asked for by the Quality Reviewer (QR). However you should upload to Quartz the delivery and assessment timetable for each unit.

What do centres need to record in relation to examination papers? 

  • Record of receipt of examination papers.
  • Record of when exam papers are posted to Trident Awards. (This must be within two days of completion of examination.)

How long should centres keep candidate achievement records?

At least three years. These must be stored securely either under lock and key, or password protected.

How long should centres keep candidate photographs and signatures?

At least three years. These must be stored securely either under lock and key, or password protected.

Will the Quality Reviewer (QR) want to see the centre’s records?

Yes. Your QR will monitor and check your systems and records.

What should a centre do if any of the learners do not complete all test papers during their registered course?

If any of your learners are unable to complete all the test papers required for their qualification on the examination date set for their cohort, you must despatch the learner’s completed candidate response sheets with the other learners’ work as usual. Centres must not keep any completed examination papers. When the learner is able to complete the missed test, you must register them onto a new run and send their completed documentation to Trident Awards in the usual way.

Centre Visits

Who from Trident Awards will visit the centre?

Your Quality Reviewer (QR) will normally be the person who visits. You will be allocated a named QR when you apply to become approved. Unannounced visits may however be carried out by any member of the Trident Awards quality team. Centres are required to allow access to any representative of Trident Awards or the regulators (Ofqual and the SIA) at any time. Trident Awards also uses ‘mystery shopper’ candidates to attend courses and report back on whether all requirements are being met.

Why will they visit?

There are four types of visit:

  • Centre approval – relating to application for approval.
  • Announced (planned) quality review – usually by the names QR, agreed in advance with the centre. May be during or outside of training times.
  • Unannounced – by the named QR or another member of the Trident Awards quality team. Usually during training and/or examination times.
  • Quality contact – a meeting held at the request of the centre. This could be to discuss development of our provision and types of qualification.

In addition, ‘mystery shopper’ candidates can be deployed onto any course at any time, to check that all requirements are being met appropriately.

What is the purpose of the first visit?

The first visit will be to complete the centre approval procedures after you have applied to become approved.

The QR will discuss with you your application form and the processes and procedures required when you become an approved centre, and to prepare a TAQR1 report which will include a risk assessment of your centre and contain any conditions or recommendations linked to your becoming approved.

The Trident Awards Quality Manager will send you the completed TAQR1 report after your approval visit.

When will a centre know when an announced quality review visit is going to happen?

The QR will arrange a suitable day and time with you. To enable diaries to be free this will normally be no later than 1 month before the visit.

What is the frequency of announced visits?

The first announced visit will take place within six months of approval, and announced visits will then take place at least once per year thereafter.

How will centres know which areas the QR would like to review during the announced visit?

Before the visit your QR will send a Trident Awards External Quality Assurance (EQA) Visit Planner indicating the areas/documents to be covered during the visit.

Why will some visits be unannounced?

Unannounced visits are an important part of Trident Awards’ quality assurance activities, and are an SIA requirement. They are to provide assurance that every centre is operating in the way in which it has agreed to do. No centre should be alarmed to receive such a visit.

What is the frequency of unannounced visits?

At least one a year, but often more frequent, particularly if your centre has a high number of trainers and/or venues. Centres should expect an unannounced visit at any time.

How will we know which areas the QR would like to review during the unannounced visit?

The QR could review any of the requirements for the qualification being delivered/assessed.

Why does Trident Awards use ‘mystery shopper’ candidates?

‘Mystery shopper’ candidates provide valuable feedback to confirm that centres are meeting all the requirements in the delivery and assessment of their courses. Unfortunately in a very small number of cases, some centres believe they are ‘above the law’ – but this is not the case. Trident Awards takes its quality assurance responsibilities very seriously and will investigate and take appropriate action against any centre found not to be complying with requirements. This includes reporting investigation findings to Ofqual, the SIA, and other awarding organisations, where malpractice is identified.

How can I arrange for the QR to visit to discuss developing and increasing the qualifications/provision we offer?

Telephone or email your named QR who will be happy to discuss your requirements and how Trident Awards can help.

Complaints and Appeals

Who can make a complaint about a centre?

Candidates, centre staff, or anyone else identified in the centre’s complaints policy could make a complaint.

What should a centre’s complaints policy include?

It is up to each centre to produce a complaints policy which is appropriate to its needs, and is fair to everyone. If needed, Trident Awards can support your centre to write or review your complaints policy.

What should a centre do if a complaint is made against it or a member of its staff?

Refer to your complaints policy and follow the procedures.

How will candidates on a course know about the centre’s complaints policy?

Each centre has responsibility for communicating its policy to all its candidates and ensuring that all candidates have access to it. Although it is up to each centre to decide how to do this, best practice is to advise candidates of the complaints policy during their induction, and to obtain written confirmation from each candidate that they know how to make a complaint.

Trident Awards Quality Reviewers check how candidates are made aware of a centre’s complaints policy, during quality review visits.

How will centre staff know about the centre’s complaints policy?

Each centre has responsibility for communicating its policy to all its staff and ensuring that all staff have access to it. Although it is up to each centre to decide how to do this, best practice is to give staff a copy of the complaints policy during their induction, and to obtain written confirmation that they know how to make a complaint.

Trident Awards Quality Reviewers check how staff are made aware of a centre’s complaints policy, during quality review visits.

Why should a centre always follow its complaints policy?

Firstly, to be fair to all that every complaint is being dealt with in a consistent and transparent way. Secondly, the complaint, if it can’t be resolved by the centre, could be escalated to Trident Awards, the SIA or Ofqual who will ask for evidence from the centre that its procedures have been adhered to.

Can a centre ask Trident Awards to deal with a complaint it has received about its services/staff/etc?

Trident Awards requires that centres deal appropriately with all complaints it receives, whatever their nature.

Only in the event that a complainant feels that the centre’s complaints procedure has been exhausted and the complaint has not been resolved, can Trident Awards accept the complaint from the complainant as a last resort.

The Trident Awards Complaints Policy can be found here.

What should a centre do if it receives an anonymous letter making a complaint or allegations of malpractice against the centre?

The centre must follow its complaints or malpractice policy (as appropriate) in dealing with all complaints and allegations.

Can a candidate appeal against an assessment or examination result?

Yes. All centres must have a policy which sets out how it will deal with appeals. Appeals against examinations marked by Trident Awards should be made directly to Trident Awards in accordance with its Appeals Policy.

What are the differences between complaints, allegations of malpractice, whistleblowing, and appeals?

A complaint should be made when someone is not satisfied with the level of service they have received.

Malpractice is any act of dishonesty, misconduct or negligence, or any practice which could bring an organisation’s reputation into disrepute. An allegation of malpractice should be made if someone suspects or knows that malpractice has taken place which directly affects or potentially affects them.

Whistleblowing is a term used when someone discloses information relating to malpractice or wrongdoing and/or the covering up of malpractice or wrongdoing, which affects others but does not usually affect the whistleblower directly.

An appeal should be made if someone believes that an unfair decision has been taken. This includes appeals against examination results.

Centres should have policies for complaints, malpractice, and appeals, and it is good practice to have a policy for whistleblowing. Trident Awards can offer support if needed to develop all these policies to be appropriate for your centre.

Trident Awards’ policies in all these areas can be found here

Distance/Flexible Learning

What should a centre do if we want to deliver part of a qualification by distance/flexible learning?

Ensure that you have high quality training materials and will be able to provide appropriate support for candidates completing this learning by distance learning.

Complete form CR5. This can also be found on the Trident Awards web site. The completed form should be e-mailed to trident@laser-awards.org.uk.

Can we start to deliver by distant/flexible learning as soon as we email the form CR5?

No. Your Quality Reviewer will consider you request and request any further information needed, then will advise you of their decision.

How much delivery can be done by distance/flexible learning?

  • 9 hours of learning for the Working in the Private Security Industry unit.
  • 0.5 hours of learning for the preperation for training for the Conflict Management within the Private Security Industry unit.
  • 3 hours of learning for preperation for the training for the Physical Intervention Skills within the Private Security Industry unit.
  • 2.5 hours of learning for the Safety Awareness for Door Supervisors unit.

Note that NO assessment may be included in distance learning hours.

Is confirmation from the centre and candidates that distance/flexible learning material was given to all candidates before the course started, evidence that distance/flexible learning was carried out by candidates?

No. The fact that material was given out is not evidence that learning was undertaken and achieved. Centres must consider how they can evidence this.

What will the Quality Reviewer want to see when the quality visit is undertaken?

  • Learning materials used for distance/flexible learning.
  • Evidence of checks that learning has taken place by distance/flexible learning.
  • Evidence that the candidates knew the trainer was available by phone or email during distance/flexible learning (to support and guide where necessary).
  • Timetable showin trainers availability to support candidates during distance/flexible learning.

What kind of distance/flexible learning might be appropriate?

  • Online/e-learning materials.
  • CD Rom.
  • Workbook.
  • Any other high quality learning materials, preferably with interaction/input required from the candidate.

Can candidates be given the distance/flexible learning at the start of the course, to complete during the course?

No. The distance/flexible learning must be completed before candidates begin the first day of their course. Some of it is preparation for the learning they will encounter during the course, so it needs to be done beforehand, and also there are not enough hours in a day to expect them to reasonably attend the training hours and then to carry out the distance/flexible learning at home.

Internal Quality Assurance

What does Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) mean?

IQA is the process by which a centre regularly reviews and evaluates its training materials, delivery, and assessment decisions.

Why do centres need IQA?

Having an effective IQA process will help you to ensure you are complying with the requirements of Trident Awards centre approval and meeting the regulations set out by the SIA and Ofqual.

Who should be responsible for IQA?

The designated member of staff who is responsible for quality at the centre.

Can you give some examples of the activity the IQA should be checking?

  • Venues are fit for training and examinations.
  • Training lesson observations.
  • Training material is up to date and fit for purpose.
  • Internal verification of planning for assessment (e.g. scenarios).
  • Internal verification of role-play assessments.
  • Records of candidates’ achievement.
  • End of course evaluation meetings including candidate feedback.
  • Monitoring and responding to candidate feedback.
  • Responding to actions set by Trident Awards in quality reports.
  • Reviewing schemes of work.
  • Planning of IQA activity (e.g. calendar of events).
  • Monitoring candidate IDs conform to SIA requirements.

Will the Quality Reviewer (QR) check that a centre has an IQA process in place?

Yes. Your QR will monitor and report on your IQA processes, and review your IQA documentation.

Does Trident Awards have any templates that centres could use for recording IQA activity?

Not at the moment. Trident Awards has a flexible approach in allowing centres to create your own documents that suit your particular needs. Trident Awards is however currently developing some templates for centres which may wish to use them, with anticipated roll out of these in 2016.

What is meant by standardisation of assessed work?

Standardisation is the process by which consistency of delivery and assessment is ensured. This encompasses a review of internally set tasks and the outcomes of internal assessment by centres (such as role plays and practical scenarios) to ensure consistency across the range of courses being delivered by your centre.

Who should take part in the standardisation activity?

It is recommended that internal standardisation meetings include all trainers and internal quality assurers (IQAs) concerned and that action plans are produced and followed up.

Will the Quality Reviewer (QR) monitor Standardisation activity?

Yes. Your QR will monitor the activity and ask to see evidence of standardisation activity and of how the centre identifies and disseminates the outcomes of standardisation including good practice.

What is a ‘reasonable adjustment’ and what is the process for having this approved?

A ‘reasonable adjustment’ is any action that helps to reduce the effect of a disability or difficulty that places a candidate at a substantial disadvantage in an assessment situation.

Reasonable adjustments must not affect the reliability and validity of assessment outcomes and must be as rigorous as assessment methods used with other candidates. The centre must complete the form to apply for Reasonable Adjustment for each case, and submit it to their QR for consideration.

What is a ‘special consideration’ and what is the process for having this approved?

A ‘special consideration’ is a process that allows a candidate or a group of candidates that suffer temporary illness, injury, indisposition or interruption at the time of an assessment to use alternative opportunities/methods to demonstrate the skills that they are capable of in order to achieve the units and level set to be assessed.

The centre must complete the form to apply for Special Considerations Special Considerations for each case, and submit it to their QR for consideration.

Additionality

What is covered by Additionality?

Being able to support, guide, respond and manage vulnerable people (e.g. somebody who is disabled or adversely affected by drugs and alcohol).

How can a centre demonstrate additionality?

Being able to deliver material on ejecting vulnerable people from sites and premises and refusing them entry.

Must ‘Ejections and refusal of entry of vulnerable people’ be delivered by the trainer?

‘Ejections and refusal of entry of vulnerable people’ element must be delivered as part of the contact time for the Conflict Management unit.

It must not be delivered by Distant learning.

How do we demonstrate helping an individual up and down stairs?

This must be done in a class setting (and must not be delivered by Distant Learning).

At least 3 stairs must be available at the training venue for the demonstration of escorting an individual up and down stairs.

How do we demonstrate helping an individual up and down stairs?

This must be done in a class setting (and must not be delivered by Distant Learning).

At least 3 stairs must be available at the training venue for the demonstration of escorting an individual up and down stairs.

Is a photograph of the stairs used at the approved venue evidence of use of three stairs in PI training?

No. Additional evidence must be provided.

Will the Quality Reviewer (QR) want to see evidence of how additionality is delivered?

Yes. The SIA requires us (and all other Awarding Organisations) to see evidence that this training is being demonstrated. This could be by observing the session; viewing Schemes of Work and Lesson plans; talking with trainers and candidates.

The QCR will want to inspect the stairs you use in the demonstrations.