Monthly Archives: June 2015

Updates to HABC Level 3 Award in Food Allergen Management for Caterers

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Allergens HABC has made changes to the Level 3 Award in Food Allergen Management for Caterers after asking Centres how the qualification could be improved.

The changes see updates to the assessment pack and accompanying Tutor, Assessor an IQA (TAI) Pack to make some of the tasks more relevant to the learners taking the qualification, while guidance on acceptable answers, delivery options, assessment and quality assurance processes has been simplified and made clearer.

The qualification is also now recognised by Ofqual , meaning that learner certificates will now include the regulator’s logos.

HABC recommends that Centres currently delivering the qualification use the updated packs immediately (available here ). If you have any further queries to do with the qualification, please contact your account manager.

More skydive pics from Dubai…

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As you’ll know from our last post , our team out in Dubai took to the skies this June to raise money for VICTA – and now we have the rest of the pics!

Taking place on 18 June 2015 in Dubai, the jump saw international director Rebecca Sprenger, office manager Helen Greenhow and systems and audits manager Rodolfo Madrid skydive from 15,000 feet back to terra firma.

VICTA works to provide equipment, services and events that help blind and visually impaired children and young people develop socially, emotionally and educationally, as well as offering their parents a vital network of support and information.

Another Highfield team, Team Skyfall, will be performing their own skydive 15,000 feet above Hibaldstow Airfield in North Lincolnshire in July, also for VICTA.

Dubai office takes to the skies for VICTA

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Our team out in Dubai took to the skies this June – and then skydived back down again – to raise money for VICTA .

26 The jump, which took place on 18 June 2015 in Dubai, saw international director Rebecca Sprenger, office manager Helen Greenhow and systems and audits manager Rodolfo Madrid take up the challenge and put their fears aside as they braved sweltering temperatures and last-minute nerves.

3 VICTA works to provide equipment, services and events that help blind and visually impaired children and young people develop socially, emotionally and educationally, as well as offering their parents a vital network of support and information.

5 Since 2013, Highfield and its team have been taking part in numerous initiatives to raise money for VICTA, with some staff even contributing their time to assist in their events.

8 Rebecca Sprenger said, ‘Even though we are all the way over here in Dubai, there is still a really close relationship between us, the UK office and the rest of the Highfield team – wherever we are based. And we certainly aren’t ones to duck a challenge, so when there was the opportunity for HABC MEA to stand up and be counted for VICTA, we jumped at the challenge. Or in our case, jumped out of a plane!

10 One of my roles as International Director is to ensure that both the UK and Middle East offices work in harmony together to deliver the quality, value, service and integrity synonymous with the Highfield brand globally. This was a great way to bring the team together as one, achieve something that none of us will ever forget and raise money for a wonderful cause.

15 And now that we’ve done it, Team Skyfall back in the UK can’t back out now!’

17 Another Highfield team, Team Skyfall, will be performing their own skydive 15,000 feet above Hibaldstow Airfield in North Lincolnshire in July, also for VICTA.

18 For more information or to make a donation, click here

23 No pressure, Team Skyfall….

Apprenticeship and traineeship learning resources

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Sourcing the best resources for your learners can be frustrating, which is why we have developed a range of materials specifically matched to the apprenticeships and traineeships we offer.

Our Apprenti-kits and Trainee-kits are innovative learner resources, designed to guide apprentices and trainees right through the entirety of their programme, from day one to graduation.

retail-akit-on Apprenti-kits cover the mandatory units of knowledge-based apprenticeship qualifications , and include everything that learners need such as textbooks, workbooks and guidance from subject matter experts. Available in nearly 20 subject areas, apprenti-kits are also available as e-kits, using Adobe editable software so that learners can complete them electronically.

Our Trainee-kits are designed to support the government’s new traineeship programme, which are aimed at unemployed young people aged 16 to 24. They are part of the wider apprenticeship family, and designed to give learners the work experience, skills and knowledge that employers need them to have in order to start contributing to their business.

trainee-kit Each Trainee-kit contains a welcome booklet, explaining how traineeships and their component parts work, a work preparation section outlining the work preparation qualifications available, a section allowing learners to reflect on their work experience, plus a textbook for the academic aspect of traineeships and workbooks containing questions and activities mapped to learning outcomes that can be used as evidence of learning. And just like our Apprenti-kits, they come in an e-kit format so they can be completed electronically.

For more information on apprenti-kits, click here

For more information on traineekits, click here

Gold Standard for Water Conditioning Services UK Training Academy

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Cogent Sarah The Water Conditioning Services UK Training Academy was celebrating in May after being awarded one of the top accolades for training in the science-based sector.

The Daventry-based organisation, which is a HABC Approved Centre, was recognised as a Cogent Gold Standard Training Provider for its high standards and commitment to quality learning in life-sciences and water treatment sectors.

Cogent skills are an employer-led organisation, which uses government funding to meet the skills gaps within the sector through working in partnership to design fit for purpose apprenticeships, formal qualifications and training courses. The accolade of being awarded a Gold Standard by Cogent Skills firmly positions the Training Academy as a centre of choice in the delivery of science based training solutions.

Being awarded the Gold Standard by Cogent Skills marks Water Conditioning Services UK Training Academy out as one of the centres of choice for delivery for the delivery of science-based training solutions.

The Water Conditioning Services UK Training Academy (formerly B & V Training Academy ) provides robust, formal training in controlling water-borne pathogens within water systems, in particular Legionella control. Water Conditioning Services UK has always firmly believed that they can best support their customers through providing comprehensive training programmes to ensure they get the most out of the services and chemicals supplied to them.

Part of the Training Academy’s commitment to delivering high quality training solutions led to partnerships with external awarding organisations, including Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC) to develop brand new formal qualifications in Legionella control .

The development of new formal Ofqual accredited qualifications for legionella control has also grabbed the attention of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) who have recognised the value that SUEZ environnement have provided to the industry in the development of regulated training solutions.

The Training Academy has already been recognised as finalists for a H&V News Award and a Northamptonshire Business Excellence Award last year, and were successful in winning the Medilink East Midlands Collaboration with the NHS Award.

Sarah Pallett, Head of Training Academy Water Conditioning Services UK, said, ‘The Training Academy has a clear focus and commitment to being the best provider of training and development within the water industry. As we expand our portfolio of qualifications and courses we recognise that our expertise lies firmly within the water treatment industry and will not deviate from this core provision. We are committed to working collaboratively with key stakeholders, regulators and customers to provide innovative new training solutions in water hygiene and water management’.

For more information, click here

Apprenticeship trailblazers –where are we now?

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APP_Logo_Col_5185 Apprenticeships are going through a radical overhaul, with changes to the way they are developed and implemented, and a particular emphasis on involving employers in their overall design.

A number of ‘trailblazer’ groups have been carrying out this process, made up of employers, professional bodies, trade associations and sector skills councils, working together to design new apprenticeship standards for occupations within their sector.

You may be aware that HABC has been involved too, bringing its expertise and experience as an Awarding Organisation and developer of qualifications to the process, particularly with regards to the apprenticeship assessment plans.

HABC has been working with the transport apprenticeship trailblazer group, which is developing two proposed Level 2 standards for passenger transport services and passenger transport operations.

The passenger transport services apprenticeship will cover customer-facing roles on buses, coaches and trains, including ticketing and on-board sales. As well as job-specific skills, it will contain core values covering life skills and allow for career progression to team leading and management roles at Level 3 and Level 4.

The proposed passenger transport operations apprenticeship, also at Level 2, covers the back-of-house functions of a transport business and includes non-customer facing roles such as timetabling and planning services. It again covers core values and life skills,allowing for progression to team leading and management roles at Level 3 and Level 4.

HABC has assisted in the consultation on the final draft of the transport apprenticeship standards, including helping to create a learner journey from a brand new starter to being an employable apprentice, and helped to establish what type of assessment is appropriate (including formative, summative and end-point assessment) as part of an overall assessment plan.

The final draft of the transport apprenticeship standards are currently awaiting approval, expected some time over the summer.

HABC has also been taking part in the development of the new standards for the customer service apprenticeship trailblazer, having been formally invited to help develop an assessment plan alongside other organisations.

The standards, will include two pathways – front line customer service practitioner and customer experience specialist – will meet the needs of employers whilst allowing learners and employees to progress to the next level in their career.

Currently the customer service apprenticeship standards have been submitted for approval and we are waiting on the outcome of this.

For more information on apprenticeship trailblazers, click here

Team Skyfall reach for the skies in charity mission

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VICTA Highfield’s very own ‘Team Skyfall’ will be taking their fundraising activities to quite literally a new level –namely 15,000 feet – as they jump out of a plane to raise money for VICTA .

Taking place on 11 July at Hibaldstow Airfield, North Lincolnshire, the jump will see Highfield team members Claire James, Amiee Saul, Sean Asquith and Holly McLean taking the plunge (harnessed to instructors) from over 2 miles up before freefalling to 5000 feet at 120 mph.

VICTA works to provide equipment, services and events that help blind and visually impaired children and young people develop socially, emotionally and educationally, as well as offering their parents a vital network of support and information.

Claire James said, ‘Along with the rest of Team Skyfall, I’m really looking forward to completing this once-in-a-lifetime challenge with the opportunity to not only raise funds, but also awareness of the charity. Behind the bravado we’re all a little apprehensive – throwing yourself from an aircraft at 15,000ft isn’t an everyday occurrence after all! However we hope it’ll be a memorable experience for all involved’.

If you would like to contribute to Team Skyfall, just click here

Professor Elliott to speak at fighting food fraud event

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Fighting Food Fraud HABC is launching the first in a series of specialised food safety events, giving food sector professionals the tools they need to fight food fraud.

Taking up the challenges posed by the Elliott Review , Fighting Food Fraud is aimed at food safety, environmental health, trading standards professionals, practitioners and educators, and will feature some of the world’s top experts including Professor Chris Elliott himself.

Held at Doncaster Racecourse on 17 September 2015, the event will help food safety and enforcement professionals understand more about the threat food fraud poses to the UK, the recent scandals involving food supply and sourcing, and identifying emerging risks.

Key topics covered will also include:

  • An overview of food fraud and The Elliott Review
  • Types of food fraud and indicators for fraud
  • Supply chain integrity and food authenticity
  • How industry needs to protect itself and what progress has been made so far
  • The role of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) Food Crime Unit , plus an update
  • Penalties and consequences
  • Food crime intelligence.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to discuss the new Issue 7 of the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety , released in January 2015 and which will commence from July 2015. This session will guide delegates through the content of the new Standard and give some guidance with regard to compliance with the new requirements.

Guest speakers confirmed for Fighting Food Fraud include:

  • Professor Chris Elliott, Professor of Food Safety and Director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast
  • Andy Morling, Head of Food Crime at the FSA
  • John Figgins, BRC Technical Specialist – Food.

Richard Sprenger, HABC Chairman, said, ‘Food authenticity has become under close scrutiny recently from food retailers, manufacturers and consumers. Food law enforcement must be delivered effectively so that consumers can have confidence in the food they eat. With ongoing work to identify potential food fraud this has fast become a key topic within the food safety industry’.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to discuss issues and network with the speaker panel in our Q&A session.

Lunch, refreshments and CPD certificate are all included in the price.

CPD
Attendance at this event entitles you to 6 CPD points.

Who should attend?
Anyone interested in food safety including professionals, practitioners and educators in:

  • Food safety
  • Environmental health
  • Trading standards.

Cost/Book Now

  • HABC Centre: £130 + VAT
  • Non-HABC Centre: £170 + VAT

*limited places and subject to availability.

If you are a training centre, please select here to book your place(s). Students wishing to attend this event must submit their enquiry to shoulbrook@highfieldabc.net

Promotional Opportunities
If you are interested in promoting your business at our event then we can provide marketing opportunities to suit your budget, with prices starting from £99 + VAT.

Exhibitor spaces will be positioned within the networking area and places are still available. Exhibition spaces available from £300 + VAT.

To become a sponsor/exhibitor, please submit your enquiry to shoulbrook@highfieldabc.net

To join the Highfield Food Safety Forum on LinkedIn where this event will be regularly discussed, please visit here .

Important update to first aid qualifications

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First Aid Response First aid qualifications are changing – with new requirements for tutors, assessors and IQA from later in the year.

The changes, which come into effect from 1 October 2015, will see a number of updates implemented designed to improve the rigour of first aid training qualifications and safeguard learners.

Details of the changes include requirements that:

  • Tutors hold regulated teaching or training qualifications
  • Assessors have a formal (regulated) assessing qualification
  • IQAs will need to achieve a formal (regulated) IQA qualification

Where assessors and IQAs do not hold the required qualifications, they will need to undertake first-aid assessor/IQA CPD training with an Awarding Organisation.

Further details of the tutor/assessor and IQA qualifications can be found within the qualification specification for any of the HABC first aid at work qualifications or within the Skills for Health assessment principle document.

HABC account managers are currently reviewing all tutor certificates held on the HABC system. Tutors/assessors that do not fulfil the requirements by 1 October 2015 will not be able to be selected by Centres when posting a course.

For more information, contact your HABC account manager.

HABC events for 2015

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HABC has a number of events lined up for summer, covering a range of subjects and aimed at trainers, educators and sector professionals.

For more information on each event and details of how to book, click on the location and date links.

First Aid Regulated First Aid Qualification Assessor and IQA CPD Training
Latest guidance for assessors and IQAs of HABC’s updated first-aid qualifications.
HABC Centres £50.00 + VAT
Standard Price £65.00 + VAT

DUDLEY 23 July 2015
NEWCASTLE 6 August 2015
DONCASTER 2 September 2015

Fire Safety

Fire Safety Event
Train the trainer event for those looking to deliver HABC’s fire safety qualifications.
HABC Centres £95.00 + VAT
Standard Price £155.00 + VAT

D ONCASTER 5 A ugust 2015

Admin event

Admin Support Event
Event to assist delegates with administrative tasks involved with being a HABC Centre, plus the chance to meet members of the HABC account management team.
FREE

CARDIFF 12 August 2015
STIRLING 6 October 2015
LONDON 24 October 2015

Pool Lifeguarding

Pool Lifeguarding Trainer/Assessor Conversion Day
Conversion days to allow pool lifeguard trainers/assessors to deliver the HABC Level 2 Award in Pool Lifeguarding (QCF).
FREE

BRISTOL 3 September 2015

Education and training

Education and Training 19 September
Aimed at Centres currently delivering (or planning to deliver) the HABC Level 3 Award in Education and Training (QCF) and the HABC Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (QCF).
HABC Centres £50.00 + VAT
Standard Price £65.00 + VAT

LONDON 19 September