Monthly Archives: March 2017

Two additional ‘Introducing Highfield’ sessions for Taunton/Belfast

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We’ve added two additional briefings to our series of ‘ Introducing Highfield ‘ events this spring.

Due to popular demand, we’ll now be holding a briefing on the afternoon of 13 April 2017 in Taunton, and on the afternoon of 25 April 2017 in Belfast. Morning sessions are now fully booked.

From this April, the CIEH will no longer be offering regulated qualifications and will be withdrawing its status as an awarding organisation. As a result, Highfield has been holding briefings for those centres that want to continue delivering regulated qualifications and are exploring ways of doing this.

Each briefing lasts two hours and will provide further information on the benefits of being an approved Highfield centre, our policies and values, as well as guidance on our registration process.

What you can expect on the day:

  • details on how to switch from CIEH to Highfield, plus our support during that process and afterwards
  • overview of the qualifications we offer, and are planning to offer
  • information on our FREE centre registration for CIEH customers
  • guidance on moving qualifications over to the Register of Qualifications Framework (RQF)
  • examples of associated training materials from Highfield International
  • the opportunity to network with training providers

And of course, you’ll get the chance to meet the Highfield team and some of our subject matter experts face-to-face, ask questions and give us your views on what you want to see from a responsive awarding organisation in terms of service, qualifications and products.

To book yourself and/or your colleagues on to this event, please visit here .

Alternatively, you can secure your place by calling us on 0845 226 0350/01302 363277 or by emailing events@highfieldabc.net . Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For the latest news, updates and events follow Highfield on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn and Instagram

We hope that you can join us for what is sure to be an extremely informative event.

Apprenticeship EPA approval for hospitality and adult care

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Highfield has been approved to deliver end-point assessment (EPA) for five more apprenticeship standards.

The five standards are:

  • Adult Care Worker
  • Lead Adult Care Worker
  • Commis Chef
  • Hospitality Team Member
  • Hospitality Supervisor

The training sector is currently undergoing some of its biggest changes in over 30 years, and will see new apprenticeship standards – developed by groups of employers known as ‘trailblazers’ – being assessed by EPA instead of continuous assessment.

This means individual apprentices will have their work and competence assessed towards the end of their learning against criteria established by employers.

There will also be the introduction of the apprenticeship levy from 1 May 2017, with larger employers paying into a central fund that must be used for apprenticeship training, while smaller employers will see 90 percent of their costs covered by the government.

For more details, go to Highfield Assessment .

More ‘Introducing Highfield’ events for CIEH centres

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Highfield Qualifications is holding a final series of ‘Introducing…’ events for CIEH centres looking to make the switch.

From this April, the CIEH will no longer be offering regulated qualifications and will be withdrawing its status as an awarding organisation. As a result, Highfield has been holding briefings for those centres that want to continue delivering regulated qualifications and are exploring ways of doing this.

Each breakfast briefing lasts two hours and will provide further information on the benefits of being an approved Highfield centre, our policies and values, as well as guidance on our registration process.

Dates and locations are:

  • Thursday 6 April 2017 – Cheadle
  • Wednesday 12 April 2017 – Maidstone
  • Thursday 13 April 2017 – Taunton
  • Thursday 25 April 2017 – Belfast

What you can expect on the day:

  • details on how to switch from CIEH to Highfield, plus our support during that process and afterwards
  • overview of the qualifications we offer, and are planning to offer
  • information on our FREE centre registration for CIEH customers
  • guidance on moving qualifications over to the Register of Qualifications Framework (RQF)
  • examples of associated training materials from Highfield International
  • the opportunity to network with training providers

And of course, you’ll get the chance to meet the Highfield team and some of our subject matter experts face-to-face, ask questions and give us your views on what you want to see from a responsive awarding organisation in terms of service, qualifications and products.

To book yourself and/or your colleagues on to this event, please visit here .

Alternatively, you can secure your place by calling us on 0845 226 0350/01302 363277 or by emailing events@highfieldabc.net . Spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For the latest news, updates and events follow Highfield on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn and Instagram

We hope that you can join us for what is sure to be an extremely informative event.

Two new qualifications to support care sector leaders

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Two new qualifications to support the training and development of current and future care sector leaders have been launched.

Developed by Highfield Qualification s and approved by Skills for Care , the qualifications are the most up to date in the sector that cover the principles of leadership and management for adult care, and the principles of commissioning for wellbeing.

The HABC Level 5 Certificate in Principles of Commissioning for Wellbeing (RQF) supports those for whom commissioning is part of their job role, and introduces the principles to new commissioners, enabling more experienced wellbeing professionals to review and update their knowledge. Although aimed at those who commission adult care and support services, it can be contextualised to support commissioners in health, housing and children’s care. It is the first of a suite of commissioning qualifications planned by Skills for Care.

The HABC Level 4 Certificate in Principles of Leadership and Management for Adult Care (RQF) covers the knowledge and understanding needed to allow learners to move into higher level training, thus bridging the gap between level 3 and level 5 qualifications.  It aligns with the Management Induction Standards (2016) and covers areas such as communication, safeguarding, professional development, regulatory processes and performance management.

Jason Sprenger, the Highfield Chief Executive said, ‘Supporting the development and training of current and future leaders in the care sector is paramount if it is to have the skilled individuals it needs to deliver services in an increasingly challenging environment. These are the most up-to-date additions to a suite of qualifications that focus on the principles of commissioning for wellbeing and the principles of leadership and management for adult care, and have been developed to a Skills for Care specification’.

For more information, go to http://www.highfieldabc.com/qualifications/compliance/healthsocialcare , phone 0845 2260350 or 01302 363277, or email info@highfieldabc.net

For regular updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook .

E-learning for the Care Certificate receives official endorsement

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An innovative e-learning package to support learners and employers undertaking the Care Certificate has received official endorsement from the sector’s lead, Skills for Care.

Highfield elearning developed its course to support the introduction of the Care Certificate and the accompanying workbook. And now the e-learning course has been given the prestigious Approved e-Programme accolade from Skills for Care, while Highfield has been awarded Recognised e-Provider status.

Highfield is one of the UK’s largest educational bodies and was responsible for developing the official Care Certificate Workbook in 2015 on behalf of the Partnership, made up of Health Education England , Skills for Care and Skills for Health .

Highfield elearning’s resource was developed independently of the Partnership, but mirrors the content of the workbook and was created by the same team of health and social care sector experts.

The e-learning is flexible so that each learner can complete the standards that are specific to their role, and is mapped to official health and social care qualifications so that prior learning can be recognised. It is also fully customisable so that it meets the needs of individual organisations, and trackable so that learners’ progress can be monitored and verified.

Skills for Care’s Endorsement Framework programme establishes a set of strict criteria that organisations must meet to receive official recognition, and must be renewed on an annual basis to ensure that high standards are maintained.

Chris Sprenger, Highfield’s Managing Director, said, ‘We’re proud to be one of the first organisations to be recognised by Skills for Care’s Endorsement Framework for an e-learning course. It is a huge accolade, and points to the strength of our e-learning offer, the expertise – both technical and sectoral – behind it, and the recognised and acknowledged impact it can bring to employers looking for effective, efficient learning that delivers value for money’.

Claire Eley, Specialist Training Manager at CQM Learning Ltd, said, ‘CQM Learning Ltd (CQM) has introduced over 200 organisations to the Highfield Care Certificate e-learning.  Our clients have found the course to be highly effective and efficient, and particularly love the reporting functions available. The most frequently commented on features are the ease of use and the time it saves managers and supervisors from marking workbooks, meaning time can instead be used to observe staff competence while holistically reassessing knowledge across the units. Our clients keep coming back to us for more licences, which coupled with the Skills for Care endorsement, means it’s the only Care Certificate e-learning CQM Learning will consider using’.

Janet Glentworth, Vocational Centre Manager at Creative Support said, ‘Since Creative Support began using Highfield’s Care Certificate e-learning package, the uptake and completion of the certificate has increased by 300 percent and is still increasing. Likewise, we have reduced the number of days needed by classroom induction by 50 percent. The LMS is clear, easy-to-use and informative – from registering learners to awarding the certificate – saving time and resources for our admin team. With its ability to track learner progress and completions, and its easy-to-access information for inspections (such as CQC), learners find it easy to use and very accessible, making it excellent value for money.’

For more information on Highfield’s Care Certificate e-learning, click here .

Alternatively, contact Highfield on 0845 2260350 or 01302 363277, or via email: info@highfieldabc.net

For regular social media updates, go to Twitter and Facebook .

ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. The Highfield Group is comprised of:

  • Highfield Qualifications – awarding organisation (AO)
  • Highfield International – learning resources publisher
  • Highfield elearning – developer of e-learning, e-assessment and learner management systems
  • Highfield Assessment – apprenticeship assessment organisation (AAO)
  • Highfield MEA – international operations, based in Dubai

Support for retail employers on apprenticeship levy and assessment

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Employers looking to make the most of the impending changes to apprenticeships this spring will have help from one of the UK’s leading awarding organisations.

Highfield Qualifications has been approved by the government to provide end-point assessment (EPA) for the new Retailer Level 2 apprenticeship standard, which is currently being introduced throughout the sector, and will be offering retail employers a full range of support services to make the most of their potential apprenticeship levy payments.

The changes are some of the biggest ever to training in the UK, and will see new apprenticeship standards like the Retailer Level 2 use EPA instead of continuous assessment, meaning individual apprentices will have their work and competence assessed towards the end of their learning against criteria established by retail employers.

There will also be the introduction of the apprenticeship levy from 1 May 2017, with larger employers paying into a central fund that must be used for apprenticeship training, while smaller employers will see 90 percent of their costs covered by the government.

Chris Sprenger, Highfield MD, said, ‘We understand the forthcoming changes have caused concern to many businesses in a retail sector already facing the prospect of minimum wage rises and an uncertain landscape after Brexit.

However, with our recognition by government as an apprentice assessment organisation (AAO), Highfield is in a position to provide specific assessment services for those businesses already taking on Retailer Level 2 apprentices. We can also offer consultancy and advice to any organisation still trying understand the changes and make the most of them –  whether they are looking to take on apprentices for the first time, wanting to have their existing in-house training recognised, or searching for services and resources to ensure they claim their full share of funding entitlement’.

He added, ‘Apprenticeships are great for business and can provide a welcome boost to staff development and productivity when it is most needed, but it’s vital that organisations understand from day one how to make sure the changes are of benefit to them and their employees’.

Highfield’s apprenticeship services are being offered through its Highfield Assessment brand.

For more information, go to www.highfieldassessment.com

You can also contact Highfield at info@highfieldabc.net or by calling 0845 2260350.

Video updates are available here (Retailer standard)  and here (AAO approval).

Regular social media updates are available on Twitter and Facebook .

ENDS
Notes to editors:

  1. Highfield Qualifications has been approved by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) as an apprenticeship assessment organisation (AAO) for the provision of end-point assessment for the Retailer Level 2 apprenticeship standard. Highfield’s apprenticeship services are delivered through its Highfield Assessment brand.
  2. Highfield Qualifications is one of the UK’s top five awarding organisations (AO) and winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2016, offering over 250 qualifications covering a wide variety of industries including retail, health and social care, rail, food safety, security, catering and hospitality, and logistics.
  3. Highfield Qualifications is part of the Highfield Group, which includes:
  • Highfield Qualifications – awarding organisation (AO)
  • Highfield International – learning resources publisher
  • Highfield elearning – developer of e-learning, e-assessment and learner management systems
  • Highfield Assessment – apprenticeship assessment organisation (AAO)
  • Highfield MEA – international operations, based in Dubai

Highfield chairman to speak at Dubai food safety event

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Highfield Chairman Richard Sprenger will be speaking at an event this March to promote food safety.

The Effective Cleaning for Food Safety seminar, held on 20 March 2017 at The Convention Centre, Roda Al Bustan Hotel, Dubai, has been arranged by Pulseberry in conjunction with MidChem , Ecoleaf and Highfield , and with support from Dubai Municipality Food Control Department.

The event is CPD endorsed, meaning delegates will be awarded 6 CPD points by Highfield. The flyer can be downloaded:

Dubai event March 2017

Anyone interested in attending the event should email Operations@highfieldabc.net