Category Archives: Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE: New security qualifications to be launched in 2015

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Security A new suite of qualifications for learners hoping to become licensed security operatives is to be launched in January 2015, with Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (‘HABC’) assisting in their development.

The introduction of the new qualifications comes after one of the largest ever reviews into learning in the sector was launched earlier in 2014, when the Security Industry Authority (SIA) announced it was evaluating their specifications for learning and qualifications.

The review affects security licence-linked units, and will result in qualifications containing these being withdrawn and replaced. HABC has been asked by the SIA to assist in the development work alongside other SIA-endorsed Awarding Organisations to create new units that will make up the qualifications.

Existing qualifications will be withdrawn on 31 December 2014, to be replaced with the revised qualifications with immediate effect from 1 January 2015.

Jason Sprenger, HABC Chief Executive, said, ‘This is perhaps the largest review the SIA has conducted into training since it took responsibility for the sector, and will result in the development of completely new suites of qualifications that better meet the needs of learners and employers. We actively encouraged all our Approved Centres offering security courses to take part in the public consultation to ensure that the sector had a voice in the review, and that the resulting qualifications would be valued by security professionals’.

A number of new learning materials to support the units are also planned for launch in January 2015, including the Working as a Door Supervisor , Working as a Security Officer and Working as a CCTV Operator books and training presentations written by security experts Andy Walker and Gordon Tyerman ( Working as a CCTV Operator only).

For more information on the changes call 0845 226 0350 or email info@highfieldabc.net

For regular updates, go to Twitter and Facebook
ENDS

Apprenticeships4England to warn of ‘decrease in apprenticeship opportunities’ at conference

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Lindsay McCurdy One of the UK’s leading voices on apprenticeships will warn conference delegates this autumn that proposed funding reforms will lead to a decrease in apprenticeship opportunities.

Lindsay McCurdy, Chief Executive of Apprenticeships4England , will tell delegates at the HABC National Conference on 13 November 2014 at Old Trafford Stadium that over half of businesses believe they would be forced to decrease the number of apprenticeship places they offer when the funding reforms come into place in 2015/16.

The stark statistic comes from the Apprenticeship4England Impact Funding Reform Survey conducted earlier this year, which asked businesses and training providers for their views on the proposed changes.

Key findings from the report show that:

  • 51% of businesses respondents think their organisation will see a decrease in apprenticeship uptake;
  • Over half of training providers believe engagement with businesses will decrease by 50% or more;
  • That 42% of businesses plan to walk away from apprenticeships completely once the new funding reforms are implemented;
  • 84% of respondents believe that employers should be able to choose whether they handle funding or not; and
  • 88% of all respondents believe that apprenticeship opportunities will be reduced overall.

Apprenticeships4England Lindsay McCurdy said, ‘What the proposals mean for the apprenticeship training sector, businesses and learners remain to be seen, but the statistics are there to see and reflect the deep concern across every part of the sector. I very much look forward to being part of the discussion at the HABC National Conference in November, and to hear if the opinions of the delegates match those of the Apprenticeship4England Impact survey’.

Jason Sprenger, HABC Chief Executive, said, ‘We have had 12 months of significant change in the apprenticeship sector, with more to come in 2015 and 2016. Out apprenticeship seminar at the HABC National Conference 2014 will bring clarity and insight to a range of issues from current and future apprenticeship developments, the constraints that providers find themselves facing, the support available and leadership training for deliverers – all within the context of the recent changes’.

As well as Lindsay McCurdy, the apprenticeship seminar at the HABC National Conference will feature speakers from the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), the UK Commission for Education and Skills (UKCES), the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), One Stop Stores, Superdrug parent company AS Watson and Whistl (formerly TNT Post).

For more information, go click here , call 0845 226 0350 or email events@highfieldabc.net .

You can also get regular updates on the HABC National Conference 2014 by following us on Twitter and Facebook .
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (‘HABC’) is one of the UK’s leading Awarding Organisations for vocational qualifications.
2. The Apprenticeship4England Impact Funding Reform Survey collated feedback from over 700 respondents. A full copy of the report can be downloaded by going here and then clicking the ‘Findings & Comments’ tab.
3. The apprenticeship seminar is one of seven that make up the HABC National Conference covering a number of sectors including fire safety/health and safety, first aid, food safety, licensing, pool lifeguarding and security.
4. Cost per attendee is £135+VAT for HABC Approved Centres and £195+VAT for non-Centres, with discounts available for early and multiple bookings.

PRESS RELEASE – New qualifications to help tackle legionella

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Legionella HABC image A new suite of qualifications has been launched to help organisations prevent the outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease and the multiplication of legionella bacteria.

Created by Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (‘HABC’) in partnership with B & V Water Treatment – the UK’s leading independent water treatment provider – the qualifications are aimed at operatives who need to have an understanding of the disease and the measures necessary to counter it.

The HABC Level 2 Award in Legionella Awareness is split into two pathways covering cooling towers/evaporative condensers and hot and cold water system, and has been designed to aid workers in environments where legionella growth is a risk and to raise awareness of the factors associates with legionella bacteria.

Both pathways cover the health effects of Legionnaires disease, the control measures that should be in place to prevent legionella multiplying to harmful levels, and how organisations can stay compliant with the updated Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) L8.

A HABC Level 3 Award in Legionella Control for Responsible Persons qualification has also been launched for those either already in the role of responsible person or aspiring to it.

It covers the effects of legionella bacteria on the body including the impact an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease would have on a working site, how to identify and control the risk associated with legionella bacteria, and how legislation and codes of practice can support its control.

It has been designed to enforce the importance of the responsible person with respect to ensuring competence of all operatives on site, in accordance with HSE ACOP L8. Both qualifications are recognised by the government’s Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF).

HABC Chief Executive, Jason Sprenger, said, ‘Legionella is still a real concern to many organisations and public agencies, so it is vital that staff have the skills and expertise to deal with it. These qualifications will provide workers with the knowledge and expertise needed to prevent the outbreak and spread of Legionnaires disease, and provide reassurance to staff and customers alike’.

Sarah Pallett, Training and Marketing Manager at B & V Water Treatment commented, ‘B & V Water Treatment is proud to have worked with HABC to develop this suite of qualifications in legionella control. It is an employer’s responsibility to ensure that all staff are suitably trained.

Having trained, knowledgeable staff becomes particularly important when controlling the risks associated with Legionella bacteria and in meeting the regulatory requirements set out in the HSE ACOP L8. These qualifications provide employers with the confidence they need to ensure they are effectively managing the risks associated with legionella’.

The qualifications cost £13 to £16 per learner depending on the number registered, and take just one day to complete.

You can receive regular updates from HABC on Twitter and Facebook .
ENDS

Press Release: Safety first with the HABC National Conference

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Stadium Promo 2 Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC) will be putting safety first at its conference later this year with a line up including Marks & Spencer , Laing O’Rourke and the City of London Corporation .

Held at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester on 13 November 2014, the HABC National Conference will feature a seminar – sponsored by Staples and ProTrainings.eu – on health and safety and fire safety, with insights and updates on training, law and compliance from some of the UK’s top experts and educators.

Confirmed speakers so far include:

• Tom Armstrong, Laing O’Rourke ;
• Steve Bethell, Laing O’Rourke ;
• Mark Lewis, Head of Trading Safely & Legally, Marks & Spencer ;
• Dr Jim Marsden, Director, Ignis Associates Ltd ;
• Lukas Rootman, Nabarro LLP ;
• Oliver Sanandres, Corporate Health and Safety Manager, City of London ;
• Martin Woodsworth, Head of External Quality Support, HABC; and
• Wendy Nixon, HABC Consultant.

Christian Sprenger, HABC Managing Director, said, ‘There are still many businesses that dismiss health and safety or fire safety as red tape, yet when done properly it contributes to the overall effectiveness and efficient running of a business and shows staff and clients alike that their welfare is being looked after.

Our seminar features experts and educators with a proven track record in getting businesses not just onside, but in turning them into the biggest advocates of good health and safety and fire safety practice’.

The conference is expected to attract an anticipated 600 delegates including blue-chip corporate clients and brand names, leading industry experts and educators and trainers.

The fire safety/health and safety seminar is one of seven that make up the entire conference covering a number of sectors including apprenticeships, first aid, food safety, licensing, pool lifeguarding and security.

Cost per attendee is £135+VAT for HABC Approved Centres and £195+VAT for non-Centres, with discounts available for early and multiple bookings.

For more information or to book your place, click here .

For regular updates, go to https://twitter.com/HighfieldABC and www.facebook.com/HighfieldABC .

Press Release: Free conference for lifeguarding qualifications

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Lifeguarding One of the UK’s top qualification bodies will be hosting a free pool lifeguarding seminar for sports and leisure professionals later this year as part of its national conference.

The Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC) National Conference takes place at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester on 13 November 2014, and will feature a day-long seminar focusing on the HABC Level 2 Award in Pool Lifeguarding (QCF) .

Since its launch in 2011, a number of organisations have switched to the qualification, including Lifespan UK , which provides training for Virgin Active , as well as Holgates , Sport Central Northumbria University and Aquafyn Training Ltd.

The qualification has also proven popular with leisure trusts across the country, including Carlisle Leisure Trust Ltd , Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust , Jesmond Community Leisure , North Country Leisure and Pendle Leisure Trust .

Christian Sprenger, HABC Managing Director, said, ‘The free seminar will be an ideal opportunity for sports and leisure professionals to find out more about the qualification and us as an organisation, especially in terms of the support and materials we can offer, and the expert team we have. We’ll also be able to help any organisations not already offering the qualification but wanting to do so’.

Attending the seminar will allow pool lifeguard trainers and assessors to deliver the HABC Level 2 Award in Pool Lifeguarding (QCF) , providing they meet all the nominated tutor and assessor requirements. Delegates will also receive complimentary copies of The Pool Lifeguard Handbook , A Question of Pool Lifeguarding and the First Aid Handbook .

The pool lifeguarding seminar – sponsored by sponsored Carlisle Leisure Ltd, Jesmond Community Leisure, North Country Leisure and Pendle Leisure Trust – is one of seven that make up the entire conference covering the apprenticeships, fire safety and health and safety, first aid, food safety, licensing and security sectors.

Attendance at the pool lifeguarding seminar is free. All other seminars cost £135+VAT for HABC Approved Centres and £195+VAT for non-Centres per attendee, with discounts available for early and multiple bookings.

For more information, or to book your place, go here .

For regular updates on the conference, go to https://twitter.com/HighfieldABC and www.facebook.com/HighfieldABC .

Press Release: Richard Sprenger leads line-up for food safety conference

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HABC Logo

Respected food safety expert Richard Sprenger will be leading a line-up of some of Europe’s foremost food safety authorities at a national conference this November.

Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC) – the UK’s leading provider of compliance qualifications – will be holding its conference at Old Trafford Stadium , Manchester, on 13 November 2014.

And for food safety practitioners, there will be a seminar – sponsored by Marks & Spencer , Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust and ProTrainings.eu – throughout the day, featuring:

Richard Sprenger, HABC Chairman, said, ‘I am delighted that so many respected and authoritative figures will be joining me to speak on the day. The seminar is a must-attend event for anyone with food safety responsibilities, and will cover everything from the role of retailers and improving food safety culture to FSA initiatives and implementing good practice in the hospitality sector’.

The conference is expected to attract an anticipated 600 delegates including blue-chip corporate clients and brand names, leading industry experts and educators and trainers.

The food safety seminar is one of seven that make up the entire conference covering a number of sectors including apprenticeships, fire safety/health and safety, first aid, licensing, pool lifeguarding and security.

Cost per attendee is £135+VAT for HABC Approved Centres and £195+VAT for non-Centres, with discounts available for early and multiple bookings.

For more information on the food safety seminar, click here .

Press Release: Spotlight on apprenticeship reform at HABC conference

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APP_Logo_Col_5185 Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC) will be putting apprenticeship reform under the spotlight at its conference later this year with a line up including AELP , Apprenticeships4England and UKCES .

Held at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester on 13 November 2014, the HABC National Conference will feature an apprenticeship seminar – sponsored by Superdrug and Apprenticeships4England – with some of the top people in the training sector plus businesses that have successfully implemented work-based learning, including:

• Stewart Segal , Chief Executive, Association of Employment and Learning Providers;
• Lindsay McCurdy, CEO, Apprenticeships4England ;
• Moira McKerracher, Deputy Director UK Commission for Employment and Skills ;
• Dr Ann Limb, South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership ;
• Rob Mitchell, People Manager – Leadership Training, One Stop Stores Ltd ;
• Sue Johnston, Apprenticeship Operations Manager, AS Watson UK ; and
• Sue Renny, Apprenticeship Programme Manager, AS Watson UK .

Jason Sprenger, HABC Chief Executive, said, ‘2014 has been a year of huge upheaval for apprenticeships and we hope to bring some clarity and insight to the significant changes that the sector is undergoing. Our speakers will be providing comprehensive and timely updates on a range of areas including current and future apprenticeship developments, the constraints that providers find themselves facing, the support available and leadership training for deliverers – all within the context of the recent changes’.

The conference is expected to be HABC’s biggest yet, with an anticipated 600 delegates including blue-chip corporate clients and brand names, leading industry experts and educators and trainers.

The apprenticeship seminar is one of seven that make up the entire conference covering a number of sectors including fire safety/health and safety, first aid, food safety, licensing, pool lifeguarding and security.

Cost per attendee is £135+VAT for HABC Approved Centres and £195+VAT for non-Centres, with discounts available for early and multiple bookings.

For more information, go to www.highfieldabc.com/conference , call 0845 226 0350 or email events@highfieldabc.net .

For regular updates, go to https://twitter.com/HighfieldABC and www.facebook.com/HighfieldABC .