Ashtree Management Services Ltd

The Trainers Charter

Ashtree Management Services Ltd are signatory's of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Trainers Charter which has been developed by trainers for trainers and is an important component within the company's quality standards.

The primary objectives of the Charter are:-

to set an appropriate standard for CIEH registered trainers
to enhance and maintain quality training provision

Charter Principles

Trainers should provide all candidates with appropriate pre-course information. Pre-course information acts as a useful introduction, particularly to students attending first level courses. Those students who are embarking on higher level studies should be able to update their knowledge and be conversant with the scope and depth of the proposed course.
1. Where possible trainers should send clear joining instructions to either the candidates' employer or direct to the candidate in advance of the training. These instructions will include details of the venue, start and finish times, a programme, reading list and any dress code to be observed.
2. Trainers should also include brief details of the aims and objectives of attendance, subjects covered, any pre-course reading and a statement regarding the end of course assessment within the pre-course information.
3. Trainers must ensure that pre-course information makes it clear to each candidate which qualification the course is designed to cover. Information relating to the awarding body and the exact name of the qualification will also be included.
4. Any pre-course information will be suitably presented to as high a standard as possible.
An appropriate training solution should be determined to suit the individuals and the companies they represent. Where possible company and individual training needs will be assessed to determine the appropriate level, content and relevance. Failure in this area can result in disenchanted employers and candidates.
1. Where possible trainers should assess business and candidate needs and recommend appropriate training.
2. The trainer should endeavour at all times to provide training related to the working practices and environments of the trainees.
3. Trainers should encourage further development through extended training and effective implementation of knowledge gained on training programmes.
4. Trainers should provide a realistic expectation regarding the level of success likely.
Trainers should ensure the effective management of all issues relating to the delivery of the programme. It is essential for sufficient time to be allocated to adequately cover the proposed content of a course having regard to the needs of candidates, businesses and the requirements of the CIEH.
1. Each training course will be supported by a written session plan reviewed on a regular basis.
2. Trainers will allow sufficient time for their own pre-course preparation i.e. accommodation, preparation of audio-visual aids and equipment.
3. It is the responsibility of the trainer at the outset of each training course to disseminate appropriate health and safety information to all delegates.
4. Trainers will endeavour to work to the published timings of the programme making amendments where appropriate and necessary.
The level and method of delivery should be appropriate to the needs of the trainee. Training methods will vary according to the members and size of the group and will have regard to previous experience and expertise.
1. Trainers should utilise information from candidates and employers prior to the course to determine appropriate training methods.
2. All visual aids should be designed to be interesting, clear and to communicate key points.
3. Trainers will use practical exercises to encourage group participation where possible with adequate time allocated for each, including time for feedback.
4. Trainers will make any necessary adaptations to training methods to allow for candidates whose first language is not English or those with learning difficulties or disabilities.
The quality of all training materials is assured. It is recognised that the use of a wide range of visual stimuli make a significant contribution to the quality of training courses.
1. All trainers must ensure training materials are kept up to date, relevant and accurate.
2. Before each course trainers will check that training materials to be used are complete.
3. It is the responsibility of the trainer to ensure that any changes in legislation or any relevant area are incorporated as soon as possible.
4. All training materials will be clear, easy to read, of an appropriate level and correctly spelt.
The knowledge of the trainer in the areas of training delivery should be technically accurate and up to date. Employers and candidates have a right to expect that the content of training programmes is technically accurate.
1. Trainers will ensure that they have the technical competence to deliver the level of training proposed.
2. Trainers must be sufficiently familiar with content to be able to respond to candidates' questions.
3. Trainers should keep their knowledge up to date by reading appropriate professional journals, making reference to Codes of Practice and other useful publications.
Trainers should initiate evaluation processes to maintain standards. Evaluation is an essential element of progress and it is recognised that a number of strategies can be developed which will assist training providers to constantly improve the service to their customers.
1. Trainers should provide each candidate with an end of course evaluation form to determine their perception of venue, content and delivery.
2. Where appropriate, trainers will initiate discussion with the candidates' employer with regard to the fulfillment of the course objectives.
3. Trainers will endeavour to ensure that all evaluation documentation is clear, comprehensive and simple to complete.
4. Evaluative assessments should give the candidate the opportunity to remain anonymous.
5. In the case of level 1 programmes, completed examination papers will be held for a minimum of 3 months, although a record of the result should be kept on file by the trainer.
6. All evaluation strategies should be considered as part of the training providers' review process, which will result in appropriate corrective action.
7. The CIEH positively welcomes constructive feedback

About the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health

The CIEH offers a range of professional, educational and membership services to environmental health officers and to those interested in environmental health. It also offers numerous environmental health publications, training courses, conferences, exhibitions and seminars.

The CIEH has been designated by the World Health Organisation as a Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health Management in Europe and it was a founder member of the International Federation of Environmental Health.