Enhancing Competence in Explosive Substance Handling: NOS in Homeland Security

1. Homeland Security Qualifications Using National Occupational Standards (NOS) in Explosive Substances and Articles (ESA) to develop competence Denise Clarke IExpE conference 2 May 2014 www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

2. What is “competence”? “Competence” or “competency”? The ability to perform consistently to occupational standards www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

3. A model of “competence” www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

4. Standards www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

5. Research, design & development Safety management Test & evaluation Manufacture Maintenance Procurement Storage Transport Facilities management Entertainment Disposal Munition clearance & search Generic Explosives (ESA) coverage www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

6. They contain: • Criteria that describe the standard against which performance can be evaluated • Descriptions of the contexts of the required performance • Specifications of the knowledge underpinning competence Structure of standards www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

7. Unit 13.11 Hand over explosive substances and/or articles Contexts • Hand over: issuing; receiving • Hand over condition: when in an acceptable condition; when not in an acceptable condition Performance Criteria • work safely at all times, complying with health and safety, environmental and other relevant regulations, legislation and guidelines • confirm the identity of explosive substances and/or articles against the specification/documentation • confirm that the condition of the explosive substances and/or articles is in an acceptable handover condition • ensure that the information exchanged at handover is accurate, up to date and complete • obtain additional information if there are any areas of doubt or lack of clarity to complete the handover • ensure that safety and quality requirements are met ......& etc Knowledge Requirements • the health, safety and environmental legislation, regulations and safe working practices and procedures governing explosives, and their implications for your area of work • the relevance of personal protective equipment (PPE) • the nature, characteristics, hazards and risks of the explosive substances and/or articles • the actions to be taken in response to an unplanned event • any environmental considerations affecting or prohibiting handover • any operational considerations affecting or prohibiting handover • how to carry out a risk assessment ......& etc

8. Benefits of standards & qualifications For individuals: acknowledge and accredit competence provide portable recognition of achievement clarify what’s expected of you For employers: promote consistency of practice assure employees’ competence useful as management and development tools www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

9. Implementing standards first: • reduce the “fear factor” • integrating standards into all HR processes • managing the process Implementing standards www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

10. Developing role profiles: • keep them concise • map standards to the role to match expectations • ensure achievability • Using role profiles: • detailed specifications of expected performance • identified training needs transferred to personal development plans Role profiles www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

11. Job adverts Interview aide-memoires Recruitment & selection www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

12. Run a pilot first! • Brief managers & appraisees • Identify priorities • Agree achievement/more development • Congratulate • Transfer development needs to PDP • Benchmarks & reviews • System management Appraising against standards www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

13. Map training to standards • Identify specific training needs • Identify gaps in training needing to be rectified • Targeting of training resources • Managing outsourced trainers • Meeting training needs Training www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

14. Summary of skills & competence • Summary of development needs • Processes & tools: • Career management strategy & policy • Career management processes • Individual career paths Career management & succession planning www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

15. 3 types of vocational qualification: • National Qualifications & Credit Framework (QCF) Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at 3 levels • Industry-recognized Vocational Qualification (VQ) at 4 levels • Bespoke qualifications HSQ’s explosives qualifications www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

16. Occupationally competent, qualified assessors • Internal and external verification • Evidence must be current, relevant, valid, complete, authentic, sufficient: • observation • witness testimony • photos & recordings • records of candidate’s own work • previously recorded achievement • questioning Evidence and assessment www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

17. Assurance of competence in a safety-critical area • Systematic development of people: • Competence • Knowledge • Mobility of labour, long-term organizational skills development • Achievement of explosives qualifications Defining and measuring competence www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

18. Denise Clarke • Homeland Security Qualifications • 52 Ickburgh Road • London • E5 8AD • United Kingdom • Telephone: 0044 208 806 4910 • Email: • denise.clarke@homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk • Websites: www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk Homeland Security Qualifications www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk