Homeland Security Qualifications UK Explosives Competence-based Qualifications Denise Clarke PARARI, Brisbane, Australia 8 – 10 November

Introduction “Competence” not defined till ESA standards developed MoD requirement to work to ESA standards Qualifications provide audit trail of competence

ESA standards Level 1 N/SVQ Provide Support for Search or Munition Clearance Operations Unit no.Unit titleMOA12.10AAssist in searching for specified targetsP12.16Assist in locating the position of the munitionP12.17Assist with the movement and transportation of munitionsP12.19Assist with the preparation, maintenance and use of search or munition clearance equipmentP12.20Work safely (Packaging 4.9)P12.21Evacuate casualtiesP12.22Develop your competence in working with munitions or specified targetsP13.1Work effectively in a team involved in explosive substances and/or articles activitiesP13.11Hand over explosive substances and/or articlesP ESA standards cover: Research, design & developmentSafety management Test & evaluation Manufacture MaintenanceProcurement StorageTransport Facilities managementEntertainment DisposalMunition clearance & search Generic

What is “competence” ? “Competence” or “competency”? The ability to perform consistently to occupational standards

A model of “competence”

Standards

HSQ’s qualifications QCF Awards, Certificates and Diplomas (4 levels) Industry recognized vocational qualifications (4 levels) Bespoke qualifications

Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Units of Assessment (competence/knowledge) Level Credit values Rules of Combination Awards, Certificates & Diplomas Can be employer-designed

HSQ’s QCF qualifications Defence Range Safety (L3 & L4) Movement of Explosives (L2) Munition Clearance & Search (L 1 – L4)

HSQ ESA VQs Based on ESA standards (competence, knowledge, contexts) Occupationally competent, qualified assessors Internal and external verification Evidence must be current, valid, complete, authentic, sufficient: Observation Witness testimony Photos & recordings Records of candidate’s own work Previously recorded achievement Questioning

Bespoke qualifications Employer designed Accredit: Competence Training

QinetiQ: what’s been done Implementing ESA qualifications: Safety management Test & evaluation Storage Transport Disposal Munitions Search General Explosives Operations

QinetiQ: business benefits Amplification of QinetiQ’s expectations Targeting training resources Formalization of common standards Improvements to processes & quality Enhancement of business practices Reductions in mistakes & re-work Common modus operandi across different sites Improved morale & motivation Improved individual performance

QinetiQ: next steps Ensure everyone is appraised against ESA standards Train more assessors and internal verifiers Deliver QCF qualifications

HSQ: future plans Gain national accreditation of all ESA qualifications Develop Apprenticeship for ammunition trade Establish joint awarding body with ICM Develop training & implementation package for overseas delivery of HSQ explosives qualifications Continue collaboration with EU Excert across Europe

Assuring competence Benefits to the business, employers and employees Systematic development of people & processes Mobility of labour globally Competence-based explosives vocational qualifications = auditable proof of competence

Homeland Security Qualifications Denise Clarke Homeland Security Qualifications 52 Ickburgh Road London E5 8AD United Kingdom Telephone: Websites: