Homeland Security Qualifications

1. Homeland Security Qualifications UK Explosives Competence-based Qualifications Denise Clarke PARARI, Brisbane, Australia 8 – 10 November 2011 www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

2. Introduction “Competence” not defined till ESA standards developed MoD requirement to work to ESA standards Qualifications provide audit trail of competence www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

3. ESA standards cover: Research, design & development Safety management Test & evaluation Manufacture Maintenance Procurement Storage Transport Facilities management Entertainment Disposal Munition clearance & search Generic ESA standards www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

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

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

6. Standards www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

7. QCF Awards, Certificates and Diplomas (4 levels) • Industry recognized vocational qualifications (4 levels) • Bespoke qualifications HSQ’s qualifications www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

8. Units of Assessment (competence/knowledge) • Level • Credit values • Rules of Combination • Awards, Certificates & Diplomas • Can be employer-designed Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

9. Defence Range Safety (L3 & L4) • Movement of Explosives (L2) • Munition Clearance & Search (L 1 – L4) HSQ’s QCF qualifications www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

10. 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 HSQ ESA VQs www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

11. Employer designed • Accredit: • Competence • Training Bespoke qualifications www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

12. Implementing ESA qualifications: • Safety management • Test & evaluation • Storage • Transport • Disposal • Munitions Search • General Explosives Operations QinetiQ: what’s been done www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

13. 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: business benefits www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

14. QinetiQ: next steps • Ensure everyone is appraised against ESA standards • Train more assessors and internal verifiers • Deliver QCF qualifications www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

15. 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 HSQ: future plans www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

16. 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 Assuring competence www.homelandsecurityqualifications.co.uk

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