The Benefits Of Continuing Professional Development

Maintaining and demonstrating continued competence at work

By Roy Bush, HM Inspector of Quarries

In a world in which change seems to take place at an ever-increasing rate, how can we show that we are keeping up with changes in technology, ways of working and regulation, and the increasing expectations that others have of us, whether they are our employers, our customers, those who regulate us, or, in the case of the quarrying industry in particular, the members of the public who can see, hear and feel what we do?

Is there a legal requirement for Continuing Professional Development (CPD)? The short answer to this question is ‘no’, or at least not within the Quarries Regulations 1999.

However, there is a requirement on the quarry operator to ensure that no one undertakes any work at a quarry unless they are either competent to do so, or are under the instruction and supervision of some other person who is competent to give instruction on, and to supervise the doing of, that work for the purpose of training him (Regulation 9). Regulation 8(1)(c) of the Quarries Regulations 1999 requires the operator to appoint a competent individual to take charge of the operation of the quarry at all times when people are working there, and if that person is not ‘readily available’ there must be a nominated substitute who can perform all of the duties of the appointed person. It follows, therefore, that this person needs to be equally competent in the areas for which they are acting as a substitute. Finally, the operator must also ensure that there is a sufficient number of competent persons appointed to run the quarry safely.

Competence is clearly a state to be achieved at any particular point in time, so what is it? The Quarries Regulations 1999 define competence in terms of a person having sufficient training, knowledge and other qualities to allow them properly to undertake the duties assigned to them.

It is important to note that competence does not rely on knowledge alone; there must also be training, as there are no ‘grandfather rights’ in quarrying! The Regulations also state that it is necessary to possess ‘other qualities’, although they do not define what these are. I would suggest that, among other things, this means the person must have the right sort of personality to undertake the duties assigned to them (the person who might make a competent accountant may not necessarily make a competent salesman!). I think that ‘experience’ may usefully be added to this, as a person may have the knowledge, may have undergone training and may have the necessary qualities, but may lack the relevant experience that makes them a rounded and competent individual to undertake the tasks assigned to them.

How can we demonstrate competence? The quarrying industry has chosen to use the S/NVQ system to assist it in providing evidence of competence. This is best seen as the starting point for demonstrating competence, in that it can provide evidence of training and knowledge, and goes some way towards showing what ‘other qualities’ are possessed. Since it is a vocational qualification based on assessment, there will be some indication of the extent to which the individual is capable of applying that knowledge and training in practice.

But what is more important is the demonstration of continued competence. All persons working in the quarry must be either competent or under the instruction and supervision of someone who is (but only for training purposes). This means they must remain competent all of the time.

Why, you might ask, is CPD important? If I can prove competence at a particular point in time, then surely I must stay competent at that level. This may be broadly true, but things do not stand still and the ability to ‘keep up’ is what separates competence from mere qualifications. Quarrying is a moving target; new technologies and developments come along all the time, not to mention changes in regulations. Everyone will be aware that, as we apply knowledge and learning, and as our skills develop, we become increasingly competent, and the reverse is often also true. Achieving an S/NVQ (or equivalent) is the starting point.

So how can we demonstrate continued competence? One way is to take part in a CPD (Continuing Professional Development) scheme. CPD has been defined by The Institute of Quarrying as ‘the systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skills, and the development of personal qualities necessary for the execution of professional and technical duties throughout the practitioners life’. Participation in CPD demonstrates a commitment on the part of the individual to maintaining and improving their competence. Many professional bodies require CPD in order to allow continued membership or practice and specify how many hours per year must be undertaken.

Individuals need to take responsibility for their own CPD. It requires planning in order to be effective. It would be of little value to undertake the same CPD year on year. Individuals should develop a personal development plan to identify those areas where they need to acquire additional knowledge and expertise, as well as to maintain existing levels, and keep records of CPD undertaken. This may also help the individual in their career progression.

CPD can consist of a number of activities, including:

• Attendance at professional events, such as seminars and talks given on relevant subjects.
• Further formal training.
• Giving presentations, lectures, tool-box talks, briefings etc.
• Authorship of technical papers, along with research as well as project leadership.
• Reading relevant technical publications. This might include browsing relevant websites. Some, such as www.safequarry.com, have a facility to record time spent accessing topics and can provide a record for CPD purposes.
• Reassessment of mobile plant operators, shotfirers and explosive supervisors etc at periodic intervals.

CPD gives something back, as well as requiring commitment on the part of the individual. It can be used to demonstrate to any prospective employer what has been achieved and may, in time, become a requirement of many companies as part of their candidate selection criteria. It can also demonstrate the commitment shown by an individual to maintaining and improving their competence, as well as showing how they have kept themselves up to date with developments in their field.

CPD should not be something that is done just because an employer requires it. It is a commitment and should be done because of the recognition of the benefits it brings. Properly done, it is a first-class tool for both maintaining and furthering a career; but badly done, it is simply a waste of time for both the person doing it and their employer.

While the answer to the question as to whether there is a specific health and safety legal requirement to undertake CPD may be ‘no’, this article aims to show that quarry health and safety law is phrased in such a way as to make the demonstration of competency a fundamental requirement. It is an area that HSE inspectors are likely to make enquiries on during any visit, and especially if there is an incident under investigation. A CPD record is a useful starting point for individuals to show how they are ‘keeping up’ and maintaining their competency. Experience tells us that quarries operated by competent individuals are likely to be safer and healthier places in which to work.