How to choose a first aid training provider
As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring the quality of training provider you choose.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is not required to approve first aid training and qualifications, but it does provide a due diligence checklist to help you choose a reputable training provider and ensure you receive quality first aid training. The checklist covers:
- the qualifications expected of trainers and assessors
- monitoring and quality assurance systems
- teaching and standards of first aid practice
- syllabus content and certification.
We meet and exceed these criteria, and we're recognised by the HSE as a standard setter for first aid at work training.
Due diligence checklist
Find out how we meet the HSE's criteria, and how we go the extra mile.
Do the trainers / assessors have a current first aid at work certificate or qualify for exemption?
All our trainers and assessors have a current first aid at work certificate.
Our trainers are monitored regularly and have a documented annual refresher plan for their knowledge and delivery.
Do the trainers / assessors have an appropriate training / assessing qualification?
All our trainers and assessors have an internally accredited training and assessing qualification consistent with HSE guidelines.
All our trainers are supported by a quality assurance framework, ensuring their skills, knowledge and competencies are continuously updated and exceeded.
Does the training provider have a documented quality assurance plan designating an individual to take responsibility for quality assurance, including assessment of the performance of trainers / assessors at least annually?
We have a documented and robust plan to ensure high quality training is consistent across our business, and we are regularly audited to maintain our ISO:9001 quality assurance award.
Does the designated person responsible for quality assurance have a current first aid at work certificate or qualify for exemption?
Yes, the designated person has a current first aid at work certificate.
All members of the training management team are responsible for quality assurance and hold a current first aid at work certificate, as well as extensive knowledge and experience in managing effective quality assurance procedures.
Does the designated person responsible for quality assurance have an assessing / verifying qualification?
The designated person holds the new QCF level four qualification in Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice recognised by all leading UK awarding organisations and regulators.
The training team is coached and observed on a quarterly basis to ensure the assessment criteria are fulfilled.
Is there a documented course evaluation procedure?
Yes. Our evaluation procedure is documented and available upon request.
We provide post course feedback for those organisations that require it so they can assess how our training impacts on their learning and development programmes.
Is there a documented complaints procedure?
We take any complaint seriously and all customer feedback is directed to our dedicated customer care manager to be reviewed and acted upon within stringent timescales.
We monitor and analyse all attendee feedback, enabling us to understand and implement customer-led best practice, ensuring continual improvement.
Is first aid at work and emergency first aid at work taught in accordance with:
- current guidelines on adult basic life support, published by the Resuscitation Council (UK)
- current guidelines for other aspects of first aid, published by the Voluntary Aid Societies
- other published guidelines that are supported by a responsible body of medical opinion?
Yes. As a Voluntary Aid Society we are acknowledged by the HSE as a standard setter for currently accepted first aid practice in relation to first aid at work or emergency first aid at work courses.
In addition we (along with the other Voluntary Aid Societies) co-author the First Aid Manual – the UK’s only comprehensive guide to treating casualties in all first aid emergencies.
Does the course content adequately meet the needs of your workplace, as indicated by your first aid needs assessment?
No matter what size your business is, a range of flexible training options make sure our courses can meet the needs of your workplace.
As well as the needs of your workplace, we meet the needs of your first aiders on an ongoing basis. We are the only training provider to offer free, post-course support with our Safe Hands members' community.
For first aid at work, does the syllabus include the topics listed by the HSE and does the course include at least 18 hours of training and assessment over three days?
Yes. Our first aid at work course includes all HSE specified content and has 18 hours of training and ongoing assessment.
To meet the needs of our customers we offer this course as a flexible, one day a week option, and can also provide bespoke courses tailored to your individual workplace.
For first aid at work requalification, does the syllabus include the topics listed by the HSE and does the course last at least as 12 hours of training and assessment over two days?
Yes. Our requalification course includes all HSE specified content and has 12 hours of training and ongoing assessment.
Keeping your records up to date is easy with the Red Cross. If you have trained with us previously we will send you a reminder shortly before you need to requalify.