STP Training officer person specification — Publications

We are aware that terminology varies between workplaces and that in many life sciences laboratories ‘Training Officer’ is a recognised job role. This role would be responsible for education and training at all levels in the department.

This ‘Training Officer Person Specification’ only relates to the person nominated by the trainee as their training officer, in OneFile e-portfolio. You can find further guidance on the STP Training Officer role in OneFile and in the STP Trainers section.

Qualifications

Essential	Master’s level qualification or equivalent
Desirable	Formal training qualification
Mitigation	If there is no suitable qualified individual in the department, this will jeopardise the possibility of accreditation. However, it may be possible to remedy this by involving a qualified individual from elsewhere e.g. a medic, to take an active role in training. This would have to be formalised and would be reviewed case by case.

Registration

Essential	Appropriate registration
Desirable	Registered Clinical Scientist
Mitigation	n/a

Knowledge and understanding

Essential	Clear understanding of the STP curriculum Knowledge and understanding of the STP assessments Knowledge of ‘Good Scientific Practice’ Knowledge of relevant codes of practice and conduct
Desirable	Familiarity with other related scientific specialties
Mitigation	n/a

Seniority

Essential

Band 7 or above

Desirable

Line manager for staff other than trainee

Mitigation

If the training officer is not a line manager, or has been in a Band 7 or above scientist role for less than three years, he/she must be supervised by a more senior manager in the exercise of training officer responsibilities. There should be a document setting out the supervision arrangements, and this should be submitted as part of the approval process.

If the training officer does not have experience of postgraduate research, the department should identify an individual with this experience who will be available to support the trainee during the research project.

Experience

Essential

Significant experience in a postgraduate scientist role
Experience of undertaking scientific research at postgraduate level.
Experience of carrying out assessment and signing off competence

Desirable

At least three years of practice as a scientist at Band 7 or above, with line management
Previous experience of supervising trainees
Experience of wider National School of Healthcare Science activities such as final assessment or recruitment interviews

Mitigation

If the training officer is not a line manager, or has been in a Band 7 or above scientist role for less than three years, he/she must be supervised by a more senior manager in the exercise of training officer responsibilities. There should be a document setting out the supervision arrangements, and this should be submitted as part of the approval process.

If the training officer does not have experience of postgraduate research, the department should identify an individual with this experience who will be available to support the trainee during the research project.

Training

Essential	Has attended the STP Train the Trainer event or has committed to do so
Desirable	Has received training within the Trust or elsewhere in: supporting workplace learners; mentoring; having difficult conversations; giving feedback
Mitigation	If the training officer has not yet received the training listed, the Trust should undertake to provide it. Written evidence of the commitment should be supplied.

Personal attributes

Essential	Well organised with good planning skills Resilient and persuasive Empathetic A clear communicator Flexible Patient Good networker Role model Proactive
Desirable	Generous with time
Mitigation	If the training officer cannot demonstrate the essential or desirable attributes, the department must ensure there is support. This is especially important in case any pastoral support is needed for the trainee. Clear arrangements must be in place for this.

Support

Essential	Training Officer role included in job description Time allocated to the role over and above regular duties Clear line of accountability for the training function Performance as a Training Officer will be appraised as part of performance review Released for training to support the function Released to participate in training officer networks Clear mechanism for escalating any concerns about a trainee In contact with trainee’s HEI Another individual identified as cover in training officer role during periods of absence (e.g. holiday
Desirable	Allocated a ‘buddy’ in a similar role in another department Mentored by a more experienced STP training officer from another department if necessary Actively supported by trust’s practice learning team Able to observe training officers of other STP trainees performing assessments
Mitigation	n/a