Development of a National Winter Service Competency Standard for Winter Decision-Makers

Transcription

1 Development of a National Winter Service Competency Standard for Winter Decision-Makers Chris Cranston Operations & Communications Manager Devon County Council (NWSRG Steering group)

2 The need Well-maintained Highways Recommendation R13.14 To ensure the appropriate level of competence, training and development needs of all personnel should be established and reviewed annually including health and safety and appropriate vocational qualifications Section Training Winter Decision Maker and Manager Currently there is no formal winter decision maker qualification

3 Current training Road meteorology courses Weather forecast providers Scenario/ice prediction systems Ice prediction system provider Winter Service Supervisor (C&G 6159 unit 21) Winter training providers Winter Service Operations (C&G 6159) Winter training providers In-house/bespoke winter training Exercises: snow plan etc

4 Governance Steering group Responsible for overseeing technical content of training and professional certificate NWSRG Chris Cranston (Devon) David Davies (Lincolnshire & Chair NWSRG) Tony Bemrose (Norfolk) Tim Holland (Highways Agency) Adrian Runacres (Technical advisor to NWSRG) Supported by: NWSRG UK Roads Board Highways Agency Institute of Highways Engineers plus others IHE Richard Hayes (President)

5 Objectives 1. To create benchmark learning outcomes for UK Winter Services Decision Makers training 2. To create a learning and competence framework up to Incorporated Engineer level 3. To create benchmark standards for the assessment of Decision Makers competence 4. To identify procedures for the management, monitoring and audit of the scheme

6 Accreditation roadmap 30 hour technical training module Written assessment Day 1 Highway Law and Policy Winter record keeping Day 2 Plant and equipment Response to snow Communications Day 3 Road Meteorology Assessed assignment Day 4 Monitoring conditions Decision Making Professional interview Professional Certificate

7 Day 1 of training 1. Law & Policy relating to Winter Service Relevant legislation and case law Well-maintained Highways and other national guidance Local winter service policy including risk assessment 2. Record-keeping Principles of good record-keeping to defend claims etc Winter claims & types of records that may be required Police Road Death Investigation Manual

8 Risk matrix route criteria

9 Day 2 of training 3. Winter Service Plant and Delivery Types of plant Treatment options Calibration of plant Drivers considerations 4. Snow Response Managing snow emergencies & snow plans Resilience planning and critical infrastructure Self help strategies 5. Winter Communications Pre-winter information and travel advice Operational communication including use of radio and TV Severe winter emergency communications Review and feedback on winter service

10 Day 3 of training 6. Road Meteorology how weather affects the highway road weather hazards understanding forecast information Based on existing Road Meteorology Courses run by forecasting organisations

11 Day 4 of training 7. Ice prediction systems and monitoring weather overnight Ice prediction and detection systems Monitoring forecast graphs and weather information systems Identifying critical situations 8. Decision Making Factors in decision making Decision matrix and treatments options Scenarios Assessment

12 Progress so far Sept/Oct 2013 Pilot course held in Devon Nov 2013 Pilot course held in Ipswich Jan 2014 Review pilot courses Feb/Mar 2014 Develop assignment Develop professional review Summer 2014 Roll-out of course by IHE

13 Stop press! Next course just announced: PERTH! June/July

14 Learning points Generally well received Usefully split over two weeks, 2 days/week Very intensive training could be extended to 5 days More time on decision making Needs a good training environment Challenging for those with little prior experience Networking/sharing good practice was equally as valuable as course content!

15 Improvements 2 x 2 day residential - a week apart Use evening as part of course eg for an role-play exercise Extend time for decision making exercises Fully inclusive cost

16 Assignment 8 tasks to complete between words Each task links with a module Intended to demonstrate how learning from course is applied to one s own organisation Demonstrates where experience has been gained or requires research to complete Minimum level required or referral to improve Will be discussed at interview Two submission deadlines per year

17 Professional interview Having successfully completed the assessment and assignment candidates will be invited to attend a profession review where assessors will: Discuss the assignment Assess decision making through scenarios A successful review will result in an I.H.E Certificate of Professional Competence in Winter Service

18 Progression The IHE Certificate demonstrates proven competence in Winter Services which will be useful in employment, legal consultations and disputes Candidates may use the certificate to join the IHE as a member and may form part of their application for the Professional Review and registration with the Engineering Council at the appropriate level.

19 Period of qualification The competence gained will be deemed to be appropriate for 3 years. In 3 years a review will be undertaken as to what changes have taken place and whether any further training may be necessary Either a refresher course will be offered or if no significant changes have taken place will be automatically renewed for a further period (eg another 3 years)

20 Conclusion The concept of the qualification has been wellreceived to date It is designed to provide a common competence for decision-makers across the UK with interest also from Ireland! Teaming with the I.H.E. provides context within a professional body for further progression It will help to provide a more robust legal defence for highway authorities

21 The NWSRG would welcome feedback Thank-you for listening Or speak to Tony Bemrose or myself during the conference