Code of practice

Preamble

1. Under Section 15(2) of the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989, the State Emergency Management Committee (SEMC) is required to arrange emergency management training for individuals, including those employed in emergency services and functional areas, as well as assist in the selection and training of district and local government personnel.
2. In performing these functions, the SEMC is conscious of the need to develop quality emergency management training and to maintain high standards in the delivery of this training throughout NSW.
3. This Code of Practice represents the commitment of the SEMC to meet these outcomes.

Training Standards

1. Emergency management training is developed from a training needs analysis conducted in consultation with District Emergency Management Committees, District Emergency Management Officers (DEMOs), emergency services organisations and functional area co-ordinators. The needs analysis is aligned to National Emergency Management Competency Standards.
2. Training module learning outcomes and assessment criteria are designed under the oversight of a Training Advisory Group comprising representatives of the SEMC Secretariat, emergency services agencies, functional areas and District Emergency Management Committees.  Individual modules are specifically aligned to the Competency Standards.
3. Training modules are packaged in a standard format and supported by participant handouts or workbook and slide show programs to ensure a standard and consistent delivery throughout NSW. Some flexibility is built into the modules, as appropriate, to allow reflection on local hazards, problems and individual participants' roles in emergency management.
4. Training and assessment is delivered under the direct supervision of accredited trainers / assessors who have completed Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training and who are current emergency management practitioners of at least two (2) years' experience.
5. Courses are conducted in training venues which provide a comfortable environment, have adequate capacity for syndicate work and are conducive to learning and participant success. Where necessary, training venues provide overnight accommodation and meals for participants.
6. The ongoing monitoring and evaluation of emergency management training is conducted under the oversight of the SEMC Secretariat. In particular, course evaluation sheets are completed by participants and responses checked for adverse trends following each course. Course instructors are asked to report any problems with module delivery. All course modules are reviewed by the Training Advisory Group each twelve (12) months to ensure that accuracy and relevance of content are maintained.

Marketing

1. Training is marketed to the emergency management industry by the SEMC Secretariat and District Emergency Management Officers with integrity, accuracy and professionalism and avoiding vague and ambiguous statements. In providing information to individuals, agencies and functional areas, no false or misleading comparisons are drawn with any other training provider or course.

Trainee Information

1. Course Information Sheets are developed for each course which accurately describe the course content and admission criteria, learning outcomes and the participant assessment process. They are provided to course participants as their nominations are accepted and no later than two (2) weeks prior to the commencing date of a course for all nominations accepted at that time.
2. Information provided to participants includes:
   
   
   • a copy of the SEMC Code of Practice - Emergency Management Training;
   • course admission procedures and criteria;
   • venue detail and accommodation / meal arrangements;
   • pre-course reading or participant activity;
   • course content and learning outcomes and links with other courses;
   • competencies to be fully or partially achieved by participants;
   • participant assessment process;
   • certification to be issued to participants on completion or partial completion of the course;
   • course material and equipment provided; and
     
   • participant grievance / appeal procedure and support services available.

Participant Recruitment

1. Participant recruitment is conducted on a multi-agency basis, in accordance with the admission criteria established for each course. Decisions regarding participant selection are made on an equal opportunity basis and provided that admission criteria are met, there are no barriers to course entry.
2. As a general rule, no more than five (5) people from any one agency can participate in a particular course/activity. Departure from this rule will require approval of the State Training Manager.
3. Whenever an applicant is unable to be allocated a vacancy on a course, the applicant is advised of the reason for non-selection and where appropriate, invited to reapply for a future course.

Course Fees

1. For all emergency management courses funded by the SEMC, the cost of the course venue, participant accommodation and meals and course materials is borne by the SEMC  Secretariat. No course fees are payable by participants.

Participant Grievances / Appeals

1. In the case of participant grievances concerning course admission and/or assessment and certification, the District conducting the course discusses the situation directly with the participant and attempts to reach a mutually acceptable solution. Where a solution cannot be achieved, the matter is referred by the District to the SEMC Secretariat for investigation and further action and advice to the participant.

Recognition of Prior Learning

1. SEMC has procedures for the recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL is the formal acknowledgement of competencies which have been obtained through learning experiences including formal training or study, work experience and life experience.
2. Prior learning is measured against the units of competency in the Public Safety Training Package, or the learning outcomes of an accredited course. It is learning from experience that is assessed, not just the experience.
3. It is the responsibility of the candidate to provide evidence to support their claim that prior learning satisfies the units of competency or learning outcomes. The evidence provided must be valid, authentic, current, sufficient and verifiable.
4. The SEMC recognises the qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued by any other Registered Training Organisation.