SOLD Staff Recruitment, Training and Development

Training and development

Surrey Outdoor Learning and Development (SOLD) recognises that staff training, learning and development are an integral part of the organisation's strategy. Through developing a professional and motivated team, SOLD will deliver the highest quality service to its visitors and customers in line with safeguarding children.

All SOLD staff receive induction training upon commencing work with the organisation. This is an essential piece of training that will provide new employees with everything they need to become proficient in their role. Where roles require National Governing Body (NGB) qualifications.  The SOLD syllabus builds on these skills, to ensure that SOLD operational procedures and risk assessments are followed.

Each activity has a set training syllabus, giving guidance to enable consistent training by the trainer. Once training is completed, this is recorded and signed by the trainer and employee. An action plan is then put in place to enable the employee to gain confidence and competency.

This takes the form of shadowing, assisting and leading in their role.

Instructor staff may not deliver activities until they have been 'signed off' as competent and this has been recorded. SOLD staff will be required to maintain their competence and update their knowledge through regular delivery of sessions. Observations in the form of formal and spot observations will be carried out regularly by senior experienced staff to assist in their professional development and ensure that standards are maintained.

Staff training also encompasses other aspects of the working environment, such as Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), Manual Handling, Safeguarding, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Fire Safety and SOLD has a training and development policy covering training and staff development in detail.

Recruitment and selection of staff

All SOLD staff are employed by Surrey County Council and go through a thorough and fair recruitment process when joining which includes:

• An application process with clear guidelines
• Shortlisting for the role against set criteria of the job specification
• Appointments are made using Surrey County Council's thorough recruitment and selection process

All applicants and interviewees receive feedback if they ask for it. Our staff follow the latest recruitment laws. SOLD makes sure that selection processes do not exclude certain candidate groups. We also ensure that our methods are justifiable.

Enhanced DBS checks and references

SOLD is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and young people and all staff are expected to share this commitment. Therefore, appropriate and thorough selection methods are followed in order to help deter, reject or identify people are unsuitable to work with them. The same applies to the welfare of vulnerable adults. As part of our pre employment checks, all staff are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS and provides references for the previous 3 years.