Reference A details how Lewtay Training Ltd (Lewtay) delivers the range of qualification it offers; the basis of this remains valid. However, because of the Covid-19 emergency, Lewtay adapted its service provision from face-to-face, to remote (online) delivery, following Government legislation and advice, as well as our service user’s requirements. Following the easing of restrictions and with the publication of references B & C, which Lewtay will comply with the requirements, we are also revising our service delivery accordingly. Whilst the emergency continues, this document is the authoritative document for Lewtay’s service delivery.
The aim of this policy is to enable a safe transition back to the ‘normal’ ways of working, ensuring the safety of our staff and learners is maintained and that we play our part to minimise the transmission of the virus.
The Education and Training Delivery section of reference B expects that most staff[3] will be able to attend work and whilst appreciating the value of remote delivery, expects training providers such as Lewtay, to resume on-site delivery. Consequently, Lewtay will resume face to face/on-site visits where conditions allow, subject to:
However, whilst wishing to provide a high quality of training and engagement with our learners, the importance of not spreading the virus and not putting an individual’s safety at risk is paramount; this is the overriding factor.
All staff are also to comply with the UK government’s Covid-19 guidance.
The Centre Manager is to ensure that the guidance detailed in Further Education (FE) Autumn Term Guidance updated 16 Oct 20 is complied with. All staff are to make themselves familiar with the requirements and comply with those relevant to the delivery of workplace learning.
All visitors and staff to Lewtay’s Peterborough office, when entering the building must comply with NHS track and trace and therefore scan the QR code.
The following sub-paragraphs detail the policy for specific topics/points.
In July 2020 a Risk Assessment was completed primarily for the Peterborough office, this has been reviewed and updated to include site/face-to-face visits. See Annex A. Part B details the specific requirements that are to be complied with. The Health & Safety Officer will regularly review and update the policy commensurate with any changes to legislation and/or guidance. All Lewtay staff are to ready and comply with the requirements detailed. Should Lewtay staff have any concerns regarding their safety, they are to contact the Centre Manager to discuss these. The Centre Manager will try to accommodate additional measures if appropriate. Staff are also encouraged to contribute to the Risk Assessment, to ensure it is fit for purpose and that it remains current.
Rates of community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) have now reduced to levels below that when shielding was introduced. Shielding measures were paused from the 1 August, except for areas where local lockdown means that shielding will continue. Therefore, government advice is that those who are clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable can return to work in September provided they follow the system of controls (detailed in the Risk Assessment) their workplace has implemented to minimise the risk of transmission.
For staff who live with those who are clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable, the guidance is that they can attend the workplace.
If any vulnerable staff have concerns around their individual circumstances, they are to discuss those concerns with the Centre Manager who will be flexible in seeking to address them.
Some people with particular characteristics may be at comparatively increased risk of severe outcomes from coronavirus (COVID-19), as set out in the COVID-19: review of disparities in risks and outcomes report. These staff members can return to the workplace as long as the system of controls are in place. The reasons for the disparities are complex and there is on-going research to understand and translate these findings for individuals in the future.
People who live with those who have comparatively increased risk from coronavirus (COVID-19), the guidance is that they can attend the workplace.
Pregnant women are in the ‘clinically vulnerable’ category, and are generally advised to follow the advice for staff who are clinically vulnerable (see above). The Centre Manager is to conduct a Risk Assessment for any staff member who informs her that they are pregnant, in line with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. Staff members who are pregnant are to follow the relevant guidance in Occupational health advice for employers and pregnant women.
Workplace visit will only resume when the situation allows and with the Centre Manager and each individual employer’s approval. Lewtay staff are to conduct a dynamic risk assessment taking in to account national guidance, local restrictions and workplace requirements and are only to proceed with a meeting if they deem it safe to do so. Assessors/tutors should make use of the NHS Covid-19 App (Trace, Alert & Check-in) to assist them in identifying the risk.
Assessors/tutors should limit the number of different locations they visit in a day and learner/employer contacts made to minimise the risk of transmitting the virus. Assessors/tutors are to maintain social distancing, wear PPE appropriate to the situation and follow strict hygiene protocols. They are to comply with all the workplaces Covid-19 requirements and measures in place. Additionally, they are to apply measures to ensure that any resources used, e.g. laptops, mice are sanitised using appropriate cleaning materials before and after use. Resources are not to be used by another person unless they have been suitably sanitised.
During face to face meetings learners are to comply with social distancing requirements, wear PPE appropriate to the situation and follow hygiene protocols. When using Lewtay resources where available and practical, learners should wear disposable gloves. These are to be disposed of in accordance with site requirements as is any other potentially contaminated waste.
Because of the current emergency some of our learners may be vulnerable and Lewtay has a duty of care to them. Lewtay Assessors and Tutors are to regularly check on their learners to identify if they have issues and whether mental health and wellbeing support is needed, and where this is the case is suitable support being provided by their employer. Where no provision is in place, or the support is deemed unsuitable, the Assessor/Tutor is to contact Lewtay’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, who is to take prompt and appropriate action to address the issue(s) raised.
Given that several months have passed since the imposition of lockdown measures, Lewtay Assessors and Tutors should have continued to provide support for any learners with SEND. Where, because of the individual’s circumstances this support has been reduced, then priority is to be given to bring the learner back on track.
Recruitment of new learners and staff will continue as normal following the standard procedures. Interviews can be conducted by phone or online meetings, with any documentation signed electronically, unless ‘wet’ signatures are required, when the documents will be mailed out. Should a face-to-face meeting be required, these will be arranged following the protocols already in place.
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-further-education-provision/what-fe-colleges-and-providers-will-need-to-do-from-the-start-of-the-2020-autumn-term
[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-apprenticeship-programme-response/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-apprentices-employers-training-providers-end-point-assessment-organisations-and-external-quality-assurance-pro
[3] Including those that are clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable