The code is a New Zealand legal set of rules designed to protect the safety, health, and wellbeing of all students and trainees in tertiary education.
Fire & Safety Training (F&ST) complies with all clauses of this Code applicable to our business and the nature of our training.
Many of the clauses in the code fall outside our scope of influence beyond creating an appropriate, professional, empathetic, and inclusive environment for the single day courses we offer.
Our short courses are all face-to-face: we have no on-line or non-contact options. Most last for just one day; refresher courses usually half a day.
Our trainers all treat each individual in their courses with respect and demonstrate inclusiveness and sensitivity to individual needs. Any form of discriminatory behaviour within a class is quashed (QMS Section 6 (Trainees), and procedure #16, Trainee information procedure). This procedure outlines trainee rights and responsibilities and includes a clause (3.5) related to trainee welfare and support. A summary is included in all course booklets for trainees to keep.
Every assessment includes an evaluation form where trainees can evaluate and comment on the content and quality of the training they experienced, and comment on the trainer. We receive lots of informal one-on-one feedback also although it is not usually practical to document all of this.
The Code:
Outcome 1: A learner wellbeing and safety system.
Well implemented
F&ST take a broad approach to ensuring we have a strategic and transparent trainee wellbeing and safety system that responds to the diverse needs of our trainees and the nature of the training we offer.
Our Quality Management System (QMS) which is reviewed and updated annually outlines our strategic approach to our training and the policies and procedures which guide our work. This document is supported by our Health and Safety Manual, also reviewed annually.
We maintain a dialogue with clients and seek feedback from trainees with every course. This is gathered in both quantitative and qualitative forms.
Should we recognise any deficiency, whether from trainee input or our own reviews, we act immediately to correct this.
We provide information concerning what trainees can expect from us in all the course booklets given to trainees. This includes a simplified version of our complaints policy.
In a one-day course, we have limited opportunity to take a holistic approach to trainee wellbeing, including connecting them with support services. However, we ensure that our training is inclusive and culturally appropriate. Where well-being issues may arise, for example a trainee afraid of heights in a working at height course, or anxious about small spaces in a confined space course, our trainers provide support and encouragement to assist them in succeeding.
A health and safety briefing is included at the start of courses, and trainees are encouraged to share with the trainer any relevant information that could impact their training
Outcome 2: Learner voice.
Implemented
Our trainers build relationships with trainees as much as is practicable and appropriate in a one-day course. Assessments are clear on what is required to gain any unit standard. Trainers may debrief a group at the end of a session and remain available immediately after a course for trainee on-going advice where needed. Trainers sometimes have contact with trainees well beyond the initial training. With refresher training every two years after gaining many of the unit standards we deliver, trainees may come back several times and our trainers do get to build relationships with them (albeit, maybe for one day every two years!).
Trainers encourage feedback from their trainees, both informal and formalised through the evaluation forms included with every written assessment.
Complaints: Our QMS and Procedures ensure we have a robust and fair process to handle complaints. A summary of our process is included in all course booklets. We have very few complaints, and none in the 12 months to 31/ August 2026.
Outcome 3: Safe, inclusive, supportive and accessible physical and digital learning environments.
Implemented
We have physical learning environments only, offering face-to-face courses.
Our trainers are sensitive to promoting an inclusive and accessible environment within the classroom for the short time trainees are with us. Our practical training grounds are carefully designed to ensure trainees can meet course practical requirements in safety. These are well-maintained and regularly inspected to ensure they remain safe working environments. All equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) trainees use undergoes regular inspection and certification, complying with all manufacturer’s advice.
We offer pleasant indoor and outdoor spaces where trainees can relax and connect in training breaks, with access to chilled water and hot drinks.
Outcome 4: Learners are safe and well.
Implemented (within our limited scope of practice)
See our context. While we have policies and procedures aimed at ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our trainees, our influence is limited to the (usually) single day in which we train them.
Action Plan
We continue to believe that the most significant actions we can take following this review is to:
- ensure our systems are frequently reviewed to ensure they remain consistent with best practice for our training environments.
- regularly check and maintain our physical training structures to ensure safety
- follow all manufacturers’ guidelines for inspecting and replacing the equipment and PPE we provide for trainees.
- ensure trainers continue to be aware of their role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our trainees when they are on site.
