Common use of Continuing Professional Development Clause in Contracts

Continuing Professional Development. The Official Agency shall provide appropriate training for staff performing official controls, enabling them to undertake their duties competently and to carry out official controls in a consistent manner, as per legislative requirements. The Official Agency shall identify training needs for staff performing official controls and ensure that staff carrying out official controls are kept up to date in their area of competence and develop specialised expertise, in partnership with the Authority and other Local Authorities. While the provision of training is the primary responsibility of the Official Agency, the Authority may provide training interventions where the Official Agency has highlighted areas where training is required. The Authority will endeavour to facilitate networking and collaboration with other Official Agencies to assist in improving knowledge in such areas. The Authority will provide e-learning resources and training for official control staff so as to promote a consistent understanding and application of new legislation, guidance or procedures, as appropriate. The Official Agency shall support participants in using e-learning resources, disseminating knowledge or skills acquired and encourage the application of learning gained through the Authority’s training in official control activities. The Official Agency shall ensure that contractors used in the performance of the Service Contract provide evidence of Continuous Professional Development and Compliance with this section. Where staff from the Official Agency need to travel outside the Official Agency functional area to attend training courses/meetings, this shall be facilitated by the Official Agency. The Official Agency in partnership with the Authority shall develop and implement training programmes for all staff engaged in the performance of the Service Contract. Where staff have participated in Better Training for Safer Food (BTSF) the training content shall be disseminated to relevant staff/contractors in the Official Agency and other local authorities in partnership with the Authority.