Latest COVID-19 advice from UKRS

As we enter a further period of lockdown, we are publishing updated information on how this affects training provision for our members.

In light of the changes announced, travel has now been re-restricted to all but essential travel, and hygiene measures such as those below remain in place:

• Wash your hands with soap and water often - do this for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
• Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands afterwards
• Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently especially those which are regularly touched
• Wear a face covering (More guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own)

The above guidance can be found here:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/social-distancing/what-you-need-to-do/
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

For Face-to-face training the following recommendations apply:

• All normal risk assessments take place (including our Pandemic policy, which we shared in May 2020 - attached)
• There are no more than 6 trainees for any one session (normal ratios apply for each course, which can be found in the UKRS course standards)
• Social distancing can be observed at all times (the 2 metre rule)
• PPE is available/provided for the duration of the training
• There are adequate handwashing facilities for all participants
• Equipment is thoroughly sanitised between users
• Trainees are all from the same employer - no mixed learner groups

For Classroom based training, this may take place over Zoom or other online facilities provided:

• Class sizes are reduced to half the normal capacity with a maximum of 6 trainees per session
• All learners can access the session(s) and any associated materials at the date and time agreed
• Trainees remain in isolation and do not meet/congregate to attend the online session

For any AITT related courses, e.g. Forklift, please read our article dedicated to their latest guidance - https://ukruralskills.co.uk/news/article/latest-covid-19-advice-from-aitt

Training providers should keep themselves up to date with the latest government/official advice, and should make any necessary changes to their provision to maintain the health and safety of trainers and trainees and to minimise the risk of infection.

The following links may assist but worth checking regularly for any updates:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

If you have any further questions please let us know. Contact us via email on info@ukruralskills.co.uk or phone 01366 500050.