Has JAUPT come up with the wrong solution?
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WITHOUT REAL consultation or thorough explanation, emails were sent to training firms recently confirming that all course material, including PowerPoint presentations, handouts and other related learning material, would need to be submitted to JAUPT as part of the course approval and reapproval process (CM 24 January).
This is on top of the existing documentation that must be sent, such as Annex 4 or 5, course timings, confirmation of instructor knowledge and experience, feedback analysis, fees, etc.
Some providers and associations are unhappy, arguing that no industry consultation took place and no explanation had been made available prior to the decision. Others are disappointed that JAUPT hasn't returned any course material that is provided at the approval/re-approval stage.
JAUPT explains in the email that part of the reason for the change is to improve the quality of training being delivered and to speed up the approval process. Surely the auditors are already checking the quality of training and material being delivered? The industry is now receiving 1,000 audits per year. If an auditor has already 'sat in' on a course and was happy with that course, then why should that course material need to be submitted to JAUPT?
Surely checking seven hours of a PowerPoint presentation and supporting course material would take longer than the previous application process?
Also, who is actually checking the material at JAUPT? Do they have enough suitable industry knowledgeable 'course approvers' in place?
I am all for improving the quality of Driver CPC delivery and approval, but I would question if JAUPT's latest move is in the right direction. Sean Pargeter Director, hgvlgvtraining.co.uk Editor's comment: It was clear to CM when examining this situation that the letter issued by JAUPT has itself posed a number of as yet unanswered questions. JAUPT and the Driving Standards Agency do not believe the change will mean trainers incur extra cos4 and have assured us that their security arrangements in regards to submitted material are robust.
Given criticism of the general policing of both providers and the Driver CPC courses, this is an understandable reaction — and JAUPT should be credited with taking this on board and responding.
However, the fear is that they have opted for the wrong solution to the problem. See our news section this week for an update.