SOFAB’s training material is modular in design, and therefore, in addition to a standard suite, bespoke training courses of up to 9 weeks in duration can be configured to meet the needs of individual clients. Whether it is a “new entrant” basic training programme, or a short refresher course for established SAR Officers, SOFAB is confident that it can provide a positive and effective solution.

Training design utilises a systematic approach working up from a detailed SAR competence profile. Course and session aims and objectives are identified which sets a benchmark by which the learning outcomes can be measured. Key Learning Points (KLPs) are determined for every session, thus ensuring that all the “must know” points are covered on every occasion and that a common standard is maintained from one course to the next. “Should know” and “could know” learning points enable a faster paced course to move towards a more advance and detailed knowledge where time and learning appetite permits.

Adults are individuals, and this is reflected in the learning sense by a series of preferred learning styles. Whether your member of staff is a raging activist, or a quiet reflector, SOFAB is confident that the training design is sufficiently varied to an extent which will appeal to all styles. The training will be a mix of theoretical lectures, and discussion sessions designed to tease out and explore the detail of some complex and advanced concepts. The students will often break down into syndicate groups in order to develop solutions to SAR problems and scenarios in their own time, before taking the stage to introduce their ideas to the plenary group. Table top and simulator based exercises will challenge the groups and individuals to apply the learning, take on the role of leader and utilise their initiative in developing effective SAR solutions.

SOFAB is mindful of the Clients need to from time to time demonstrate evidence of an Officer’s training, perhaps during a review or SAR incident investigation. Towards this end, all training material is documented in an auditable manner. At the end of every training event SOFAB will carry out an evaluation exercise with the students. The result of this analysis is very important to SOFAB in making sure that the course design, content and delivery is effective. Feedback received in this way will be taken forward to future courses in a continuous spiral of development and improvement. To assist with the organisations and individuals continuing professional development records, SOFAB will be pleased to offer every student a certificate of attendance at the end of each training course. This certificate will be marked with a serial number which is kept on confidential file within SOFAB, and can be used (upon request of the Student) to offer evidence of an individual’s course attendance and completion.

All training will be accompanied by student hand-out material. It is SOFAB’s training policy to encourage students to make notes in their own language and style during sessions, however this will be supplemented by a full set of course presentation material as well as other utilities as appropriate (to a particular course) and a course group photograph. This material will be offered in electronic format at the end of the course.