Animal welfare: Transport - Training and competence
Training and Competence Certification
Training
Since 5 January 2007, transporters of vertebrate animals in connection with an economic activity and market and assembly centre staff handling animals are trained in the relevant technical provisions of the Regulation. For transporters this covers: fitness for travel; the means of transport; use of its facilities; loading, unloading and handling; watering and feeding intervals, journey times and rest periods; space allowances; and documentation. For market and assembly centre staff: fitness, handling and separation.
The precise format and who may provide training is not specified in the Regulation. Training may be by means of on-the-job training combined with practical experience or by formal methods such as those leading to standards equivalent to qualifications accredited into the National Qualifications Framework.
Competence Certification
Since 5 January 2008, those transporting cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and poultry by road on journeys over 65km in connection with an economic activity must be independently assessed in their competence. Those assessed as competent will receive a certificate of competence. The certificate will be specific to the role the transporter or attendant is charged with, the length of journeys to be undertaken and the species to be transported:
a) assessment of those involved in journeys over 65km and up to 8 hours may be made by means of a theory test;
b) assessments of those involved in journeys over 8 hours must also include practical assessment of their competence including driving and animal handling skills.
Further information of this element of the Regulation can be found in chapter 4 of the main guidance document and accompanying technical annex guidance document 2L ‘Training and Competence requirements’.
As the competent authority in England, we have designated the following independent bodies to undertake assessments for competence and award competence certificates.
NPTC, Part of the City & Guilds Group
Stoneleigh Park
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 024 7685 7300
Fax: 024 7669 6128
E-mail: information@nptc.org.uk
Web: www.nptc.org.uk
Lantra Awards
Lantra House
Stoneleigh Park
Warwickshire
CV8 2LG
Tel: 024 7641 9703
Fax: 024 7641 1655
Email: bradley.parker@lantra-awards.co.uk
Website: www.lantra-awards.co.uk
NPTC and Lantra Awards are designated to assess for competence and award competence certificates to transport: cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, equines and poultry (including game birds).
The British Driving Society
Mrs. T Styles, Executive Secretary
83 New Road
Helmingham
Stowmarket
Suffolk
IP14 6QA
Tel: 01473 892 001
Fax: 01473 892 005
Email: email@britishdrivingsociety.co.uk
Web: www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk
British Horseracing Education and Standards Trust
Suite 16, Unit 8, Kings Court
Willie Snaith Road
Newmarket
Suffolk
CB8 7SG
Tel: 016 3856 0743
Fax: 016 3866 0932
Email: info@bhest.co.uk
Web: www.bhest.co.uk
BDS and BHEST are designated to assess for competence and award competence certificates to transport equines only.
As the competent authority in Scotland, SEERAD has designated NPTC via the Scottish Skills Testing Service to undertake assessments for competence and award competence certificates.
Scottish Skills Testing Service
Skills Testing Centre
Young Farmers Centre
Ingliston
Edinburgh
EH28 8NE
Tel: 0131 333 2040
Fax: 0131 335 0108
Email: sstsadmin@sayfc.org
Web: www.sayfc.org/ssts/
Scottish Skills Testing Service are designated undertake assessments for competence and award competence certificates to transport: cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, equines and poultry (including game birds).
In addition, it has been agreed that Scottish Food Quality Certification (SFQC) will act as a service provider for those seeking assistance in obtaining a certificate of competence. SFQC's contact details are: Tel: 0131 335 6641, fax: 0131 335 6601, email: info@sfqc.co.uk
Competent authority designations allow the relevant bodies to operate throughout the UK.
- EU welfare in transport regulation homepage
- Guidance on the rules
- Vehicle inspection and approval scheme
- Transporter documentation
- Publicity
Page last modified:
June 12, 2008