Note: This applies to you even if you are a sole operator with no employees – you must meet these legal obligations, even if it’s just for you. In this instance, the term ‘Staff’ applies to anyone who has the responsibility of looking after your hawks if you are away for any length of time – even if they are not employed. Volunteers and interns are also included in this definition of ‘staff’.
Note ii: Although this article focusses on AAL licensees, the same requirements apply to Zoo Licence Holders as well, and this short course can also be used for your annual round of staff appraisals.
New CPD Course: Meeting Staff Appraisal Requirements Under Animal Activities Licensing –
FREE staff appraisal recording form included
From January 2025, the IRBPP is launching a dedicated short course to support licence holders in meeting their obligations under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018.
Under Point 4.3 of the statutory guidance for inspectors, all licence holders who train or exhibit birds of prey must implement and annually update a staff training policy.
#confirm your DEFRA legal obligations here
This requirement includes:
- Reviewing your staff training policy document at least once per year
- Conducting annual appraisals for all staff, including the licence holder.
- Providing opportunities for planned and continued professional development (CPD).
- Identifying and addressing knowledge gaps (training needs) in staff expertise.
Why the IRBPP Course Matters
The IRBPP’s new course is designed to make compliance straightforward and stress-free. This short course achieves two critical objectives:
- Recordable CPD Activity
Completing the course provides 8 hours of recognised CPD, contributing to the professional development of the licence holder and demonstrating engagement with ongoing learning. - Step-by-Step Guidance
The course offers practical, actionable advice to help licence holders carry out thorough and effective annual appraisals. By following the guidance, participants can create a robust and compliant training policy that meets legal requirements.
What Must a Training Policy Include?
To comply with licensing standards, you must be able to demonstrate with physical evidence that every person involved in the care of your hawks has got:
- Knowledge of new research and developments in bird of prey care and management.
- Completion of training or educational activities, such as online courses.
- Annual appraisals with documented outcomes and actionable feedback.
- Staff attendance or proof of training completion.
Who should complete the course?
This course is essential for all licence holders, whether you’re running a small bird of prey display business or a larger facility. If you are uncomfortable or inexperienced with appraisals and training needs analysis it will help you gain confidence in fulfilling your legal obligations and ensure that your training policy supports both your team and the welfare of your birds.
How to enrol
Registration for the course opens from January 1st 2025!
This short course is FREE to all IRBPP subscribers and can be found in your list of free subscriber resources when you log in.
If you are not yet an IRBPP subscriber, why not sign up now for a 3 month trial and start 2025 with the support of the IRBPP behind you. #signupoptions
Invest in your professional development, demonstrate your commitment to best practices, and achieve compliance with ease through this tailored training solution.