4.4 Staff training and development

At the most basic level, individuals monitor the quality of their own work. Staff are responsible for making sure that they have been trained on each procedure that they undertake and have read the SOPs and any other relevant documents. Staff are also responsible for making sure that they perform the correct QC checks.

All staff should receive training in health and safety, biosafety and biosecurity, and quality management. Additionally, each member of staff should be trained for the tests that they undertake and in the equipment they use. SOPs should be in place for all staff-related operations, including the recruitment and induction of new personnel, training and assessment.

As well as initial training, ongoing education and training (known as continuing professional development (CPD)) is essential to ensure that staff keep their knowledge and skills up to date and are encouraged to learn additional skills and competencies relevant to their jobs. For example, training will be needed on any new tests, procedures or items of equipment introduced into the laboratory, and only staff who have been trained should undertake a new process.

  • What training needs might staff have?

  • Depending on their role, staff could need training in:

    • specific job tasks
    • quality standards
    • internal QCs and QA
    • operating equipment
    • biosafety
    • record-keeping
    • computer systems.

All training undertaken should be recorded and the competence of staff assessed regularly with outcomes documented. Each staff member should maintain a training log to document their training progress and help identify any gaps that need to be addressed.

Activity 8: Your role and responsibility in the workplace (part 2)

Timing: Allow about 5 minutes

Take some time now to think about how well prepared and supported you feel in your role. These questions might help you:

  1. Do you receive regular education and training?
  2. Would you like to update your knowledge and/or skills? Are there any specific areas you would like training (or further training) in?
  3. When was the last time your performance at work was assessed?

Discussion

You might find it helpful to talk with colleagues or your Laboratory Manager about these questions.

4.3 Accreditation

5 Examples of quality assurance for core processes