Hello Hero Makers,
We’ve been listening, reflecting, and reshaping how we support you – our brilliant instructors delivering SkillBase First Aid training across the country.
We’re excited to let you know about some positive changes to the First Aid Instructor Annual Observation process, all designed to be more flexible, accessible, and to better serve you.
🎥 NEW: Virtual Observations Now Available
You now have the option to complete your observation by submitting a 15-minute video recording of you delivering part of any SkillBase First Aid course you’re licensed to teach. It needs to be delivered live to real people, but it doesn’t have to be a real course.
You can deliver it to colleagues, friends, or family or whoever’s willing to join in! What matters most is what and how you deliver it, in line with the SkillBase Way.
Full instructions are provided to guide you through it here: https://www.skillbasefirstaid.com/hub/virtual-observation/
✨ In-Person Days are now ‘Refresh & Recharge Days’!
We’ve been listening carefully to your feedback from our in-person sessions. Many of you told us that the title ‘Observation Day’ doesn’t do them justice, and can even make people feel nervous beforehand. We agree!
These days have always been about much more than observation. They are your chance to;
- Practice in a safe and supportive environment
- Ask any questions you might have
- See how other talented trainers approach their sessions.
The most common feedback we receive is that people leave feeling ‘refreshed and recharged’, and we listened. That’s why we are officially renaming them Refresh & Recharge Days!
We’re also planning to roll out more regional sessions across the UK, so they’re easier to attend. Regular sessions will continue in Desford, Leicestershire, but additional locations will be added over time as more Master Trainers are upskilled.
Already booked? If your date still works, no need to do anything. If your original session has changed or you’d prefer a different format, you can update or cancel your booking at any time.
You can book your session here: https://www.skillbasefirstaid.com/instructor-cpd/
✨ More good news… Proactive Renewal: No Need to Wait!
You don’t have to wait for your 12-month renewal date to approach.
If a great opportunity comes up to attend a face-to-face Refresh & Recharge Day, or you have the perfect session to record for a Virtual Observation, feel free to complete your observation early.
A successful observation resets your licence for another 12 months from that new date.
Of course, if life gets busy and you haven’t managed to complete an observation as your 12-month deadline approaches, don’t worry – we take care of letting you know when it’s time to get one booked in.
⏳ A Quick Reminder: Observation Deadlines
You’ve got up to 12 months from the date your licence was issued to complete either type of observation, in order to stay compliant as a first aid trainer under HSE guidelines.
🎉 Date for Your Diary
Don’t forget our Hero Maker Hangout on 12th December – a brilliant chance to connect, celebrate, and reflect with your fellow Hero Makers. We’d love to see you there if you can make it!
Questions? If you’re not sure which option is right for you, or you’d like to switch your observation format or date, just drop us a message, we’re always here to help. You can also check the handy list of FAQ’s below in case your question has already been answered!
FAQ’s
P.S. Here are the answers to frequently asked questions regarding the new, flexible process for annual instructor observations.
Why has the annual observation process changed?
The process has changed for two key strategic reasons. Firstly, we listened to feedback from our instructor network that the previous model – requiring travel to a single location in Desford – was often inconvenient and a barrier to engagement.
Is the annual observation still free of charge?
Yes. The annual observation is a core benefit of being a SkillBase trainer and remains completely free of charge. This is part of our investment and commitment to our instructor network.
What is the official HSE requirement for first aid instructors?
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) requires that all first aid trainers must be observed at least annually to stay compliant. The specific method of observation is not mandated by the HSE; our internal process with its new flexible options is designed to meet this requirement in a way that is more supportive for our network.
Does this mandatory observation process apply to my Fundamental Wellbeing (FWI) licence as well?
The mandatory HSE requirement is specific to First Aid Instructors (FAIs).
Where and when will the new regional In-Person Observation Days be held?
They are being rolled out to provide broader UK coverage and make them more accessible. While regular sessions will continue in Desford, new locations are being added based on where our trainers are clustered. The specific dates and venues will be available for booking on the Heromakers’ Hub.
What does a ‘good’ Virtual Observation look like? What is ‘The SkillBase Way’ the Quality team will be looking for?
“The SkillBase Way” refers to our core training philosophy of creating a safe, accessible, and engaging learning environment, for example:
- Provides an effective introduction to the topic.
- Creates an environment where delegates feel safe to participate.
- Demonstrates good use of the course directive, including content, training methods, and timing.
- Applies principles of accessibility and uses our terminology style well.
- Tailors examples to the delegates’ backgrounds and experiences.
- Provides regular, constructive feedback to the group.
How do I arrange a Co-delivery Observation, and is it always an available option?
This is an opportunistic pathway and is not always available. It depends entirely on the schedules and locations of our Master Trainers. An Account Manager can investigate this option for a trainer by liaising with the operational lead or directly with a Master Trainer, but it should be positioned as the least common option, pursued only if other, more standard options are unsuitable.
What happens if the Quality Team provide ‘Developmental Feedback’ on my Virtual Observation?
This is treated as a supportive, coaching-based interaction in line with our QA policy. The QA team will handle it on a case-by-case basis. They will provide specific, constructive written feedback to the trainer detailing the areas for improvement and will typically offer them the chance to resubmit a new video. If a trainer continues to struggle, a 1-to-1 coaching session with a Master Trainer may be offered.
What happens if I miss my 1-year deadline to complete an observation?
If the 1-year deadline from the licence issue date passes without a successful observation being logged, the FAI Licence expires. The trainer will no longer be compliant or licensed to deliver our courses.
Can I complete my observation and renew my licence early?
What happens to my expiry date if I do? Yes. A key feature of the new process is the “rolling renewal”. A new successful observation starts a new 12-month licence period from that date, superseding the old expiry date. For example, if a licence expires in January but the trainer completes an observation in July, their new licence will be valid until the following July. This rewards proactive engagement.
My own First Aid at Work (FAW) certificate is from another provider and expires in 6 months. How does this affect my FAI licence renewal?
Your FAI Licence will be renewed for a full 12 months following a successful observation. However, it is critical to understand that the FAI Licence immediately becomes invalid on the day the underlying FAW certificate expires.
Does attending the annual ‘Hero Maker Hangout’ count as my observation?
No. The Hero Maker Hangout is our premier annual community event for celebration, connection, and reflection. The ‘In-Person Observation Days’ (or ‘Refresh & Recharge’ days) are the specific events designed to fulfil the HSE observation requirement, alongside the Virtual and Co-delivery options.
Who is a ‘Master Trainer’ and what is their role in this process?
A Master Trainer is an experienced trainer who has been upskilled to provide instructor training, coaching, and mentoring across the network. In this specific process, their role is to be the official observer for the In-Person Observation Days and for any opportunistic Co-delivery Observations. They are responsible for assessing the trainer against the criteria of the Quality Policy.
Thanks for everything you do. We’re proud to have you as part of the SkillBase community 💙
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