Join a major review of equine occupational standards

Lantra Sector Skills Council has launched an extensive review examining roles, skills and responsibilities in the equine industry. Those with a keen involvement in the equine industry are being asked to complete an online survey as part of the industry’s National Occupational Standards (NOS).

Amy Cosgrove, Industry Partnership Manager for Equine at Lantra, says she believes the Standards are vital in reflecting the changes which have taken place in the past few years. She said: “The Standards are a great tool to use in the workplace as they can be used to identify the skills needed, highlight best practice, develop training and recruitment plans, develop job descriptions and they also form the basis of equine qualifications.” Working group meetings have already taken place throughout the year with many industry representatives attending. The meetings gave all interested parties the opportunity to contribute to defining the Standards for the equine industry. Lantra now wants as many people to get involved with the online survey as possible. Helen Gallop, from Summerhouse Education and Equitation Centre, said: “It’s really important for the equine industry to get involved in the review as it gives us the opportunity to ensure we are happy with the Standards and to make sure they’re fit for purpose.“ Amy added: “I would strongly recommend industry takes part in the online survey, which will be taking place from Monday 4 October to Monday 1 November 2010. This is your opportunity to make sure your ways of working are accurately reflected.” Higher Education Institutions with equine related provision are also invited to contribute to the review in October, as the Standards are used for mapping during curriculum development, review and accreditation. Amy concluded: “These new Standards cannot be developed without your help. Only by working together can we make sure that the National Occupational Standards will take into account any new business practices and make them fit for purpose and valued by employers.” To take part in the online review and help the equine industry get the most out of the skills system, visit www.lantra.co.uk/NOS. If you have any questions about the upcoming review, you can contact us by emailing standardsandquals@lantra.co.uk or calling 02476 858 424. -ENDS- ISSUED BY: Caroline Judd, Lantra Press Office – media@lantra.co.uk or 02476 858 407. NOTES TO EDITOR: National Occupational Standards National Occupational Standards offer a framework for good employment practice in the industry and define the skills, knowledge and experience required to work in the industry. They provide a tool for small and micro businesses, employers, careers advisors and trainers to benchmark and assess what skills are required to do a job. About Lantra • Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for the environmental and land-based sector, is licensed by the UK government to drive forward the new skills, training and business development agenda for the sector. • Lantra represents 17 industries and 1.5 million workers and volunteers in agricultural crops, agricultural livestock, animal care, animal technology, aquaculture, environmental conservation, equine, farriery, fencing, fisheries management, floristry, game and wildlife management, land-based engineering, landscape, production horticulture, trees and timber and veterinary nursing. For more information see www.lantra.co.uk.

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