bhs assessor guidance · lunge and stage 1 ride as the relevant nation’s guidance permits. the...
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BHS Assessor Guidance During Covid-19 For the following units: Stage 1 Care Stage 1 Ride Unit 1: Stage 2 Care Unit 2: Stage 2 Lunge Unit 1: Stage 3 Care Unit 2: Stage 3 Lunge Unit 1: Stage 4 Senior Care Unit 2: Stage 4 Senior Management Unit 3: Stage 4 Senior Lunge
Document version 4.1: 7 August 2020
1
General Guidance and Operational Procedure
Extraordinary measures for delivering BHS Care unit assessments during Covid-19
During this time of unprecedented upheaval, the British Horse Society has developed a model of assessment for
a selection of Care, Ride and Lunge units. This assessment model has been implemented in order to comply with
current government health guidelines and allow assessments to continue without disadvantaging any candidate.
The following guidelines will be implemented for the following units until further notice:
• Stage 1 Care
• Stage 1 Ride
• Unit 1: Stage 2 Care
• Unit 2: Stage 2 Lunge
• Unit 1: Stage 3 Care
• Unit 2: Stage 3 Lunge
• Unit 1: Stage 4 Senior Care
• Unit 2: Stage 4 Senior Management
• Unit 3: Stage 4 Senior Lunge
The model described below excludes Unit 2: Stage 4 Senior Management. For guidance on the delivery of this
unit please see page 11.
The model moves the facilitation and organisation of the assessment date, booking of candidate and assessor to
the assessor and centre. The candidate will now contact a BHS Approved Riding School appropriate for the level
of assessment (referred to in this document as the centre), and the centre will organise an assessor. The
candidate pays the assessment fee to the centre (or assessor). Full details of the operational procedure are from
page 3. All assessments are held on a 1:1 basis, one candidate to one assessor, with small groups allowed for
Lunge and Stage 1 Ride as the relevant Nation’s guidance permits.
The BHS will deliver Stage 2 and above for Ride and Coaching assessments following usual office process and
appropriate social distancing measures.
Assessor to candidate ratios
Any Care assessment must be delivered on a 1:1 assessor-to-candidate ratio.
Any Lunge assessment can be delivered on a 1:1 or 1:2 assessor-to-candidate ratio.
Any Ride assessment can be delivered on a 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 or 1:4 assessor-to-candidate ratio.
The centre should only confirm an assessment if National Government guidance allows. Each Nation currently
has differing guidance. It is the centre’s responsibility to ensure they follow their Nation’s guidance with regards
to social distancing and group sizes. The centre should carry out their own risk assessment for this purpose.
On the assessment day, the assessor and candidate will require an area sectioned off from staff and clients to
minimise them meeting any other person. The equipment required should be disinfected before and after each
assessment and supplies to disinfect equipment during the assessment should be available. Signs should be
visible to prevent accidental access by other staff or clients during an assessment, and markings on the floor to
indicate ‘safe distancing’.
Operational procedure
The information detailed below outlines the process the candidate, assessor and centre needs to follow to
organise a BHS assessment for the units listed above (excluding Stage 4 Senior Management). This is different to
the ‘pre-Covid’ method where this was facilitated by the BHS so please read carefully. The online link to
download the relevant paperwork and submit candidate details and results is confidential; do not share this
with anyone who is not a BHS Assessor.
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General Guidance and Operational Procedure
1. The candidate contacts a BHS Approved Riding School to arrange an assessment date. If the centre is not
suitable to hold the assessment for the Stage requested, the centre will refer the candidate to an alternative
centre (if known) or advise the candidate to contact the BHS Education Team who can advise. The centre should
advise and check the pre-requisites of the candidate to ensure they meet the entry requirements.
2. It is the responsibility of the centre to contact a BHS Assessor to carry out the assessment. If the assessor is
not approved to assess at the Stage required, the assessor can refer the centre to contact the BHS Education
Team to find a suitable local assessor. Similarly, if the centre does not know of any assessors in their local area,
they will contact the BHS Education Team for advice.
3. Once an assessment date and start time is agreed and confirmed between the candidate, centre and assessor,
the candidate will pay the centre (or assessor) the relevant fee for that assessment (see ‘assessment fees’
section) in advance by bank transfer or by credit/debit card over the phone if the centre has that facility. We do
not recommend handling cash payments during this time.
4. The centre is required to submit candidate details to the BHS via the online candidate registration form as
soon as possible, a minimum of two weeks before the assessment date. The centre may ask the assessor to
support them to do this if they do not have the necessary facilities. The candidate registration form link above is
confidential and must not be shared with candidates. Upon receipt of the candidate registration form, the BHS
will then invoice the centre for the admin fee applicable.
5. The assessor will liaise with the centre to host the assessment and for the centre to provide the necessary
equipment and horses needed. The assessor should also discuss an appropriate risk assessment including the
social distancing and biosecurity measures in place prior to the assessment.
6. It is the assessor’s responsibility to ensure they have the relevant paperwork for the assessment. This can be
found here: https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/assessor-documents/. This link is confidential do not share with
anyone other than BHS Assessors.
7. On the assessment day, the assessor will arrive in advance to check that all resources and suitable social
distancing and biosecurity measures are in place prior to the candidate arriving. The assessor should also confirm
the risk assessment and make any ‘on the day’ additions as necessary.
8. It will be the responsibility of the assessor to check the identity and BHS membership of the candidate. This
can be via the coach sign off on the first page of the Skills Record or via checking photo-ID if Skills Record is not
completed.
9. The assessor will check the Skills Record requirements (ready for assessment and coach endorsements) that
are relevant to the assessment.
10. The briefing and assessment should follow the current hygiene and social distancing guidance at all times.
Care must be taken to avoid cross contamination in the handling of equipment, paperwork etc. The centre’s
guidance and protocol must be followed at all times.
11. When the assessment is over, the assessor should complete the online results and feedback form for the
relevant assessment. Do not give the candidate the result at this point. We continue to follow our standard
procedure of the results and paperwork quality assurance process and the candidate will be notified of their
result, by email, within 10 working days of their assessment. This link is confidential do not share with anyone
other than BHS Assessors.
12. The centre will then forward the relevant fees to the assessor after the assessment has taken place. The
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General Guidance and Operational Procedure
assessor should agree with the centre how payment is made to them (if any).
NB The assessor fee recommended represents the MAXIMUM contribution paid by the centre to the assessor.
In the spirit of supporting each other and centres we ask that you consider a fair sum if you have multiple
candidates or training sessions on one day.
13. The candidate, assessor and/or centre may be subject to a follow up call from the BHS Education Team for
quality assurance purposes as per our quality assurance process during Covid-19. All candidates must be made
aware of this and those under 16 must have a consent form signed for this process (included as part of the
registration booking form).
Assessment fees
Once an assessment date and start time is agreed and confirmed between the candidate, centre and assessor,
the candidate will pay the centre (or assessor) the relevant fee for that assessment in advance by bank transfer
or by credit/debit card over the phone if the centre has that facility. We do not recommend handling cash
payments during this time.
See above note regarding assessor fees
If the centre does not have the facility to be able to take a payment and then distribute fees to the BHS and
assessor, they may ask the assessor to facilitate this for them.
The BHS will invoice the centre/assessor upon receipt of the online candidate registration form. The candidate
registration form link above is confidential and must not be shared with candidates. The assessor should agree
with the centre how payment is made to them (if any). If centres use assessors that are centre staff, they may
not pay the assessor fee. This is to be agreed between the assessor and the centre.
Part assessment (resits) will require the same administration fee to be paid to the BHS, and the assessor/centre
fee is at the discretion of the organiser.
The BHS fee covers the administration, quality assurance process and (excluding Stage 1 Care and Ride) BHSQ
registration and certification costs.
If centres use assessors that are centre staff, they may not pay the assessor fee. This is to be agreed between
the assessor and the centre.
The table on the next page lists assessments fees for all levels, who that candidate books through, the relevant
fee for the candidate, how that fee is distributed to the BHS, assessor and centre, and finally the estimated time
duration for the assessment (to help with planning centre lessons etc).
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General Guidance and Operational Procedure
Assessment Booked through
Recommended
candidate price
BHS
Admin
fee
Recommended
Assessor fee Recommended
Centre fee Est. time
Ride Safe Coach Silver Riding Out Safely Challenge Award
Stage 1
Care Centre £115 £20 £65 £30 1 hour
15 mins
Ride Centre £115 per candidate
£40 1 cand £40 £35 40 mins £80 2 cands £70 £80 45 mins
£120 3 cands £80 £145 50 mins £160 4 cands £100 £200 50 mins
Stage 2
Care Centre £135 £30 £70 £35 1 hour
30 mins
Lunge Centre £75 per
candidate £20 1 cand £35 £20 30 mins £40 2 cands £70 £40 40 mins
Ride BHS £165
Teach BHS £225
Stage 3
Care Centre £150 (£112.50
APCC) £40 £75* £35* 2 hours
Lunge Centre £75 (£56.25
APCC) £20 1 cand £35* £20* 30 mins £40 2 cands £70* £40* 40 mins
Ride BHS £210 (£157.50
APCC)
Teach BHS £225 (£169
APCC)
Stage 4
Care (APC) Centre £225 (£169
APC or APCC) £50 £80* £39* 2 hours
Management (APC)
BHS £150 (£112.50 APC or APCC)
Lunge (APC)
Centre £100 (£75 APC
or APCC) £20 1 cand £35* £20* 30 mins £40 2 cands £70* £60* 40 mins
Ride (APC) BHS £225 (£169
APC or APCC)
Cancellation of assessment
If any party involved requests to cancel or transfer an assessment which has been booked through the centre,
arrangements are to be made between the centre, candidate and the assessor and do not fall within the remit of
the BHS. The centre may be required to pay the BHS admin fee; see below for details.
Admin fee terms and conditions
The BHS will invoice the centre upon receipt of the candidate registration form. The invoice is to be paid
within 30 days.
If the candidate requests to cancel their assessment the centre must notify the BHS in writing by emailing
[email protected]. If the cancellation notification is received within 14 days of the candidate registration
form being submitted to the BHS, the BHS will cancel the invoice and no admin fee will be payable.
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General Guidance and Operational Procedure
If the candidate requests to transfer their date or assessment with the centre no additional admin fee is
payable, but the centre must inform the BHS of the transfer. If the centre wants to transfer an assessment no
additional admin fee is payable but the centre must inform the BHS of the transfer.
If the candidate wishes to cancel their assessment within 14 days of the date of the assessment, the admin
fee is still payable to the BHS. It is at the discretion of the centre and the assessor whether the candidate will
forfeit any or all of the assessment fee due to these parties.
Assessment centre requirements
We have revised our assessment centre requirements, as follows:
Stage 1 Care
The candidate can be assessed at any BHS Approved Riding School
Stage 1 Ride
The candidate can be assessed at any BHS Approved Riding School
Unit 1: Stage 2 Care | Unit 2: Stage 2 Lunge
The candidate can be assessed at any BHS Approved Riding School
Unit 1: Stage 3 Care | Unit 2: Stage 3 Lunge
The candidate can be assessed at a BHS Approved Training Centre (ATC) that is approved at Stage 3 or
above
Unit 1: Stage 4 Senior Care | Unit 3: Stage 4 Senior Lunge
The candidate can be assessed at a BHS assessment centre approved to run assessments at Stage 4 or
above
Unit 2: Stage 4 Senior Management
The candidate will be assessed via video call; an assessment centre is not required and the assessment
will be arranged by the BHS
Any centre used for the delivery of an assessment must have suitable equipment, facilities and horse/s required
to deliver the assessment, for the group size they facilitate. The centre guidance can be sent to centres and
assessors upon request. If you are unsure if a centre can deliver a BHS assessment based on their BHS Approval
status, please contact the BHS Education Team before confirming an assessment date.
Assessor requirements
Firstly, for any assessor wanting to assess this revised model during Covid-19 period you must have completed
the assessor update training with Alex Copeland and Michele Carman, via conference call or video call. If you
have yet to attend this, please call 02476 840508 to arrange your session.
For this period following the above model only, candidates may be assessed by an assessor that is known to
them, either as their coach, trainer or lecturer. However, an assessor may still not assess a member of their own
family.
If the candidate is known to the assessor this must be declared and noted on the candidate declaration form.
The Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) process will be implemented by the BHS Education Team.
The assessor can be a member of staff, or contracted to, the assessment centre.
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General Guidance and Operational Procedure
All assessors can access all relevant paperwork here: https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/assessor-documents/; this
does not mean that all assessors can assess all units. This link is confidential, do not share this with anyone
who is not a BHS Assessor. The assessor can only assess at the Stage they are currently approved to assess by
the BHS Education Team. For example, if you are currently a Stage 1 and Stage 2 assessor, you can assess Stage
1 Care, Stage 1 Ride, Unit 1: Stage 2 Care and Unit 2: Stage 2 Lunge only.
If you have been accepted as a new BHS Assessor in the last two years, please contact the BHS Education Team
and we will work with you on an individual basis to advise you on the assessments you can assess.
Your role as assessor remains to assess the candidate against the assessment criteria. All assessment criteria
must be fulfilled for the candidate to achieve the unit. You will be required to brief, and debrief the candidate as
per standard assessor guidance, ensuring social distancing is always maintained.
Assessor fee
The BHS will not pay the assessor an assessment fee or expenses, including mileage allowance or food and
drink. We anticipate that many centres will choose an assessor who is already known to them, whether this be a
local assessor, or one that is contracted or employed by the centre.
An assessor fee can be paid to the assessor from the centre (out of the candidate fee), however if the assessor is
employed by the centre, and is being paid by the centre on the day of the assessment, the centre may not
choose to pay an extra fee to the assessor.
The BHS recommended fees for assessors and centres is detailed in the section titled ‘assessment fees’.
Riding in an indoor school/covered arena
We understand that many centres deliver Stage 1 Riding within an indoor school. Currently, guidance in England
states that indoor gyms are to remain closed and exercise is outdoors only which has caused some uncertainty
for indoor school use at centres.
We would urge our centres to speak with their insurance company, local authority (if applicable) and risk assess
their indoor school, taking the ventilation/construction into account. Approved Centres can request a Risk
Assessment template from the BHS Approvals team.
Most of our Riding Schools have had confirmation from both their local authority and insurance company that
they can use their indoor schools. The construction of each indoor school is different so please contact the
relevant people and risk assess accordingly. We advise these steps are followed before carrying out any riding in
an indoor school.
Riding in groups
The Stage 1 Ride is usually assessed in groups of up to six. For this revised assessment model we will allow the
Stage 1 Ride to be assessed with groups of up to four according to the Nation’s guidance on group coaching.
One assessor is required. If assessed on a 1:1 assessor-to-candidate ratio, the awareness of group riding and
rules of the school will be assessed via discussion.
A caller is still allowed and should follow social distancing guidance also. The riders should lead the horse to the
mounting block and mount unassisted if possible. If the horse must be held the caller should do this following
the centre’s risk assessment. The caller is also required to move the poles for the ground pole section.
If the Stage 1 Ride is to be delivered at a centre that is not an assessment centre, and has not delivered Stage 1
Riding before, please support the centre and guide them on the standard and temperament of horse required for
this assessment.
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General Guidance and Operational Procedure
Stage 1 Ride and Ride Safe
During this time of unprecedented upheaval, it is unlikely that the BHS will be able to deliver the Ride Safe
assessment during the current social distancing restrictions set by UK Government. To continue to support
riders to be safe on the road and to support BHS candidates to progress their qualifications, we will offer the
‘Riding Out Safely’ silver Challenge Award to act as the Ride Safe element of the Stage 1 Ride qualification.
The Riding Out Safely challenge award can be delivered at any BHS Approved Riding School or at the
participant’s own yard with their horse with an Accredited Professional Coach. The riding school or coach must
have gone through the challenge awards induction training session with the BHS before they can deliver any
challenge awards. The challenge awards coach will deliver the training and complete the assessment with the
participant.
Further information regarding our Ride Safe update is on our website.
Skills Record
We continue to advise all candidates to complete their skills record. This includes both ‘ready for assessment’
and ‘coach endorsement’ requirements at the relevant assessment. During Covid-19 restrictions we appreciate
this may not be possible due to social distancing restrictions. Therefore, the BHS can accept an email from the
trainer/coach to confirm training has taken place and the candidate is ‘ready for assessment’ or they have
completed the relevant ‘coach endorsement’. The trainer/coach requirements continue as per normal guidelines
(they are an APC or Approved Centre Coach qualified to at least one level above the assessment they are
signing off).
If the candidate produces a skills record that is not signed off, or cannot provide an email from their coach, the
candidate can continue with their assessment. The candidate will then be sampled within the BHS QA process.
If a candidate has not had their relevant ‘coach endorsement’ within the skills record signed off the candidate
will not achieve the unit until this has been completed. The ‘coach endorsement/s’ remain a pre-requisite for the
unit. The candidate can continue to sit the assessment, and the BHS will support the candidate to provide
evidence of the skill required. This could be in the form of a video or discussion.
Skills Record for Stage 4 Care and Management
As much of the theory training can be completed via virtual training, we appreciate this may be difficult to
acquire a signature sign off for the Skills Record. We have produced a word document sign off template that can
be emailed to the trainer to sign and return. The can be downloaded from the candidate guidance section of our
website. A copy is included from page 14.
Internal Quality Assurance (QA) process
We will facilitate a revised IQA process whilst delivering our revised model for these assessments. Following an
assessment, an assessor, centre or candidate may be contacted by an appointed BHS Internal Verifier (IV) to
carry out a viva (discussion) to clarify knowledge on any part of the assessment.
The BHS IQA process will ensure that candidates have a positive and fair experience at their assessment, with standards and quality being maintained despite extraordinary circumstances. It will act to support BHSQ to fulfil awarding organisation requirements and remain within Ofqual guidelines. The IQA process will ensure and demonstrate that assessments are valid, authentic, reliable, and sufficient to meet the specified outcomes.
Sampling rationale: The judgement provided by the assessor is:
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General Guidance and Operational Procedure
• VALID – relevant to the criteria and level of assessment
• AUTHENTIC – produced by the candidate (in the case of skills records or email witness testimonies)
• SUFFICIENT – meets in full ALL the requirements of the relevant criteria. The IV must record the section and areas sampled, to ensure that a cross section of all relevant assessment criteria is covered. If a standardisation issue is identified, the IV will need to record and discuss this with Alex Copeland or Michele Carman as soon as possible and may need to contact the assessor for clarification
Standardisation meetings The BHS will arrange a standardisation call to ensure that all IVs are interpreting the verification process in the same way.
Sampling rate
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Assessor Candidate Assessor Candidate Assessor Candidate Assessor Candidate
Candidate is known to or been trained by the assessor in the previous 12 months
80% 20% 70% 30% 70% 30% 70% 30%
Candidate is deemed ‘High Risk’ due to Reasonable Adjustment or other
80% 20% 70% 30% 70% 30% 70% 30%
Assessor has amber status on Risk Register
50% 10% 50% 10% 50% 10% 50% 10%
Candidate is unknown to the assessor
10% 5% 20% 10% 30% 20% 30% 20%
Once the IQA process has been completed, the candidate will be emailed their assessment result.
Documents for assessors
All documents required to deliver any assessment covered in this document can be found here:
https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/assessor-documents/
This link is confidential, do not share this with anyone who is not a BHS Assessor.
Completing assessment paperwork
Only one document, the feedback form, is required to be submitted to the BHS as soon as possible after the
assessment has been completed (preferably the same or one working day after). We encourage you to complete
this electronically via our online forms. Each assessment has its own feedback form, found here:
https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/assessor-documents/. If you are unable to complete electronically you will be
required to find your own arrangements to print the paperwork and email to the BHS office (BHS Education
Team are working from home and not able to access the printers in the office). You are also asked to keep your
crib sheets and a copy of the risk assessment for three months after the date of the assessment.
Reasonable Adjustments
The BHS aims to promote equity, diversity, and equality of opportunity within our assessment process. We
recognise that due to the practical nature of BHS assessments, adjustments may need to be made to allow the
opportunity of assessment for the widest range of applicants. A reasonable adjustment is an alteration to an
assessment that will enable a candidate with a disability or pre-existing condition to participate on a fair basis.
Adjustments can only be made to the assessment process or method; adjustments cannot be made to the
assessment criteria.
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General Guidance and Operational Procedure
Candidates may request reasonable adjustment on the grounds of:
• Permanent physical disability or special learning requirements
• Temporary injury, disability, condition or special learning requirements
Provisions for reasonable adjustment are agreed prior to the assessment day; we regret that requests for a
reasonable adjustment will not be accepted on the day.
If a candidate requires a reasonable adjustment, they must apply to the office at least two weeks before their
assessment date.
Each application is considered on an individual basis. You will be informed in advance if there is a reasonable
adjustment in place for an assessment and any special measures that you need to make.
Any information that we share with you for this purpose must be disposed of confidentially at the end of the
assessment.
Social distancing and PPE requirements
The following guidance has been published from the UK Government, and is correct as on 11 May 2020. It is
your responsibility to adopt these principles wherever possible.
Public Health England recommends trying to keep two metres away from people as a precaution. However, this
is not a rule and the science is complex. The key thing is to not be too close to people for more than a short
period of time, as much as you can.
Wash your hands often using soap and water, and dry them thoroughly.
Where available, use sanitiser outside your home, especially as you enter a building and after you have had
contact with surfaces. The BHS is unable to provide hand sanitiser to all assessors. Please provide your own if you
wish to use it or the centre may be able to provide this.
Avoid touching your face.
You are at higher risk of being directly exposed to respiratory droplets (released by talking or coughing) when
you are within two metres of someone and have face-to-face contact with them. You can lower the risk of
infection if you stay side-to-side rather than facing someone.
There is some evidence that the virus can stay on fabrics for a few days, although usually it is shorter. Therefore,
if you are working with people outside your household, wash your clothes regularly.
Changing clothes in workplaces should only be considered where there is a high risk of infection or there are
highly vulnerable people, such as in a care home. The BHS does not require you to change clothes at the centre.
Evidence suggests that the virus is less likely to be passed on in well-ventilated buildings and outdoors.
In good weather, try to leave windows and doors open in areas where people from different households come
into contact, or move activity outdoors if you can. The BHS recommends that all communication with the candidate
takes place outdoors where possible, or in well ventilated areas such as the stable yard.
Different regulations exist for wearing face coverings in different parts of the UK. Please ensure you check your relevant National Government’s guidance. The general guidance is, if you are in an enclosed public space where social distancing may be difficult to maintain and where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet, then a
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General Guidance and Operational Procedure
face covering is advised for those that are able to wear one. Medical exemptions should be respected. A face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth; this could be a reusable or single-use face covering or a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering which securely fits around the side of the face. As the assessment will take place mainly outdoors or in well-ventilated areas the BHS does not require candidates to
wear a face covering during the assessment, unless the centre requires it.
We recommend it is up to the centre to decide their protocol for face coverings based on their risk assessment; you and the candidate are required to follow the centre’s guidance. Should the centre not require a face covering to be worn, the candidate can still choose to wear this for the assessment. If a face covering is worn, anyone can request the covering to be removed if they rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound when you are communicating to them.
The assessment centre will have also risk assessed their environment and implemented their own protocol. The
above guidance is a minimum only and should the centre have a stricter policy you must adhere to this. Ensure
you are aware of the protocol before the assessment day.
If within the period of seven days before the assessment you, or any member of your household feels unwell or
has any of the Covid-19 symptoms you must not attend the assessment and follow self-isolation requirements
set out by the Government. You must notify the centre and BHS Education immediately. If you or any member
of your household feels unwell or has any symptoms of Covid-19 within seven days after the assessment, please
notify the BHS Education Team and follow self-isolation requirements.
We recommend you drive directly to and from the centre and change your clothes immediately after arriving
home before meeting any other person.
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Stage 4 Senior Management
Assessment model for Stage 4 Management
Unit 2: Stage 4 Senior Management will be delivered by a group video call, organised by BHS.
The BHS will list assessment dates on our website and the candidate will book following the usual procedure by
calling the BHS Education team.
The video assessment will be led by a BHS Assessor with up to four other candidates. For this period following
the above model only, candidates may be assessed by an assessor that is known to them, either as their coach,
trainer or lecturer. However, an assessor may still not assess a member of their own family. If the candidate is
known to the assessor this must be declared, and the Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) process will be
implemented by the BHS Education Team.
The BHS will facilitate these assessments and will use Starleaf as the video call software. Full instructions will be
issued to the candidate and assessor for how to use Starleaf.
We encourage candidates to have training and mock assessments via video conferencing to be familiar with
engaging and interacting with an audience virtually. It would also give the candidate the opportunity to test their
internet speed and IT resources to ensure a smooth video call. If the candidate has poor internet connection on
the day of the assessment the assessor may stop their assessment and they would risk losing their fee. A
candidate could request to sit their test at a centre should they not have sufficient IT resources at home.
If you are a Stage 4 assessor and would like to assess Stage 4 Senior Management, we recommend you have an
up-to-date web browser and have 10Mb download and 5Mb upload speed to work well. If lots of people are
sharing the Wi-Fi etc. then this will affect the quality so consider this if you have a busy household. We
recommend going to www.speedtest.net and running a quick test to understand how good your connection
is.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the relevant assessment paperwork?
All documents required to deliver any assessment covered in this document can be found here:
https://pathways.bhs.org.uk/assessor-documents/
This link is confidential, do not share this with anyone who is not a BHS Assessor.
When can I begin to assess?
The assessment model given above can be delivered as soon as you are contacted by a centre.
What’s the plan for Stage 2 and above Ride and Coaching assessments?
We are able to deliver these, as per the standard (pre Covid-19) operational model, with appropriate social
distancing in place. They are boked via the usual assessment model, with the assessment being pre-arranged
with the BHS. Please look out for the usual ‘assessor sort’ for these assessments.
Will the BHS provide us with any PPE?
As the assessment will take place in well ventilated areas, we do not feel the risk is high enough to need to
provide assessors with face coverings or any additional PPE. Any additional measures are up to the centre
and/or assessor to decide.
What if a candidate has an accident and requires first aid treatment?
You have a responsibility to minimise risk and administer first aid if required. If you need to step in to prevent an
accident occurring, this overrules the social distancing guidance. Similarly, if an accident has happened and you
need to administer first aid you are required to do so.
We recommend following the guidance set by St John’s Ambulance.
If you do not feel comfortable with the thought of administering first aid, or the potential to be within 2 metres
of a candidate to prevent an accident happening, we would ask you do not put yourself forward to assess. The
health and welfare of our assessors in paramount and if you feel uncomfortable to assess at this time please let
us know.
I have been issued a letter that requires me to self-isolate for health reasons, do I have to assess?
Absolutely not. If there is any reason you do not feel comfortable to assess during this time, there is no
requirement for you to do so. Please follow your doctor’s advice regarding working during this current climate.
Your health and safety are our priority so please stay safe.
To support assessors that cannot work outside during this time, we may be able to prioritise those to facilitate
our IQA process as the role of Internal Verifier. Please contact Michele or Alex if you would like to consider this
role.
What about candidates that need to resit only? Can we assess resits?
Yes, we will allow candidates to resit sections during this time. The assessment fees listed above are for the full
unit only. If a candidate requires a resit the same administration fee is required by the BHS; but the centre fee
and assessor fee can be agreed between the centre, assessor and candidate depending on the resources,
equipment and time required.
Are you delivering Stage 5 Care assessments using this model?
The Stage 5 Care is a more challenging assessment to deliver as per the particular requirements for equipment,
resources and horses. We are working with our assessment centres and hope to have Stage 5 assessments by
the end of the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deliver more than one assessment in one day?
We ask that assessment is delivered with the group numbers as per the above guidance. Back to back
assessments can be delivered providing the centre and assessor can facilitate this.
My first aid/safeguarding/CPD has expired due to Covid-19, am I able to assess?
Due to Covid-19 if your first aid, safeguarding or CPD has recently expired you have until 31 December 2020 to
renew this. Any lapse in first aid, safeguarding or CPD during this time will not affect your insurance or assessor
status. The BHS will review this extension if these courses are unable to be delivered before this date.
Does this model comply with regulatory/awarding body requirements?
We have consulted closely with BHSQ and Ofqual who are completely satisfied with the processes we have in
place to minimise risk to the integrity of the assessment and have their full support in implementing the above
model.
If you have any queries regarding holding a BHS assessment, please contact the Education Team:
Michele Carman, Head of Operations 07966 215964 [email protected]
Alex Copeland, Director of Education 07811 819348 [email protected]
Education Team 02476 840508 [email protected]
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Stage 4 Senior Care Skills Record sign off
Virtual training and sign off process Candidate Name Address Post Code BHS Number
Learning Outcome Assessment Criteria Current Assessment
Method C19 Modifications
2. Understand nutritional requirements of horses
2.1 Explain nutritional and dietary needs for a range of horses
Trainer endorsement On the assessment day the candidate will be assessed in detail on one or more assessment criteria through a ‘viva’ process with the assessor to clarify competence.
Required to be signed off prior to the assessment day. Training can be carried out virtually by a trainer holding Stage 5 Care (BHS Stable Manager) qualifications. They can then sign off the skills record section of the Stage 4. This document can then be emailed to the centre/assessor in advance of the modified Stage 4 Care assessment.
2.2 Evaluate the use of vitamin and mineral supplements in horses’ diets 2.3 Analyse the management of a range of health conditions that may be linked to nutrition
TRAINER DECLARATION APC Name APC Number Date achieved I have checked the formal ID of this candidate and confirm that they have reached the required standard for the above criteria.
2. Understand nutritional requirements of horses
2.1 Explain nutritional and dietary needs for a range of horses
Trainer endorsement On the assessment day the candidate will be assessed in detail on one or more assessment criteria through a ‘viva’ process with the assessor to clarify competence
Required to be signed off prior to the assessment day. Training can be carried out virtually by a trainer holding Stage 5 Care (BHS Stable Manager) qualifications. They can then sign off this section of the Stage 4 Skills Record. This document can then be emailed to the centre/assessor in advance of the modified Stage 4 Care assessment.
2.2 Evaluate the use of vitamin and mineral supplements in horses’ diets 2.3 Analyse the management of a range of health conditions that may be linked to nutrition
TRAINER DECLARATION APC Name APC Number Date achieved I have checked the formal ID of this candidate and confirm that they have reached the required standard for the above criteria.
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Stage 4 Senior Care Skills Record sign off
3. Understand the management of competition horses
3.1 Analyse the management of competition horses pre, during and post competition
Trainer endorsement On the assessment day the candidate will be assessed in detail on one or more assessment criteria through a ‘viva’ process with the assessor to clarify competence
Required to be signed off prior to the assessment day. Training can be carried out virtually by a trainer holding Stage 5 Care (BHS Stable Manager) qualifications. They can then sign off this section of the Stage 4 Skills Record. This document can then be emailed to the centre/assessor in advance of the modified Stage 4 Care assessment.
3.2 Evaluate the different fitness processes required for a range of performance horses
TRAINER DECLARATION APC Name APC Number Date achieved I have checked the formal ID of this candidate and confirm that they have reached the required standard for the above criteria.
5. Understand the care of horses
5.1 Explain how to maintain health and wellbeing of horses
Trainer endorsement On the assessment day the candidate will be assessed in detail on one or more assessment criteria through a ‘viva’ process with the assessor to clarify competence
Required to be signed off prior to the assessment day. Training can be carried out virtually by a trainer holding Stage 5 Care (BHS Stable Manager) qualifications. They can then sign off this section of the Stage 4 Skills Record. This document can then be emailed to the centre/assessor in advance of the modified Stage 4 Care assessment.
5.2 Explain procedures for managing a suspected outbreak of a contagious disease 5.3 Describe end of life care
TRAINER DECLARATION APC Name APC Number Date achieved I have checked the formal ID of this candidate and confirm that they have reached the required standard for the above criteria.
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Stage 4 Senior Care Skills Record sign off
6. Understand the care of mares and youngstock
6.1 Explain how mares in foal should be cared for
Trainer endorsement On the assessment day the candidate will be assessed in detail on one or more assessment criteria through a ‘viva’ process with the assessor to clarify competence
Required to be signed off prior to the assessment day. Training can be carried out virtually by a trainer holding Stage 5 Care (BHS Stable Manager) qualifications. They can then sign off this section of the Stage 4 Skills Record. This document can then be emailed to the centre/assessor in advance of the modified Stage 4 Care assessment.
6.2 Describe the signs a mare is due to foal
6.3 Explain the foaling process 6.4 Evaluate care options for the mare and foal 6.5 Explain the physical needs of young horses 6.6 Explain methods of handling young horses
TRAINER DECLARATION APC Name APC Number Date achieved I have checked the formal ID of this candidate and confirm that they have reached the required standard for the above criteria.
7. Understand the care of older horses
7.1 Explain how to recognise the signs of ageing
Trainer endorsement On the assessment day the candidate will be assessed in detail on one or more assessment criteria through a ‘viva’ process with the assessor to clarify competence
Required to be signed off prior to the assessment day. Training can be carried out virtually by a trainer holding Stage 5 Care (BHS Stable Manager) qualifications. They can then sign off this section of the Stage 4 Skills Record. This document can then be emailed to the centre/assessor in advance of the modified Stage 4 Care assessment.
7.2 Explain ongoing care of the older horse
TRAINER DECLARATION APC Name APC Number Date achieved
I have checked the formal ID of this candidate and confirm that they have reached the required standard for the above criteria.
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Stage 4 Senior Management Skills Record sign off
Virtual training and sign off process Candidate Name Address Post Code BHS Number
Learning Outcome Assessment Criteria Current Assessment Method
Modifications
1. Understand the importance of customer care
1.1 Compare different booking methods for equestrian businesses
Trainer endorsement On the assessment day the candidate will be assessed in detail on one or more assessment criteria through a ‘viva’ process with the assessor to clarify competence.
Required to be signed off prior to the assessment day. Training can be carried out virtually by a trainer holding Stage 5 Care (BHS Stable Manager) qualifications. They can then sign off the skills record section of the Stage 4. This document can then be emailed to the centre/assessor in advance of the modified Stage 4 Care assessment. It will be assessed virtually on a 1:1 basis through the VIVA process on the assessment day.
1.2 Justify the allocation of resources in a range of situations 1.3 Explain a range of factors that contribute to successful customer care 1.4 Compare the benefits of different membership schemes for clients
TRAINER DECLARATION
APC Name APC Number Date achieved
I have checked the formal ID of this candidate and confirm that they have reached the required standard for the above criteria.
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Stage 4 Senior Management Skills Record sign off
2. Be able to use interpersonal skills
2.1 Evaluate own interpersonal skills
Trainer endorsement On the assessment day the candidate will be assessed in detail on one or more assessment criteria through a ‘viva’ process with the assessor to clarify competence.
Required to be signed off prior to the assessment day. Training can be carried out virtually by a trainer holding Stage 5 Care (BHS Stable Manager) qualifications. They can then sign off the skills record section of the Stage 4. This document can then be emailed to the centre/assessor in advance of the modified Stage 4 Care assessment. It will be assessed virtually on a 1:1 basis through the VIVA process on the assessment day.
TRAINER DECLARATION
APC Name APC Number Date achieved
I have checked the formal ID of this candidate and confirm that they have reached the required standard for the above criteria.
3. Be able to manage staff
3.1 Explain different ways of employing staff
Trainer endorsement On the assessment day the candidate will be assessed in detail on one or more assessment criteria through a ‘viva’ process with the assessor to clarify competence.
Required to be signed off prior to the assessment day. Training can be carried out virtually by a trainer holding Stage 5 Care (BHS Stable Manager) qualifications. They can then sign off the skills record section of the Stage 4. This document can then be emailed to the centre/assessor in advance of the modified Stage 4 Care assessment. It will be assessed virtually on a 1:1 basis through the VIVA process on the assessment day.
3.2 Explain the purpose and process of staff development
3.3 Produce training plans to develop staff
TRAINER DECLARATION
APC Name APC Number Date achieved
I have checked the formal ID of this candidate and confirm that they have reached the required standard for the above criteria.
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Stage 4 Senior Management Skills Record sign off
4. Understand requirements for self-employment
4.1 Explain the specific requirements of a self-employed coach
Trainer endorsement On the assessment day the candidate will be assessed in detail on one or more assessment criteria through a ‘viva’ process with the assessor to clarify competence.
Required to be signed off prior to the assessment day. Training can be carried out virtually by a trainer holding Stage 5 Care (BHS Stable Manager) qualifications. They can then sign off the skills record section of the Stage 4. This document can then be emailed to the centre/assessor in advance of the modified Stage 4 Care assessment. It will be assessed virtually on a 1:1 basis through the VIVA process on the assessment day.
4.2 Compare the benefits of different membership schemes for self-employed coaches
4.3 Explain the benefits of Continued Professional Development for a self-employed coach
TRAINER DECLARATION
APC Name APC Number Date achieved
I have checked the formal ID of this candidate and confirm that they have reached the required standard for the above criteria.
5. Understand the roles and responsibilities of a yard manager
5.1 Explain the requirements of relevant legislation
Trainer endorsement On the assessment day the candidate will be assessed in detail on one or more assessment criteria through a ‘viva’ process with the assessor to clarify competence.
Required to be signed off prior to the assessment day. Training can be carried out virtually by a trainer holding Stage 5 Care (BHS Stable Manager) qualifications. They can then sign off the skills record section of the Stage 4. This document can then be emailed to the centre/assessor in advance of the modified Stage 4 Care assessment. It will be assessed virtually on a 1:1 basis through the VIVA process on the assessment day.
5.2 Explain the purpose of different types of insurance
TRAINER DECLARATION
APC Name APC Number Date achieved
I have checked the formal ID of this candidate and confirm that they have reached the required standard for the above criteria.
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Stage 4 Senior Management Skills Record sign off
7. Understand record keeping requirements for an equestrian business
7.1 Explain records kept Trainer endorsement On the assessment day the candidate will be assessed in detail on one or more assessment criteria through a ‘viva’ process with the assessor to clarify competence.
Required to be signed off prior to the assessment day. Training can be carried out virtually by a trainer holding Stage 5 Care (BHS Stable Manager) qualifications. They can then sign off the skills record section of the Stage 4. This document can then be emailed to the centre/assessor in advance of the modified Stage 4 Care assessment. It will be assessed virtually on a 1:1 basis through the VIVA process on the assessment day.
7.2 Explain how business information is stored
TRAINER DECLARATION
APC Name APC Number Date achieved
I have checked the formal ID of this candidate and confirm that they have reached the required standard for the above criteria.
9. Understand how to manage a yard
9.1 Compare the benefits of different types of approval schemes for businesses
Trainer endorsement Required to be signed off prior to the assessment day. Training can be carried out virtually by a trainer holding Stage 5 Care (BHS Stable Manager) qualifications. They can then sign off the skills record section of the Stage 4. This document can then be emailed to the centre/assessor in advance of the modified Stage 4 Care assessment. It will be assessed virtually on a 1:1 basis through the VIVA process on the assessment day.
9.2 Explain working relationships with a range of associated professionals
9.3 Explain how to maintain facilities 9.4 Explain a range of security procedures on the yard
TRAINER DECLARATION
APC Name APC Number Date achieved
I have checked the formal ID of this candidate and confirm that they have reached the required standard for the above criteria.