This document has been developed by Skills Shop Ltd.
The purpose of these guidelines is to establish best practices in the provision and evaluation of Mental Health First Aid training.
These guidelines apply to a variety of Mental Health First Aid training programs, such as:
This document outlines the requirements for both Trainers and Assessors, recognising that in some cases, the same individual may fulfil both roles, as long as they meet the qualifications and experience criteria for each role.
Individuals delivering training for these qualifications must demonstrate both expertise in mental health first aid and possess a recognised teaching or training qualification, as outlined in Appendix 1.
Additionally, the trainer must provide one of the following:
Individuals responsible for assessing these qualifications must show competence in mental health first aid, supported by qualifications and experience. A relevant portfolio should include holding a recognised assessing qualification or relevant CPD training, as detailed in Appendix 1.
In addition, the assessor must provide one of the following:
Individuals responsible for the internal quality assurance (IQA) of these qualifications must demonstrate both mental health first aid expertise and competency in internal quality assurance. A suitable portfolio should include holding a recognised internal quality assurance qualification or completing relevant CPD training, as outlined in Appendix 1.
Internal Quality Assurers are required to:
Assessment Centres are responsible for keeping up-to-date records of Trainers, Assessors, and Internal Quality Assurers. They must also ensure that everyone involved in the assessment and internal quality assurance processes remains competent and current in their roles.
The assessment process should evaluate a learner’s ability to recognise and suitable respond to mental health conditions in the workplace. All assessment criteria in the relevant unit(s) must be evaluated. Assessments can occur at any point during the qualification delivery and do not need to be reserved for the end. However, it is essential that learners are made aware when an assessment is taking place.
Acceptable Training / Assessing Qualification
This list is not exhaustive but serves as a reference for acceptable training and/or assessing qualifications. Trainers who also assess learner competence must possess a qualification (or multiple qualifications) that enables them to fulfill both roles effectively.
Version: Version: 1.13