I am a leadership scheme provider and would like to apply for additional course directors

Mountain Training England accepts new leadership scheme course director applications once a year. Applications must be formally submitted by 12 noon, 17th Jan 2025. We welcome informal, verbal communication prior to application but will not comment in writing without formal submission.

To apply applicants must complete the application form and pay the fee (£50).

Please understand Mountain Training England is under no obligation to accept new applications and the submission fee is non-refundable.

Course director applicants must be able to evidence they have the Skills, Knowledge, Attitude, Training and Experience criteria outlined in the application form. Although it is the provider applicant’s responsibility to submit the evidence as part of the application it will likely be in consultation with the individual concerned.

If the course director application is successful individuals will be welcomed onto a training pathway which must be completed in 12 months; ‘Course director training scheme’. This has a number of mandatory steps and incurs cost to participate. It is not essential applicants have course observation or staffing experience on entry. It is expected this is gained during training and probationary year. The course director training pathway is explained below.

Screening

The role of the Screening Committee is to impartially consider applications for approval and subsequently make recommendations to the Mountain Training England Board.

In the case of course director applications the aim is to ensure individuals have the Skills, Knowledge, Attitude, Training and Experience, with further scheme specific input, to undertake the role.

Please be aware, irrespective of satisfying the criteria above, the Screening Committee may recomend not accepting applications if they feel course delivery does not merit addtional approvals. 

Screening process

In collaboration with the Development Officer the Technical Support Administrator supports initial screening by validating evidence submitted. The applications are then passed to the committee members for comment.

Members are requested to comment separately on each application. Comments are collated by the Officer concerned and commonly include their personal recommendation to accept or reject an application. Where opinions differ, the Officer communicates with all to find resolution.

Although screening is primarily based on evidence submitted by applicants of adherence to outlined application criteria, the Screening Committee has the discretion to recommend rejecting applications if there are other less quantifiable causes for concern. The Screening Committee also has the discretion to recommend accepting applications on merit if they can see other significant evidence of competence, for example.

The aim is to reach consensus, where this is not possible the majority view is taken. The majority view is then reported to the Board.

Outcome

In the case of successful applications, probationary terms to acceptance are suggested. This will include recommending the course director applicant is accepted onto the training pathway.

Where the Screening Committee recommends rejecting an application, their reasoning is outlined.

The Development Officer communicates the outcome to the Mountain Training England Board.

The Board considers the recommendations made by the Screening Committee and formally accepts or rejects applications submitted.If accepted, at this point, course director applicant/s concerned become a ‘Course director trainee’.

Applicants can expect to hear the outcome by early March 2025. Probationary conditions are outlined at this time.

The Board decision is final. It is not possible to appeal.

The 'Course director training scheme' involves a series of online modules, practical sessions and course observations/staffing opportunities which must be completed to gain probationary course director approval. It is strongly advised that the steps are completed sequentially to maximise learning opportunity. All elements are presented as modules irrespective of whether they need to be completed practically or a submission is required. All modules must be completed unless we state otherwise.

The ‘Online Introduction to Mountain Training scheme delivery' gives an opportunity to receive further explanation of the structure and ask questions; 7pm, 18th March 2025 - , 1-2hrs in duration. The event is free to attend and bookable through CMS - https://mt.tahdah.me/event/detail/996219

Modules;

1 ‘Our People’ – How to remain ‘people centred’ when delivering training and assessment. Delivered online.
2 ‘Mountain Training’ – Our Vision, Mission, Ethos and scheme pathways. Delivered online.
3 ‘Delivering effective training and fair assessment’ – Delivering quality and nationally consistent training and assessment. Delivered as the first day of a two day event based at Plas y Brenin (see below). A written submission is required after attendance.
4 ‘Specific scheme delivery’ – Structuring and delivering courses for specific schemes.

• 4a – Practical elements - Delivered as the second day of a two day event based at Plas y Brenin (see below).
• 4b – Shared competencies to include ‘Weather’, ‘Access’ and ‘Environment/Conservation’. Key competencies are covered, applicable to the individual schemes. Delivered online.

5, ‘Provider and course director administration’ – Robust and effective course reporting. Delivered online. A written submission is required after completion.

Plas y Brenin training event

This is a two day event based at Plas y Brenin; 20th-21st March 2025. The event aims to address all essential, practical training and assessment course delivery elements and costs £80 to attend. This cover lunch on the first day only, it does not include accommodation. The event must be booked on CMS in advance. It is expected modules 1 and 2 are completed prior to attendance.

Course observation

Whilst completing the modules outlined above Course director trainees are required to observe or staff, one full training course and one full assessment course for each scheme they seek approval to deliver. Each course must be with a different provider and not include the one they are attached too. This must be recorded on the course report form submitted. Please be aware the providers concerned will be contacted for feedback after attendance. If individuals already have this experience this is not required.

Assessment of learning tasks and formal submissions

Online continuous assessment of learning tasks are completed within modules 1, 2 and 4. The following modules demand formal submission outlined in detail within;

3 ‘Delivering effective training and fair assessment’ – On completion of the Plas y Brenin training event, trainees will be expected to submit both a training and assessment course program for the specific scheme/s.
5 ‘Provider and course director administration’ – On completion of the online module trainees will be expected to submit 2 defer reports written from course staff notes provided. If individuals already have course director approval for another scheme this is not required.

Both submissions must be made at the same time, at any point in the training period once the individual elements and course observations have been completed. On completion these can be sent directly to mark@mountain-training.org for consideration by the Mountain Training England technical staff. Submission incurs a £30 fee.

Length of the training period

The training period must be completed by 1st November 2025. 

Individuals with significant depth and breadth may complete the tasks in a short time period, others may take longer.

Outcome of the training period

The Mountain Training England technical staff review each trainee’s progress and submissions, and the Development Officer communicates the outcome to those concerned;

• If accepted the individual is granted ‘Probationary course director’ status on CMS and may immediately deliver courses for the linked provider.
• If not accepted the Development Officer outlines the reasoning to those concerned and any reengagement terms permissible. Please be aware it is not possible to appeal this decision.

Individuals may start to run courses when granted ‘Probationary course director’ status on CMS. The probationary period is an opportunity to review performance and ensure new approvals are used actively and appropriately.

During this period probationary course directors will be required to direct one course (min) and staff or observe two further courses; one training and one assessment. Where the individual already has 4 courses of experience (two training and two assessment courses) for the specific scheme, with a provider other than the one they seek approval through, this is not required.

Moderation visit

Mountain Training England aims to moderate new course directors as soon as possible. Providers may be contacted at any time to arrange a moderation visit.

Probationary approval is reviewed after 12 months to ensure conditions have been satisfied. If we are satisfied with the conduct, performance and delivery, probationary applicants will be given full approval. Please understand Mountain Training England is under no obligation to give full approval if there is any cause for concern.

Approval costs;

• Application submission - £50. £25 per additional scheme/course director approval.
• 'Course director – Scheme delivery' attendance - £80pp.
• ‘Course director online assessment’ - £30 per submission.
  
  

Ongoing costs to retain approval;

• Annual provider fee - £125 per year (includes 1 free course director).
• Additional approved course directors attached to the provider account - £20 per director per year.
• Course directors must attend a practical update once every 3 years (£30).

The Mountain Training website outlines our work and gives specific detail on the schemes.

Applicants are welcome to view the Provider and course staff area. This will help individuals understand the requirements and processes involved within course provision. Prior to submission it is worth consulting the 'Mountain Training England Strategic Plan' within and viewing Learn Lead Inspire and Our Ethos to get a feel of who we are and what we do.

For informal, verbal guidance regarding applications please contact Mountain Training - 01690 720314