BRC 7.1 Personnel Training

For our plant staff we currently close for a day and do a mass training event. We go over all the annual BRC training along with having written tests on the different subjects. What I'm wondering if anyone else breaks their training in to "Tool Box Talks" through out the year.  Are we required to do a test on each topic or can an acknowledgement of the training count? Any issues with auditors? The reason for the potential change is I have some staff who have test anxiety and who struggle with reading. I would rather focus on them hearing the knowledge and not be distracted by the potential test. Also to refresh on topics through out the year instead of a massive amount of information in one day. Thank you in advanced for your help and guidance.

Hi CSchmidt,

Is this refresher training? My concern would be waiting up to one year to train people:

Clause 7.1.1 All relevant personnel, including agency-supplied staff, temporary staff and contractors, shall be appropriately trained prior to commencing work and adequately supervised

You don’t need to do written tests, verbal assessment or auditing personnel carrying out their roles can be used as evidence. 

Clause 7.1.2 Personnel are engaged in activities relating to critical control points, relevant training and competency assessment shall be in place.

Interpretation: The assessment needs to confirm that the procedure is being followed correctly, test knowledge of the corrective actions, and check for the completion of any relevant training.

Clause 7.1.3 requires reviewing of the effectiveness of training.

Also Note, Clause 7.1.7 Interpretation Competency review:

The company must ensure there is ongoing assessment of staff competencies in their roles (e.g. through one-to-one appraisals, team performance monitoring by line managers, review of the results of internal audits, or review of records).

Kind regards,

Tony