More profit through skills

Improve Limited is the Sector Skills Council for Food and Drink Manufacturing and Processing across the UK and part of the Skills for Business Network, sponsored by the Department for Learning and Skills. Improve was established in July 2004 as the recognised authority on skill development in the UK food and drink industry. Improve’s vision is ‘to deliver more profit to employers through skills’.

Campden BRI is actively supporting a number of Improve’s initiatives including:

• their work on qualifications and National Occupational Standards
• the establishment of the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink. Campden BRI is a provider of training for the National Skills Academy and is approved as a Food and Drink Network Member as well as a Bakery and Confectionery Specialist Member.
• the launch of a unique, web based facility, for recording and maintaining employee skills profiles across the UK food and drink manufacturing sector: the Green Card.

Campden BRI was one of the first organisations to become a Green Card Verifier. The Green Card is the UK passport of skills for the food and drink industry and an individual’s record of achievement. Employees have transferable proof of work experience, skills and qualifications, a unique and easily checked record of all their credentials and achievements; employers get a clear record of an employee’s capabilities when they are recruiting or considering staff training.

For more information: green-card.co.uk and improveltd.co.uk

Publications for continuing professional development

Our wide range of publications complements and reinforces our training courses, seminars and conferences - and can provide highly effective tools for consolidating the continuing professional development initiated at courses and conferences.

CCFRA guidelines, for example, are developed with the close involvement of industry to help companies adopt best practice. Our reviews, produced by technical specialists, provide informative summaries of important topics. Our Key Topics series of short books provides excellent introductions to food science and technology, with a strong industrial slant. And our software and videos were developed to help food and drink companies with specific day-to-day activities.

More detailed information - organised by theme - can be found in the publications section, which is searchable and has an on-line shopping basket and ordering facility. We can also provide leaflets on paper or by return e-mail.

The subjects covered by our publications and software include:

• Agriculture and food production
• Canning and thermal processing
• Cereals and cereal processing
• Chilled foods
• Food microbiology
• Food packaging
• Fresh produce
• HACCP and safety assurance
• Hygiene design and practice
• Laboratory methods, safety and design
• Legislation
• Meat and meat products
• Product development
• Sensory science and consumer awareness
• Water and water quality

For further information visit our publication section, email pubs@campden.co.uk or browse the publications on display at our courses and events.

Continuing Professional Development for the food profession

CCFRA is an approved provider for the Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST) CPD schemes.

As the leading professional qualifying body for food science and technology in Europe, the Institute of Food Science & Technology (IFST) is responsible for maintaining advanced standards of qualifications and professional practice amongst food scientists and technologists.

In assuring the supply of safe, wholesome, nutritious, tasty and attractive food through the application of food science and technology, IFST has long recognised the need for standards within the food and drink industry and is committed to the maintenance and continual updating of skills and experience through continuing professional development.

All members of IFST are required to recognise their responsibility to maintain and enhance professional competence by continuing to update and improve their knowledge and proficiency. IFST supports members’ needs for CPD through its publications, events and accreditation schemes. Activities include:

• The Food and Drink Federation and IFST have jointly published a CPD Guidance Document to help food safety professionals maintain and enhance their individual professional competence.
• IFST has joined forces with Marks and Spencer plc to accredit the continuing professional development of its food technologists. Negotiations are continuing with a number of other employers to accredit their schemes.
• IFST is licensed by the Science Council to award Chartered Scientist to appropriately qualified members. The designation Chartered Scientist reflects best practice in science and is set at a benchmark level throughout the professions. CPD is an essential requirement for Chartered Scientist.
• To meet the needs of the food industry for an independent measure of the skills, experience and knowledge of professionals offering audit and consultancy services to food companies, IFST has developed a Register of Professional Food Auditors and Mentors (RPFAM), who are eligible to become auditors and mentors on the Safe & Local Supplier Approval Scheme (SALSA). CPD is a condition for those on RPFAM.

For further information about joining the IFST, or RPFAM, or if your company is interested in IFST assistance with CPD accreditation, visit ifst.org or e-mail info@ifst.org.

Free continuing professional development (CPD)

Campden BRI technical panels

Get the most from your membership of Campden BRI by taking part in Campden BRI panels and working parties - CPD for free - and by attending Campden Day.

Campden BRI has fourteen technical advisory panels, each of which meets three times per year. Full members of Campden BRI are entitled to join the panels and attend panel meetings free of charge. Participating in the panels can be an important part of CPD as panel members get direct feedback on research and other technical developments and participate in topical discussions with peers.

By attending a panel you can:

• Help steer member-funded research
• Enjoy early access to research results
• Consider the commercial impact of developing legislation
• Examine topical issues with colleagues
• Network with potential business partners and industry peers
• Develop your professional skills and abilities

Panel chairs also contribute to Campden BRI's Scientific and Technical Committee, an important contribution to directing Campden BRI's scientific and technical strategy.