PDA Analysing Resilience SCQF level 7

The PDA in Analysing Resilience has been designed as a practitioner award, which will contribute to the professional development of those in resilience roles who are in the position to lead on small to medium projects, as well as those who are planning to move into the role in the near future.

It will help Category 1 responders (as defined by the Civil Contingencies Act 2004), meet skills gaps and provide continuing professional development for staff. It can also be offered to people who are in training and who wish to gain employment in the sector, allowing learners to gain the knowledge and skills needed for progression in the workplace.

The PDA in Analysing Resilience will be suitable for learners who are in resilience roles and who are in the position to lead on small to medium projects in Category 1 responder organisations. They are likely to be employed in one of the following key responder organisations:

• Scottish Police Service
• Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
• Scottish Ambulance Service
• Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• Local authorities
• NHS boards
• Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)

It is also suitable for those who expect to take up such posts in the imminent future, particularly those who are new to the job or aspiring to be in a resilience role.

Access

Entry to the PDA will be at the discretion of the approved centre. However, learners will need access to a relevant workplace situation in order to gather evidence for the Units.

Communication skills of at least SCQF level 5 are expected. Potential learners should be able to demonstrate that they are capable of pursuing an award at SCQF level 7. This can be illustrated by prior achievement or experience at SCQF level 6.

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority require to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide (510 KB).

Each individual Unit specification gives detailed information on the Evidence Requirements and approaches to assessment for each Unit.

The Units are practical and delivery should draw on the learners' experience of working in Category 1 responder organisations. Learners are expected to use material gathered from their own workplace experience.

The Unit-based structure aids timetable flexibility. Units are typically 40 hours of learning and they can be delivered on a full-time or part-time basis.

Ongoing course assessment will apply. Assessment will consist of a combination of reports, work-based projects, case studies and presentations which will allow learners to enhance their own practice.