Training and Competence Policy Template
Training & Competence Policy Template (UK)
Approx. 6 pages · 15 sectionsBranded PDF + editable WordLast reviewed:
What is a training & competence policy and who needs one?
A training and competence policy explains how you make sure staff have the skills, knowledge and experience to do their jobs safely and well: induction, training needs analysis, a training matrix, refresher training and records. Buyers ask for it, often with a training matrix, to confirm the people delivering their contract are competent.
Covers induction, role-based training, training needs analysis, a training matrix, refresher training, supervision and records.
Why buyers ask for this
Buyers need to know the people delivering their contract are competent, so they commonly ask how staff are inducted, trained and kept up to date, and may ask to see a training matrix.
Who needs it
Employers asked to evidence that staff are trained and competent for the contract.
Where it comes up in a PQQ, SQ or PSQ
Under the Procurement Act 2023, supplier selection uses the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) plus each buyer's own conditions of participation and quality questions. Typical questions this policy supports:
- "Describe how you ensure staff delivering the contract are trained and competent"
- Requests for a training matrix or evidence of role-specific qualifications
- Health and safety questions on induction and refresher training
- – Supports questions on staff competence and training
- – Buyers may ask for a training matrix or records
What's inside
The full training & competence policy runs to about 6 pages (including the branded cover and document control page) across 15 sections:
- Purpose
- Scope
- Roles & Responsibilities
- Training Matrix Framework
- Induction Training
- Role-Specific & Technical Training
- Refresher Training & Competence Maintenance
- On-the-Job Training, Toolbox Talks & Coaching
- Evaluation of Training Effectiveness
- Competence Assessment
- Contractors & Subcontractors
- Training Records & Data Protection
- Staff Involvement & Development
- Non-Compliance
- Review
Key points covered
- Induction
- Training needs analysis
- Training matrix
- Refresher training
- Supervision and competence checks
- Records
- Review
Every document carries your logo, company name, version number, approval signatory and next review date, in branded PDF plus editable Word.
UK legislation, standards and guidance it references
Excerpt preview
[Your Company Ltd] (“the Company”) is committed to ensuring that all staff and key contractors are competent, trained and supported to perform their roles safely and effectively. The purpose of this Policy is to: This Policy applies to: It should be read alongside:
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£19.99 per policy, or £199 for all 39 policies. One-off payment.
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How to adapt it
- Read every section and remove anything that doesn’t reflect how your organisation actually works.
- Complete the bracketed [ADAPT] prompts with your own arrangements, people and data.
- Have the policy approved and signed by a director or equivalent, and communicate it to staff.
- Keep evidence that you follow it, and review it by the date shown.
Training & Competence Policy FAQs
What is a training matrix?
A table showing each employee against the training their role requires, with completion and expiry dates. The policy explains how the matrix is maintained and used to plan refresher training.
Is health and safety training a legal duty?
Yes. Regulation 13 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 requires employers to provide adequate health and safety training, including on recruitment and when risks change.
How long should training records be kept?
Keep records for as long as they are needed to show competence, and in line with your retention schedule. For health and safety training, many employers keep them for the duration of employment plus a set period.
How much does the Training & Competence Policy template cost?
£19.99 per policy, or £199 for all 39 policies. It is a one-off payment with no subscription, and you download branded PDF and editable Word files straight away.
Free guides
- Health and safety policy for tenders: what buyers expect
- CHAS, Constructionline and SafeContractor: policies and documents checklist
- SSIP policies explained: what an SSIP assessment checks
General information, not legal advice. Requirements differ between buyers and change over time; always check the tender documents.