16^th & 23^rd March 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – Level 3 Award in HACCP for Food Manufacturing – *Online Course*

Food businesses are required by law to implement and effectively maintain a food safety management system based on the principles of HACCP.

Regulation (EC) No.852/2004 on the Hygiene of Foodstuffs also requires those responsible for the development and maintenance of HACCP systems to have received adequate training in the application of its principles.

Who Should Attend?

This accredited course is delivered on 2 consecutive days (RQF) and is aimed at supervisors, managers, owners and anyone else responsible for HACCP. Candidates will a gain a practical understanding of HACCP based on industry best practice, current legislation and real-life case studies. The course materials also include a comprehensive level 3 textbook.

We recommend that you have completed a level 3 food safety course prior to enrolment although this is not essential.

ASSESSMENT METHOD

The assessment method for this qualification is a 1 hour examination, consisting of 30 multiple choice questions. To pass 18 or more questions must be answered correctly. A merit will be awarded for 24 or more questions answered correctly.

COURSE PROGRAMME

http://www.sofht.co.uk/events/level-3-award-in-haccp-for-food-manufacturing-16th-23rd-march-2023/

23^rd March 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – Cleaning Tool Selection, Use and Maintenance – *Online Session*

Cleaning is a critical step in the management of food safety. Consequently, the correct selection, use and maintenance of cleaning equipment by the food industry is essential to minimise the risk of microbial, allergen and foreign body cross- contamination, and aid compliance to relevant regulations and standards. Additionally, it can improve cleaning efficacy, food quality and shelf-life, reduce waste, minimise product recalls and protect/improve business reputation and income.

Who should attend?

Relevant to all food businesses and personnel working in a food production environment, particularly those working in Technical or Hygiene roles.

Course content:

The course will provide practical advice and information on how to select, use and maintain cleaning equipment to minimise food safety risks in food production:

• Selection – choosing the right tool for the job; regulatory and standard requirements; hygienic design; supporting documentation; sourcing.
• Use – preparation before first use; minimising spread of contamination (by cleaning equipment, cleaning method, & hygiene staff); when, where and how to clean.
• Maintenance – management, maintenance, and storage of cleaning equipment.

http://www.sofht.co.uk/events/cleaning-tool-selection-use-and-maintenance-online-session/

31^st March 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – Sensory Evaluation – *Online Course*

This highly interactive course will deliver an introduction to the principles of sensory analysis and will screen delegates for their ability to taste against BS7667 Part 1: ISO 8586.

Who should attend?

Technical, Production or NPD professionals who would like an introduction to sensory analysis; taste panel members who require screening for their ability to taste and an insight into the basic principles of sensory analysis; businesses wishing to implement a more formal approach to sensory analysis by developing a taste panel team and procedures; and anyone who would like a refresher or insight into this fascinating subject – whether from a production, technical or development background.

Course content:

The course will provide information on:

• What sensory analysis is
• What senses are involved
• What the purpose of sensory evaluation is
• How it can be used in food production
• The sense of vision and its role in sensory evaluation
• How we taste with our eyes
• What the primary taste sensations are and what taste is
• How taste varies from person to person
• Screening for ability to taste
• Aroma and taste – mechanisms and words used to describe aroma  Developing an aroma and taste vocabulary
• Feel and texture – how food behaves in the mouth

http://www.sofht.co.uk/events/sensory-evaluation-online-session/

*5 DAY COURSE*

14^th April – 12^th May 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – Level 4 Award in Managing Food Safety – *Online Course*

Level 4 Food Safety Course for both food manufacturers and caterers in a Fast Track format to enable busy senior managers in the food industry to secure quality training without having to leave their business for consecutive days at a time.

Unlike other Level 4 food safety training courses where modules are taken consecutively often meaning senior staff have to be off-site for a whole week, modules in SOFHT’s five day food hygiene course will be run one day a week over five consecutive weeks (40 guided learning hours). You could just attend one day for an attendance certificate, if a particular module was of interest to you!

Who should attend?

Candidates enrolling for this course will take the Highfield examination for manufacturers or caterers (sector specific level 4) making it ideal for senior food managers, production managers, area managers, hygiene auditors and trainers as well as those working at a senior level in the foodservice industry.

Course Dates

Day 1: Friday 14th April 2023

Day 2: Friday 21st April 2023

Day 3: Friday 28th April 2023

Day 4: Friday 5th May 2023

Day 5: Friday 12th May 2023 (revision and exam)

How is it assessed?

The assessment consists of a two part examination. Part 1 will be multiple choice and part 2 will be written answers (4 out of 6 questions).

Course pre-requisite

We recommend that you have completed a Level 3 food safety course prior to enrolment although this is not essential. Regular attendance at SOFHT breakfast club meetings and courses will also greatly aid candidates wishing to take this examination.

Programme:

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)

 

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)

20^th April 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – CIP Processes / Automated Cleaning – *Online Session*

This course is designed to review the automated cleaning systems currently available in the food, beverage and dairy industries including clean-in-place (CIP), tray/rack washers and robotic food production equipment. As well as establishing the potential problem areas, the course will focus on getting the best out of the equipment either via optimisation or retrofitting. Presenters will then review current and future developments in automated cleaning technology.

Who should attend?

The course is aimed at Production staff, Hygiene Managers & QA Managers, or as an additional learning module and refresher for Engineering staff in the industry.

Course content:

The course will provide information on:

• CIP systems, tray/rack washers, robotic systems
• Choosing the right chemical products for use in automated systems
• Assessing the efficiency of automated cleaning systems
• Optimising and enhancing automated cleaning systems
• Potential future developments

http://www.sofht.co.uk/events/cip-processes-automated-cleaning-2/

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)

 

24^th April 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – BRCGS Risk Assessment – *Online Session*

This one-day course will provide delegates with a thorough understanding of risk assessment and enable them to use different risk assessment models. This is particularly useful when implementing product safety management systems onsite, and when implementing the requirements of the BRCGS.

This course is part of the BRCGS Professional recognition programme.

Who should attend?

• Technical and quality personnel
• Auditors
• Consultants

At the end of the course you will:

• Understand risk assessment terminology
• Be able to choose and use different risk assessment models for processes onsite
• Understand what BRCGS Global Standards expects from a thorough risk assessment

http://www.sofht.co.uk/events/risk-assessment-brcgs-new/

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)

 

25^th April 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – Food Microbiology Refresher – *Online Session*

This one-day course is suitable for anyone wishing to refresh their knowledge around microbiology in the food manufacturing environment, with specific focus on Listeria and E.coli, emerging pathogens, environmental monitoring and new testing techniques.

Who should attend?

Suitable for those who have previously completed the Microbiology for Non-Microbiology course and would like an update on current issues, or anyone who has responsibility for microbiology standards and are seeking to update their understanding.

Course content:

The course will provide information on:

• The Basics
• The Baddies -Enhanced information on Listeria and E.coli
• Emerging Pathogens
• Food Spoilage
• Environmental Monitoring
• New Micro Testing Techniques

http://www.sofht.co.uk/events/food-microbiology-refresher/

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)

 

*NEW- 2 DAY COURSE*

27^th & 28^th April 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – BRCGS Internal Auditor – *Online Session*

This course will enable you to undertake internal audits and prepare companies for third party audits. It’s delivered via a series of workshop-led discussions, presentations and an interactive case study. During the live case study, you will be given feedback and support to enable you to carry out an audit at your own workplace.

You will be assessed throughout the course (50%) and you will also need to undertake a workplace audit and submit an audit report for assessment (50%). You will need to gain a 75% pass for this assessment.

This course is part of the BRCGS Professional recognition programme.

Due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19 this session has been approved by BRCGS to be delivered in a virtual format. All content utilized in this course was designed for a face to face session.

Who should attend?

• Quality and Technical Managers
• Operations Managers
• Staff responsible for managing an internal auditing schedule
• Staff responsible for undertaking internal audits as required by the BRCGS.

At the end of the course you will:

• Understand the roles and responsibilities of auditors
• Be able to plan and conduct an internal audit
• Know how to write concise, accurate and factual audit reports
• Be able to undertake audit follow-up activities

http://www.sofht.co.uk/events/internal-auditor-brcgs-new/

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)

 

*NEW*

10th & 11th May 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – Issue 9 – Conversion for Auditors BRCGS – *Online Course*

This two-day course will provide auditors of the BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 9 with details of the changes to the standard for issue 9 as well as review of audit protocol and BRCGS expectations to ensure the effective and consistency of audits against the standard.

Who should attend?

Certification scheme managers, audit report reviewers, current auditors of BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety issue 8, consultants and manufacturing personnel wishing to gain a better understanding of the standard.

Prior knowledge

You should read a copy of Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 9 before attending this course.

At the end of the course you will:

• Know the changes for issue 9 including changes to existing clause and new requirements
• Recognise the changes to the protocol of the standard
• Know how a BRCGS audit should be carried out and reported consistently

Course certification

Satisfactory completion of BRCGS on line conversion course exam.

http://www.sofht.co.uk/events/issue-9-conversion-for-auditors-brcgs-3/

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)

 

11^th, 18^th & 25^th May 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – Level 3 Award in Food Safety for Catering or Food Manufacturing – *Classroom*

This three-day course takes a practical approach in how to implement and maintain high standards of food hygiene and safety to protect consumers from harm and help the food business operator comply with current legislation.

Training will provide the candidate with a thorough understanding in how to identify and control common food safety hazards and manage an effective food safety management system based on the principles of HACCP.

Course content is also relevant to current food safety legislation, industry best practice, Codex Alimentarius international food standards and clauses within BRCGS codes of practice and other similar food safety and quality certification schemes.

Who should attend?

The course has been specifically developed for those working in food manufacturing, catering or retail. Suitable for managers, supervisors and anyone else with a responsibility for maintaining high standards of food safety.

We recommend that you have completed a level 2 food safety course prior to enrolment although this is not essential.

How is it assessed?

The assessment method for this qualification is a 90 minute examination, consisting of 45 multiple choice questions.

Successful learners will have to demonstrate knowledge and understanding across the qualification syllabus and achieve a pass mark of 60% (27/45). Learners will receive a Distinction if they achieve a pass mark of 80% (36/45).

Course content:

 

DAY 1

An Introduction to food safety

Microbiology

Food poisoning bacteria

Foodborne diseases

Generic control measures for reducing risk of food poisoning organisms

Non-bacterial food poisoning

 

DAY 2

Contamination

Physical hazards

Chemical hazards

Allergenic hazards

Personal hygiene

Pest control

Cleaning and disinfection

HACCP and food safety management

DAY 3

Food safety management

 Inspection and auditing

 Training

Food safety culture

Food safety legislation and enforcement

 

http://www.sofht.co.uk/events/level-3-award-in-food-safety-for-catering-or-food-manufacturing-rqf-2/

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)

 

16^th May 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – Cleaning Tool Selection, Use & Maintenance – *Classroom*

Cleaning is a critical step in the management of food safety. Consequently, the correct selection, use and maintenance of cleaning equipment by the food industry is essential to minimise the risk of microbial, allergen and foreign body cross- contamination, and aid compliance to relevant regulations and standards. Additionally, it can improve cleaning efficacy, food quality and shelf-life, reduce waste, minimise product recalls and protect/improve business reputation and income.

Who should attend?

Relevant to all food businesses and personnel working in a food production environment, particularly those working in Technical or Hygiene roles.

Course content:

The course will provide practical advice and information on how to select, use and maintain cleaning equipment to minimise food safety risks in food production:

Selection – choosing the right tool for the job; regulatory and standard requirements; hygienic design; supporting documentation; sourcing.

Use – preparation before first use; minimising spread of contamination (by cleaning equipment, cleaning method, & hygiene staff); when, where and how to clean.

Maintenance – management, maintenance, and storage of cleaning equipment.

http://www.sofht.co.uk/events/cleaning-tool-selection-use-and-maintenance-classroom-session/

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)

 

23^rd May 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – Pest Awareness for Food Managers – *Online Course*

Food products are very attractive to a wide variety of pests that can wreak havoc on your business if they get the opportunity. Pest intrusion is common, but if swift action is taken to manage the situation, then harm to the business can be avoided. The aim of this course is to give you a general understanding of pests that will help you to: minimise the potential for pest infestation and manifestation, be vigilant in detecting pests early, and work in partnership with your pest control contractor to eliminate any infestations that do occur.

Who should attend?

Any managers in food and allied industries

Course Content:

Outline of biology & behaviour of the principal pests (rodents, crawling Insects, flying insects, birds)

• Signs of infestation
• Principle prevention methods
• Pest monitoring
• Overview of control methods

http://www.sofht.co.uk/events/pest-awareness-for-food-managers-new/

 

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)

 

7^th June 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – BRCGS Issue 9 – Conversion for Sites – *Online Course*

This course will provide delegates with an in-depth understanding of the revisions to the standard requirements for Issue 9, It is designed to equip delegates with the skills and knowledge to successfully implement the changes to the standard on site.

Who should attend?

Site technical and quality managers and their teams and production personnel requiring in-depth understanding of the changes from Issue 8 to 9.

Prior knowledge

You should read a copy of Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 9 before attending this course.

At the end of the course you will:

• Understand the changes to existing requirements
• Understand what sites need to do to implement the new requirements
• Recognise the changes to the protocol of the standard
• Know what to expect from Food 9 audit

Course certification

Satisfactory completion of BRCGS online conversion course exam.

https://sofht.co.uk/course/conversion-for-sites-brcgs/

 

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)

 

8^th June 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – Practical Food Labelling & Legislation – *Online Course*

This one-day course will provide an initial understanding of food labelling requirements within the Food Information to Consumers Regulation (FIC), including its application post- Brexit.

Who should attend?

The course is suitable for Technical Directors, Consultants, Quality Managers, NPD Managers, Food Technologists, Regulatory Compliance Officers and Specification Technologists.

Course content:

The course will provide information on:

• Food labelling law
• Penalties for food labelling non-compliance
• Mandatory food information
• The effect of product specific legislation and compositional standards
• An overview of controls on voluntary information and product claims

These will be illustrated with labelling examples, and, where possible, practical exercises.

https://sofht.co.uk/course/practical-food-labelling-legislation/

 

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)

 

12^th – 16^th June 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – BRCGS Lead Auditor – *Online Course*

This five-day in-depth course will provide an understanding of the Standard in terms of the protocol, requirements, and how to audit effectively.

Delegates will gain an in-depth guide to the requirements of the Standard, and learn how to undertake a BRCGS audit, including effective planning, conducting and reporting of the audit. Auditing techniques will be practiced and developed, to include the auditor competency skills required of Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) scheme auditors.

Delegates must have prior working knowledge of quality management systems and auditing within the relevant manufacturing sector, and also have completed a hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) course of at least two days duration.

Successful completion of this course, including the exam, forms part of the training necessary to become a BRCGS auditor. The steps necessary to complete your training must be arranged with a BRCGS approved certification body.

Before the course, you must have read and reviewed a copy of the Standard which is available free of charge from the BRCGS Bookshop. At the end of the course you will be assessed with an exam. This course is part of the BRCGS Professional recognition programme.

Who should attend?

Certification body auditors or new auditors seeking registration

Technical and Quality Managers who wish to gain an in-depth understanding of the audit process Consultants.

At the end of the course you will:

• Understand the background and benefits of the Global Standard for Food Safety
• Understand the relationship with other Standards: ISO and the GFSI – benchmarked standards
• Know the fundamental clauses and statements of intent

• Understand the BRCGS audit methodology, the enrolment program and the unannounced audit schemes
• Know how to close an audit and deal with corrective actions
• Know how reports are uploaded onto the BRCGS Directory and how certificates are issued
• Understand the benefits of a BRCGS Directory and how certificates are issued
• Understand the benefits of a BRCGS Directory listing
• Understand how certification bodies are monitored for compliance by BRCGS

https://sofht.totrain.co.uk/course/lead-auditor-brcgs/

 

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)

 

15^th June 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – Root Cause Analysis – *Online Course*

There is an increasing expectation and focus on the use of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) in relation to audit and other non-conformances. This course provides practical guidance on RCA techniques which can easily be adopted into your business with effective results.

Who should attend?

The course is suitable for anybody with responsibility for investigating non-conformances or managing corrective actions within their company.

Course content:

The course is workshop based and will take delegates through the RCA process from the point at which a non-conformance has been identified. Scenarios will be explored where the RCA process is used to generate outcomes significantly different and ultimately more effective than those designed simply to address the symptoms of the problem.

https://sofht.co.uk/course/root-cause-analysis/

 

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)

 

22^nd – 23^rd June 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – BRCGS Internal Auditor – *Online Course*

This two-day course will enable you to undertake internal audits and prepare companies for third party audits. It’s delivered via a series of workshop-led discussions, presentations and an interactive case study. During the live case study, you will be given feedback and support to enable you to carry out an audit at your own workplace

You will be assessed throughout the course [50%] and you will also need to undertake a workplace audit and submit an audit report for assessment (50%]. You will need to gain a 75% pass for this assessment.

This course is part of the BRCGS Professional recognition programme.

Due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19 this session has been approved by BRCGS to be delivered in a virtual format

Who should attend?

• Quality and Technical Managers
• Operations Managers
• Staff responsible for managing an internal auditing schedule
• Staff responsible for undertaking internal audits as required by the BRCGS

At the end of the course you will:

• Understand the roles and responsibilities of auditors
• Be able to plan and conduct an internal audit
• Know how to write concise, accurate and factual audit reports
• Be able to undertake audit follow-up activities

https://sofht.co.uk/course/internal-auditor-brcgs-2/

 

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)

 

29^th June 2023 – SOFHT Training Academy – Microbiology for Non-Microbiologists -*Online Course*

This one-day ‘taster session’ provides an essential guide to microbiology within the food manufacturing environment and how it can impact on the daily running of a site.

Who should attend?

The course is suitable for those requiring basic microbiological knowledge in order to operate safely in food manufacturing.

Course Content:

The course will cover an introduction to basic microbiology along with an overview of laboratory tests for microbes and what those results mean for you. The main sources of factory-based bacteria will be examined, and guidance will be given on how to minimise those bacterial risks. A profile on food poisoning and a study of the major bacterial groups will complete the programme.

https://sofht.co.uk/course/microbiology-for-non-microbiologists/

 

Contact the SOFHT Office admin@sofht.co.uk to book your place(s)