A new BTEC course from Edexcel, in conjunction with the National Association of Taxi & Private Hire Licensing & Enforcement Officers (NATPHLEO), in Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Licensing has been brought in to bring standardisation across the country for those who have the task of licensing the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire business, and of bringing to court those who break the law.
The BTEC awards - to be announced tomorrow (19th March) at the NATPHLEO conference - will be delivered by NATPHLEO - an Edexcel-approved centre - through residential training in Daventry and are available at three levels:
The Intermediate Award provides an introduction to the processing of licence applications and the enforcement of laws relating to licences and the conditions of licences. Candidates will learn about the legislation, regulations and guidelines, their practical application and actions to be taken on non-compliance including modules on the laws governing seat belts and tyre regulations and an introduction to the laws of evidence.
The Advanced Award looks at the interpersonal aspects of licensing. Candidates will learn about working relationships and interviewing skills. They will explain the impact of data protection, human rights and freedom of information legislation on their job role. Other aspects include: identifying defects; reporting defects; spot checks; breaches of conditions and how to investigate; secure charging systems (Taximeters); construction of fare cards; meter operation; programming meters; security issues; sealing and testing; and calibrating meters.
The Professional Award covers the preparation and operation of court proceedings. Candidates will learn how to prepare for and take part in court proceedings relating to Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing and to make a positive contribution to the success of court proceedings. Other legislation is also examined including: the Crime and Disorder Act 1998; Purpose of Act; Provisions of S17; partnership working; structure of crime and disorder partnership and different levels; effects on licensing and funding streams; and good practice.
Anne Aspinwall, National Chair at NATPHLEO, said: "We have for a long time wanted to highlight the role of Licensing and Enforcement Officers throughout the country. They do a very responsible and sometimes dangerous job to ensure, as far as they are able within the boundaries of the current legislation, the safety of the travelling public in taxis and private hire. The extensive knowledge they need to have in order to carry out their daily duties ought to be recognised and one way to do this is through a nationally-recognised award.
| "However, NATPHLEO is always conscious of budget constraints upon local authorities and therefore wanted an Award which was achievable, affordable and flexible. We believe that with the help and assistance of Edexcel we now have such an Award. These awards are an investment. Better-trained staff provide a much better service to the public and the trade and are an asset to any local authority. Having the knowledge, and confidence in that knowledge, will also assist the officers in their day-to-day activities. NATPHLEO is totally committed to helping its members in their own personal development. |
"Our sincere thanks must go to Edexcel for their dedication and professionalism. What has been achieved is down to the very high calibre of training provided by NATPHLEO and its other partners in training. We are also grateful to the Nottinghamshire Police for their help and assistance."
Edexcel’s Jim Coyle was presented with an award by Anne to thank him for the hard work that he had put in to helping develop the qualifications.
A further BTEC Award is planned for General Licensing as soon as the legislation is on the statute books.
NATPHLEO would also like to thank Development Network Associates, DTS Training Services, NATPHLEO lecturers, Roger Butterfield, Chris Jordan Associates, Tony Key of Rhondda-Cynon Taff and Cygnus Taximeters.
NATPHLEO has arranged a training course for September 2003 for the new General Licensing Legislation.
For information about courses or joining NATPHLEO, contact Anne Aspinwall on 01204 306480 or e-mail annem4@tinyworld.co.uk.
