Training & Competence
Aligned with BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 – Clauses 7.1 & 7.2
Requirement Overview
BRCGS Food Safety Issue 9 requires that all personnel performing tasks that affect product safety, legality, and quality must be competent, appropriately trained, and regularly assessed.
Clause 7.1.1: “All personnel performing work that affects product safety, legality and quality shall be demonstrably competent to carry out their activity.”
Clause 7.2.1: “The company shall have a documented training procedure and documented programme that at a minimum meets the requirements of this Standard.”
The aim is to ensure that every employee, from front-line operators to supervisors, understands their food safety responsibilities and is equipped to perform their duties correctly and confidently.
Aligned with BRCGS for Storage & Distribution Issue 4 – Clause 4.3.1 & 4.3.3
Requirement Overview
BRCGS for Storage & Distribution requires that products moved via cross-docking are traceable and controlled at all times, even when they are not held in storage for extended periods.
Clause 4.3.1: “The company shall ensure that traceability is maintained at all stages, including during cross-docking operations.”
Clause 4.3.3: “Procedures shall be in place to ensure that all products handled, including those not stored on-site, remain under control and are not subject to contamination or substitution.”
Cross-docking operations must not compromise product traceability, safety, or integrity. Even with minimal handling and temporary presence, each product must be accurately identified, documented, and protected.
Key Compliance Objectives
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✓ Ensure all personnel are competent in their assigned food safety and quality roles
✓ Maintain up-to-date training records
✓ Verify the effectiveness of training through assessments and observations
✓ Develop a continuous training and skills development program
Step-by-Step Compliance Implementation
1. Develop a Documented Training Procedure
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Your procedure should include:
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• Identification of training needs by job function
• Training delivery methods (on-the-job, classroom, online)
• Assessment of competency
• Assignment of responsibilities for training
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Training procedure (SOP)
• Training matrix by job role
• Records of designated trainers and qualifications
- • Identification of training needs by job function • Training delivery methods (on-the-job, classroom, online) • Assessment of competency • Assignment of responsibilities for training
- • Training procedure (SOP) • Training matrix by job role • Records of designated trainers and qualifications
2. Deliver Training at Key Intervals
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Training Must Be Provided:
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• At induction (before starting work)
• When job roles change
• When procedures or equipment are updated
• At scheduled refresher intervals
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Induction training logs
• Refresher training calendar
• Updated training materials and attendance sheets
- • At induction (before starting work) • When job roles change • When procedures or equipment are updated • At scheduled refresher intervals
- • Induction training logs • Refresher training calendar • Updated training materials and attendance sheets
3. Assess Competency
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Assessment Methods:
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• Written or verbal quizzes
• Supervisor observations
• Practical demonstrations of task execution
• Post-training verification activities
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Completed quizzes or observation checklists
• Signed competency validation forms
• Records of retraining if gaps are found
- • Written or verbal quizzes • Supervisor observations • Practical demonstrations of task execution • Post-training verification activities
- • Completed quizzes or observation checklists • Signed competency validation forms • Records of retraining if gaps are found
4. Maintain Training Records and Monitor Effectiveness
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Record-Keeping Requirements:
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• Training must be documented, signed, and dated
• Records must include the trainer’s and trainee’s names
• Training records must be available for audit and reviewed for gaps
Evidence to Maintain:
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• Centralized training log
• Training file for each employee
• Internal training audits and summaries
- • Training must be documented, signed, and dated • Records must include the trainer’s and trainee’s names • Training records must be available for audit and reviewed for gaps
- • Centralized training log • Training file for each employee • Internal training audits and summaries
Common Audit Findings & Recommended Fixes
| Audit Finding | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Incomplete or missing training records | Standardize training forms and digital logs |
| No formal training plan by job role | Create a role-based training matrix |
| Staff unaware of food safety responsibilities | Increase frequency of refresher and job-specific training |
| Training not assessed for effectiveness | Use post-training quizzes and supervisor sign-off checklists |