FAQs
Below you will find some of our most frequently asked questions.
Can anyone attend any course?
Yes.
You do not have to attend a foundation level course before doing higher level courses. However, for higher level courses, you will be expected to have a working knowledge of the Civil Contingencies Act and an understanding of the concept of Integrated Emergency Management.
This knowledge can be gained from your own working experience, or by attending a relevant foundation course:
Public safety
Humanitarian assistance
All other courses
Each course summary provides more details about who should take the course.
Who should attend foundation courses?
Our foundation courses are essential for:
- new entrants to the emergency planning profession;
- delegates who wish to update or refresh their knowledge; and
- those who need to develop a basic understanding of the subject area.
Each course provides a solid foundation for more detailed study of specific aspects of civil protection, public safety and humanitarian assistance. Our foundation courses include:
This course introduces the concept of Integrated Emergency Management. It is designed for Category 1 and 2 Responders and others in civil protection roles.
This course is aimed at those who plan or manage public safety in relation to crowds and events.
This course is for those who provide emergency humanitarian assistance. For example, managing and planning service delivery in education, social services, housing, emergency planning, voluntary organisations, crisis support teams and primary care trusts.
What does ‘pre-course’ work involve?
A number of our training courses involve an element of pre-course work to help you prepare for the course and get the most out of it.
You will be able to work through the material online and test your understanding as you go along.
The pre-course work is not too onerous and will enable you to progress smoothly through each element of the programme.
What are the terms and conditions of booking?
How do I find out if my organisation is eligible for a discount?
You will be eligible if you are sponsored by a UK organisation listed on the College’s register.
The organisation must be both:
- wholly voluntary and not constituted as a trading entity to generate profit or financially benefit members; and
- actively involved in assisting a Category 1 Responder organisation (as defined within the Civil Contingencies Act 2004) in meeting its duties under the Act to prevent, plan for, respond to, or recover from a UK civil emergency.
Your organisation must provide the following:
- written evidence that the organisation is a UK business, wholly voluntary and not constituted as a trading entity to generate profit or financially benefit members; and
- a letter from the sponsoring Category 1 Responder organisation confirming your organisation’s active involvement in preventing, planning for, responding to, or recovering from a UK civil emergency. The letter must be on headed notepaper and include a contact name and telephone number.
Please note:
- Membership of emergency planning related associations, societies or professional bodies does not automatically entitle organisations or individuals to a discount.
- Organisations that have charitable status or are registered with the Charities Commission do not automatically qualify for a discount.
We review our Register of Voluntary Organisations each year.
Download the Voluntary Rate Self Assessment (PDF 14kb, 1 page)
Which organisations are eligible for the voluntary sector discounted rate?
We offer discounted course fees to voluntary organisations that play an active role in an emergency. To qualify for the discount, these organisations are required to provide us with documentary evidence from a professional emergency planning body (i.e., a local authority emergency planning department) to support their application.
If your organisation is listed below, then a discounted fee will apply to your bookings:
- The Birmingham Association of Neighbourhood Forums
- British and International Sailors’ Society
- British Civil Defence
- British Red Cross
- Church In Society
- Community Resilience UK
- The Community Security Trust
- Council for Voluntary Service Ledbury and District
- CRUSE Bereavement Care
- Diocese of Gloucester (Named individual only)
- Diocese of Oxford
- Diocese of Southwell (Secretary only)
- Manchester Area Bereavement Forum (MABF)
- Manchester Jewish Federation
- The Mission to Seafarers
- Northampton Emergency Aid Team (NEAT Scouts)
- Oxfam
- Rail Industry First Aid Association (RIFAA)
- The Radio Amateurs’ Emergency Network (RAYNET)
- Rescue and Preparedness in Disasters (RAPID UK)
- Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
- The Salvation Army
- Samaritans
- SEBEV Search and Rescue
- St Andrew’s Ambulance Association
- St John Ambulance
- Sunderland Counselling Services
- The Surrey Trauma Support Service (TSS)
- Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team
- Victim Support
- Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS)
Where can I find the booking form?
Follow these steps:
- Select your course
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and choose the date you require
- Choose single or multiple booking
- Complete the Booking Form(s) and send to us
Can I pay by credit card?
We accept most debit and credit cards for:
- Course fees
- Accommodation
- Library materials
- Bar refreshments
- Sundry items
Sorry, we do not accept American Express.
When might I incur an administration fee?
If you wish to change a course booking (within 21 days of the course start date) by transferring the booking to another course or by substituting the confirmed delegate for another, a £50 administration fee will be payable. All requests to transfer or substitute a course booking must be submitted in writing, clearly stating the full name of delegates and course details.
Can I access the internet at the College?
The College is Wi-Fi enabled and internet access is free. There are also a number of computers in the library for delegate use.
Instructions are available at Visitor Information.
How do I access your on-line support services?
Instructions will be included with your joining information. You can also find information about these services in the ‘Learning with Us’ and ‘Help’ sections of iLearn.
How do I get to the College from York Railway Station?
We provide a taxi from York Station. Your course joining instructions will explain how to book this service.
Please note, if you choose not to use our transfer service, you will need to make travel arrangements at your own expense and this ususally costs £25.00 for a one way taxi journey to the college.
The taxi rank is just outside the railway station.
What type of clothing is required?
When and how do I pay for the course?
Please pay within 30 days of receiving your invoice, or before the course starts. You can also enclose payment with your booking form. Please see our terms and conditions for more information.
Our company bank details are available here. Please share this information with your Accounts Payable Department.