Training Standards and Quality Assurance
First Aid Exeter delivers all first aid training in line with the recommendations and guidance set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Our courses are designed and delivered in accordance with current best practice standards for first aid training. Class sizes are carefully managed to ensure effective learning and to meet the needs and capabilities of all participants.
Instructor Qualifications
All instructors are highly qualified, experienced, and up to date with the latest HSE guidance, first aid practices, and training methodologies. Each instructor brings real-world experience of managing first aid emergencies into the classroom, enhancing the relevance and practicality of the training.
All instructors have completed recognised first aid instructor training, including:
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Advanced first aid qualifications
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A Level 3 Award (or higher) in Education and Training, enabling delivery in post-16 education settings
Some instructors also hold higher teaching qualifications, including PGCE awards. Ongoing professional development is a key part of our approach, and instructors receive regular updates to reflect changes in HSE guidance and best practice.
Further information about our instructors is available on our About Us page.
Quality Assurance and Monitoring
We operate a robust quality assurance system, which is available for client inspection upon request. This includes:
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Regular review of trainer and assessor competence
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Annual skills assessments conducted by a designated quality assurance lead
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A structured programme of in-house training and standardisation
We maintain:
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Documented course evaluation procedures, including learner feedback after every course
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A formal complaints procedure
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Secure records of learner assessments, retained for a minimum of three years after course completion
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Sufficient, well-maintained training equipment to support effective learning and assessment
Where courses are delivered in multiple blocks, training sessions are a minimum of two hours in duration and completed within the following timeframes:
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3-Day First Aid at Work (FAW): within 10 weeks
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2-Day FAW Requalification: within 6 weeks
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Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW): within 3 weeks
Reasonable Adjustments
We are committed to inclusive training. Reasonable adjustments will be made for learners with additional learning, communication, or accessibility needs. However, during formal (summative) assessment, all candidates must demonstrate first aid competence independently and without assistance.
Course Syllabi and Contact Hours
All courses meet or exceed HSE syllabus and contact hour requirements:
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First Aid at Work (FAW):
Minimum of 18 hours face-to-face training (excluding breaks) delivered over at least three days -
FAW Requalification:
Minimum of 12 hours face-to-face training (excluding breaks) delivered over at least two days, covering the same syllabus as the initial course -
Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW):
Minimum of six hours face-to-face training (excluding breaks) delivered over one day -
EFAW Requalification:
Same syllabus and duration as the initial EFAW course (six hours)
