Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if I am exempt from the Self-Evaluation process?
There are three reasons for companies being exempt from the requirements set out in Section 337 (6)-(12) of the Communications Act. These are:
1. It does not employ and is unlikely to employ more than the threshold number of 20 individuals in connection with the provision of licensed services (as defined in Section 337 (9) of the Communications Act) in the current year.
2.The threshold number is not and will not be exceeded by the total number of individuals who are currently employed or are likely to be employed in the provision of that licensed service by members of a group of companies comprising our company and one or more other bodies corporate.
3. The Licensee is not authorised to provide a service which exceeds 31 days in any year.
If I am exempt, do I need to communicate this to BTSR?
Yes, you need to complete a one page exemption form which you should now have received from us. However, if you are exempt but would still like to share information regarding training provision with us, we would be delighted to receive a self-evaluation form from you. Both the self-evaluation form and the exemption form must be signed electronically by the head of your company.
What is an electronic signature?
We simply need you to copy a scanned signature from the Chief Executive of your company into the document.
Is there a security issue with providing a signature in this way?
We do appreciate the concerns regarding the security of the signature. However, in reality any signature nowadays can be lifted and copied even in a pdf format. Please be assured that only the BTSR administrator will see the exemption form. The self-evaluation form will only be seen by the adminstrator and the executive director of BTSR, and the project coordinator of PwC.
Can we print out the exemption form / self-evaluation form and send it to you as a hard copy?
We do not want a print version of the form, as we are conscious of the environmental impact of the excessive use of paper.
Filling-in the self-evaluation form.
How can I provide evidence for on the job training?
You can keep account of how many/how/when but you should also include statements from those trained wherever possible. Alternatively you could show copies of programmes used for on-job training and the Validators could speak to one or two participants.
Are you interested in information related to professional, non-media, qualifications?
Yes, this will impact on programme quality as much as craft training.
What constitutes 'enough' information?
We need the minimum required to justify your self-evaluation. This means pointing towards a document, the minutes of a meeting or even an email exchange. If for example you indicate that you have a training plan, you must indicate the plan itself rather than a group of emails talking about the plan and the Validators will want sight of the Plan. If in doubt ask as at: info@btsr.org.uk
Can you add narrative as well as or in some cases instead of lists of evidence?
Yes this is desirable, particularly when the actual physical evidence is sparse. Narrative can help clarify why you have produced certain forms of evidence.
Is coaching counted as on or off the job training?
Strictly speaking it is off the job training.
What sort of impact information do you require?
We want to know what impact the investment in training and development has had on quality of programmes and user experience generally.
What do I do about the fact that different companies in my group are at different levels and have different approaches?
If there is genuinely no cross-company policy or average, it may be more helpful and easier for you to submit more than one evaluation form. However, the more likely outcome will be to add some notes to your form indicating where policies apply and highlighting the best practice and what the group aspires to achieve across all member companies.
How much evidence do we need to include on the form?
Clearly it is impractical to include everything. We need an indication of what is happening and enough evidence to draw a conclusion. If you have a validation visit you can gather additional evidence to show the Validators.
The Validation Process
Who will conduct the validation exercise?
This year, 2007, PricewaterhouseCoopers will conduct the validation exercise, but this will be in partnership with BTSR and have the active involvement of the BTSR Board.
General Queries
Will my evidence be kept confidential?
Yes, that is guaranteed by our policies and procedures. If we wanted to highlight something you had achieved we would always ask your permission first.
Will the BTSR do anything with the information/examples we provide other than report to Ofcom?
Yes we want to encourage the sharing of good practice and experience in the industry and with permission from you we will be looking for opportunities to promote those where we see evidence of innovation in training and development as part of our audit. We will also track the data year on year for evidence of trends.
What about programme makers and other non-licencees? Aren't they important as well?
They are indeed! Currently the Communications Act and Ofcom has a responsibility to review the training output of licencees only. For those who don't fall within the remit, we would nevertheless be delighted to receive a completed form!
What sanctions can be applied by BTSR in the case of non-compliance?
BTSR wants to work in partnership with the Broadcasters to improve the quality of training and development in the industry. Each validation visit will be accompanied by a report of the visit and everyone will receive a copy of the final report in early summer. Ultimately BTSR can ask Ofcom to fine Broadcasters or revoke their licence, if they refuse to participate in the co-regulatory system.