PSS Assessor training

All Practice Standards Scheme Assessors undergo both initial and ongoing training to ensure high and consistent standards of assessment, support and communication.

Initial training for Assessors is provided by internal and external trainers and consists of:

• Training in assessing all the modules of the PSS
• Training in behavioural assessment of the PSS awards
• Additional medicines training from Veterinary Medicines Directorate
• Communication training including handling difficult situations from the Veterinary Defence Society Communications department
• Induction to the PSS software system 'Stanley'

Following this, Assessors have at least 2 accreditation visits and 1 award visit accompanied by a more experienced Assessor prior to embarking on lone assessments.

On an ongoing basis, regular training is provided in the following areas:

• Equality & Diversity
• Conscious & unconscious bias
• Mental health & wellbeing
• Planning the assessment day
• Ionising Radiation legislation
• Health & safety
• Waste Regulations
• Quality Improvement
• Standardisation of assessments
• Regular medicines updates with VMD
• GDPR
• Plus other relevant topics as they arise

In addition, regular peer support visits are implemented, and all assessor reports are audited prior to release to the practices, to assure consistency of assessments and reporting style.