Dr. Lynn Hillyer:

I believe that I covered a little bit on the training the last time. Very briefly, the training started with an assessment and an introduction last year. Each of the panel of 12 were assessed in order for their suitability to go onto the authorised officer panel in the first place. There was training that was kicked off by the Department in the areas of legislation, animal remedies, processes such as statement taking and witness organisation, and those types of matters. We then really got into the job itself last year. The first inspections were carried out after 21 May when our warrant cards were issued. We have done a combination of on-the-job training and supports and training as needs have become identified. With regard to sessions and how we get together as a team, we have done the inevitable Zoom training, which had to happen because of remote methods being needed. We have got together in the room at our offices where we have pulled out vat loads of medicines to go through. Again, we have collaborated with colleagues in the Department as to what gaps we need to fill. Particular and specific medicines training is being delivered by an external provider. The list goes on. I would be very happy to provide a more detailed list if the committee is interested in what is being done.

The next key date on the horizon is actually happening in the middle of this month where we will get together with colleagues and authorised offices in the Department, and also colleagues working in the greyhound sector, to compare and contrast and look at how we are doing things. We will receive joint training together. That sort of synergy and collaboration is really important as part of our support to our team.

Each of the members of our team have come with different skill sets, as I have already gone through earlier. There has been specific bespoke training for certain individuals on, for example, how to use some digital equipment we have, on specific medicines, and on prescriptions for the non-vets. It has not been a one-size-fits-all. We have tried very hard to listen to the feedback from the team and support them on an individual basis, as well as doing the generic obligatory training.