Personnel Training and Competence SOP template (ISO 15189:2022)

A personnel training and competence procedure describes how the laboratory prepares staff for their roles and confirms that they can perform assigned activities safely and consistently. It should distinguish attendance at training from demonstrated competence and from formal authorisation to work independently. The scope needs to include permanent, temporary and rotating staff where their work affects the laboratory service.

A good version starts with role requirements and an induction pathway covering local safety, confidentiality, quality arrangements and relevant tasks. Training plans should identify objectives, supervision and expected evidence of progress. Competence assessment methods should suit the activity: direct observation, record review, problem-solving discussions and examination of practical outputs may each contribute different evidence.

Explain who may train, assess and authorise staff, including any limits on authorisation. Define reassessment arrangements and triggers such as extended absence, significant method changes or performance concerns. Continuing professional development should connect with service needs and individual responsibilities rather than become a list of certificates. Records should make current permissions visible to supervisors and show what happens when assessment identifies a gap, including additional support, restricted duties and reassessment before independent work resumes.