Recent changes to the way Trained Person status is awarded have prompted fresh questions across the deer stalking industry. County Deer Stalking examines what has changed, why it matters, and what it could mean for anyone considering a recognised deer stalking qualification.
Anyone researching a recognised deer stalking qualification today could be forgiven for feeling slightly confused.
Over recent years, one awarding organisation has changed the way Trained Person (TP) status is awarded on more than one occasion. Those changes are now prompting fresh questions from within the industry about consistency, future direction and what training providers are ultimately expected to deliver.
Whether candidates choose the Proficient Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (PDS1) or the Deer Stalking Certificate Level 1 (DSC1), most simply want confidence that the qualification they undertake reflects current industry expectations and will continue to do so in the future.
Changing Requirements
The recent U-turn by DMQ marks the latest change in the way Trained Person status is awarded through its qualifications.
Only a few years ago, DMQ decided that candidates following its training pathway would no longer obtain Trained Person status at Level 1. Instead, candidates were required to progress to the DSC2, where the associated Large Game Meat Hygiene training formed part of the qualification.
Many stalkers invested additional time, expense and effort to follow that route.
DMQ has now reversed that position, returning Trained Person status to the DSC1. However, the requirements have also changed. Candidates continue to complete the theory element, but the previous practical requirement has been replaced by an instructional video accompanied by a candidate declaration.
Some will undoubtedly welcome the simplified route. Others may feel frustrated that they invested the additional time and expense required to obtain Trained Person status through the DSC2, only to see the requirements change again. For many prospective candidates, however, the more important question is whether the latest model represents the long-term direction of travel.
DMQ Trained Person Timeline
- Originally: Trained Person status awarded with the DSC1.
- Later: Trained Person status removed from the DSC1 and linked to the DSC2.
- Now: Trained Person status returned to the DSC1.
- Latest change: The previous practical requirement replaced by an instructional video and candidate declaration.
The Food Standards Agency's Standardisation Programme
Running alongside these changes has been the Food Standards Agency's ongoing work to develop a more consistent and standardised approach to hunter training across Great Britain.
Over the past two years, the FSA has engaged with qualification providers, awarding organisations and industry bodies to discuss subjects including syllabus content, practical training, delivery methods and consistency across the sector.
Throughout that programme, the Food Standards Agency repeatedly referred to the need for a practical element within hunter training as part of its wider ambition to achieve greater consistency across the industry.
It is therefore understandable that some within the industry are now questioning whether the latest changes by DMQ fully reflect the direction that programme was intended to achieve, particularly whilst the Food Standards Agency's wider standardisation programme remains ongoing.
Seeking Clarity
In light of these developments, County Deer Stalking understands that a number of stakeholders, including the Shooting & Hunting Academy, have written to the Food Standards Agency seeking clarification regarding its current expectations for the practical element of hunter training.
Consistency matters because candidates invest significant time and money in recognised qualifications, and they are entitled to understand not only today's requirements but also the direction in which professional standards are evolving.
In the meantime, whatever qualification route an individual chooses, clarity and consistency benefit everyone. Candidates deserve confidence that the qualification they invest in today will continue to reflect recognised professional standards tomorrow.
With the Food Standards Agency's wider standardisation programme still ongoing, many across the deer management sector will now be watching with interest to see what further clarification is provided.
Related Reading
Still deciding between the PDS1 and DSC1?
If you're researching recognised deer stalking qualifications, you may also find this related article helpful:
Why More People Are Choosing PDS1 Over DSC1 as Their Deer Stalking Qualification
