Instructor survey summer 2023

Instructors who did not respond to the survey

Andy Helme
Beverley Prideaux
Debbie Sheen
Diana Pineiro
Graham Norton
Kanwaljit Sahi
Magdalena Zakrzewska
Margaret Brown
Matthew Gibbins
Michael Asquith
Nigel Fisher
Rani Stewart
Michael Watts
Sue Treversh

1. Home administration

“Home administration allowance is currently 3 hours per month, with extra hours added for specific home tasks. Do you think that is enough time?”

Allowance is enough	Number of Instructors
Yes	52
No	3

“(If) your answer to the last question was ‘no’; what do you think would be more appropriate and why?”

Three responses:

Reason home admin allowance needs to increase
There are considerable amounts of emails from SCC that have to be read’ auctioned and checked against the portal. There is also the portal ptom
We get daily emails, changes and alterations to where we work, we now have to check consent forms on line. More likely 4 hrs per month
The need to logon fluctuates during the year. So busy times we are more less busy times are less i know obvious but equally an instructor that works more regularly does need to do more admin. I would say an hour a week so equates to about 4.33 hours a month. The new register system is taking more time. The iphone will also increase time

ACTION: FOR THE TIME BEING, HOME ADMIN HOURS WILL REMAIN THE SAME BUT WILL BE REVIEWED AS THE TRUST’S DIGITISATION RULES ARE INTRODUCED

2. Discretionary allowances

“The allowances for helmet, wet weather gear, tools and panniers are currently separate. Would you prefer them to be merged into one overall allowance?”

Should the discretionary allowances be merged?	Number of Instructors
Yes	35
No	20

“Do you think the amount you can claim for the discretionary allowances is enough?”

Is the amount for discretionary allowances enough?	Number of Instructors
Yes	39
No	16

“(If) your answer to the last question was ‘no’; what do you think would be more appropriate and why?”

Sixteen responses:

Reference	Reason discretionary allowances need to increase
1	Cost of living has gone up, products such as foul weather clothing for example. Clothing that is fit for purpose and lasts cost a lot more now.
2	The bicycles themselves are an expense to maintain,especially when used daily and in all weathers. Bicycle tyres, gear cables wear out and bikes need servicing, which costs over £50 per service, not including parts. Tyres are £30+ each, chains £14-20, brake pads £10. Lights to get to/from the location cost £40-100 for a set, much needed from Oct - April. It adds up. It is an operating expense that needs to be included.
3	Cycle repairs and parts have risen sharply. £0.20 per mile does not cover the cost of the repairs and warn parts in using our own cycles. I think there should be a one off payment each year of say £25 to £30 in addition to the £0.20 per mile claim.
4	I feel the allowance for wet weather gear particularly is not enough. I spend alot more on jackets, trousers and shoes not to mention gloves than is given even looking at it as ‘discretionary’.
5	I don’t think cost have kept up with the rising costs of equipment. This should be reviewed each year
6	The wet weather allowance, I needed to replace both upper and lower items, the contribution was a fraction towards both items. Fairly decent items do come at a cost but last longer and are more effective- waterproof especially for travelling to work and then working outside - it’s miserable to be wet, I invested in weatherproof shoes too but have never claimed as technically not Clothing. During COVID I did purchase and claim for new pannier but to get a decent water proof pannier was expensive but happy I got a contribution as I could get something that suited my needs and I was able to choose myself. A contribution to each item, as some items last longer. Also a contribution means you can choose an item that suits your requirements. Being able to choose own items is helpful for size/fit etc.
7	Due to the cost of living everything is now more expensive. I think that the allowances should be increased in line with yearly inflation or the price index to allow for price increases as the allowance is not going as far as it used to.
8	Wet weather gear is expensive and the contribution should reflect this. This includes shoes, panniers, jackets, gloves, waterproof trousers. Helmets need to be replaced every three years,
9	Some of the contributions are adequate such as helmet and wet weather clothing. Tools amount really varies, if your equipment breaks or not - £20 annually won’t cover the cost of a decent pump for example. Cleaning tabards- only around £12 a year! I generally wash them every week due to rain/mud stains etc so with electricity and wash powder it costs £1.25 per wash. Printing costs- can vary due to how many updated maps I print.
10	The allowance is a contribution but if you want to buy good quality panniers & clothing particularly for winter working it would assist if it was increased.
11	I think that combining the discretionary allowances would complicate the claims procedure if receipts were required for each category. The clothing allowances are reasonable. The allowance for tools, inner tubes etc is low and should perhaps be separated to take into account the considerable outlay trainers may need to make initially to buy the (recommended from the maintenance course) tools they will need. A once only purchase. £20/year does not cover the cost of tubes and spares. I would suggest at least £40/year.
12	With living cost going up so is the cost of cycle clothing and gears. It was particularly challenging with waterproof clothing for colder weather which are costly but it’s a must to work outside in such condition. I think allowance for the rest is ok for this year but for waterproof clothing £150-160 is probably more appropriate.
13	The cost of helmet, panniers and warm/dry clothing that is of any reasonable quality is high.
14	The cost of equipment has increased considerably in recent years and therefore the allowance should be increased accordingly
15	The wet weather gear doesn’t last for 2 years, I appreciate it’s not going to be 100% in some of the conditions we now have.
16	The prices of everything have gone up, especially over the last year or so. You can pay for cheaper wet weather gear for example but it just will not last and give you the protection that is required.

ACTION: ALLOWANCES WILL BE INCREASED BUT WILL REMAIN ‘UNMERGED’. DETAILS TO FOLLOW.

3. Tool requests

Name	Tool requested
Alistair Lang	Bar ends
Alistair Lang	Electrical tape
Alistair Lang	Wet lubricant
Alistair Lang	Puncture patches
Amanda Johnson	Adjustable spanner
Amanda Johnson	Cable ties
Amanda Johnson	Bar ends
Amanda Johnson	Electrical tape
Amanda Johnson	Wet lubricant
Amanda Johnson	Puncture patches
Annabelle Page	Adjustable spanner
Annabelle Page	Cable ties
Annabelle Page	Bar ends
Annabelle Page	Electrical tape
Annabelle Page	Wet lubricant
Annabelle Page	Puncture patches
Briand Beausoleil	Adjustable spanner
Briand Beausoleil	Multi-tool
Briand Beausoleil	Tyre levers
Briand Beausoleil	Minipump
Briand Beausoleil	Cable ties
Briand Beausoleil	Bar ends
Briand Beausoleil	Electrical tape
Briand Beausoleil	Wet lubricant
Briand Beausoleil	Puncture patches
Carol Marshall	Multi-tool
Carol Marshall	Minipump
Carol Marshall	Cable ties
Carol Marshall	Bar ends
Carol Marshall	Electrical tape
Carol Marshall	Wet lubricant
Dorothy Lip	Adjustable spanner
Dorothy Lip	Multi-tool
Dorothy Lip	Tyre levers
Dorothy Lip	Minipump
Dorothy Lip	Cable ties
Dorothy Lip	Bar ends
Dorothy Lip	Electrical tape
Dorothy Lip	Wet lubricant
Dorothy Lip	Puncture patches
Ian Johnson	Adjustable spanner
Ian Johnson	Cable ties
Ian Johnson	Bar ends
Ian Johnson	Electrical tape
Ian Johnson	Wet lubricant
Ian Ransom	Cable ties
Ian Ransom	Bar ends
Ian Ransom	Electrical tape
Ian Ransom	Wet lubricant
Janine Reilly	Adjustable spanner
Janine Reilly	Cable ties
Janine Reilly	Bar ends
Janine Reilly	Electrical tape
Janine Reilly	Wet lubricant
Janine Reilly	Puncture patches
Jessica Shipp	Adjustable spanner
Jessica Shipp	Cable ties
Jessica Shipp	Bar ends
Jessica Shipp	Wet lubricant
Karen Hubbard	Adjustable spanner
Karen Hubbard	Bar ends
Karen Hubbard	Wet lubricant
Lisa Bywell	Adjustable spanner
Lisa Bywell	Cable ties
Lisa Bywell	Bar ends
Lisa Bywell	Electrical tape
Lisa Bywell	Wet lubricant
Lucy Eyre	Adjustable spanner
Lucy Eyre	Bar ends
Michael Garnham	Adjustable spanner
Michael Garnham	Multi-tool
Michael Garnham	Tyre levers
Michael Garnham	Minipump
Michael Garnham	Cable ties
Michael Garnham	Bar ends
Michael Garnham	Electrical tape
Michael Garnham	Wet lubricant
Michael Garnham	Puncture patches
Paul Evans	Minipump
Richard King	Cable ties
Richard King	Bar ends
Richard King	Electrical tape
Richard King	Wet lubricant
Richard King	Puncture patches
Trisha Taylor-firth	Tyre levers
Trisha Taylor-firth	Minipump
Trisha Taylor-firth	Cable ties
Trisha Taylor-firth	Bar ends
Trisha Taylor-firth	Electrical tape
Trisha Taylor-firth	Wet lubricant

ACTION: TOOLS BEING ORDERED AND WILL BE SENT. ALSO A STOCK OF TOOLS WILL BE KEPT FOR REQUESTS.

4. Laptop

“Would you like to be supplied with an SCC laptop for home use? (If you answer ‘yes’, the office team will order one for you)”

Name	Request
Carol Marshall	Contact me as I’d like to find out more before deciding
Jennifer L Green	Contact me as I’d like to find out more before deciding
Jude Watts	Contact me as I’d like to find out more before deciding
Karen Hubbard	Contact me as I’d like to find out more before deciding
Lynette Haddleton	Contact me as I’d like to find out more before deciding
Mrs m j edmundson	Contact me as I’d like to find out more before deciding
Paul Evans	Contact me as I’d like to find out more before deciding
Pete Cook	Contact me as I’d like to find out more before deciding
Aldith Bruty	Yes
Helen Page	Yes
Jessica Shipp	Yes
Ken Storr	Yes
Mr Christopher R Adams	Yes

ACTION: LAPTOPS WILL BE ORDERED SHORTLY FOR PEOPLE WHO REQUESTED THEM, OFFICE WILL PREPARE INFO SHEET FOR THOSE WHO REQUESTED MORE DETAILS.

5. iPhone

“Do you feel confident to use the following on your SCC iPhone: phone, email, company portal, verisec?”

ACTION: OFFICE TEAM WILL OFFER FACE-TO-FACE TRAINING, IT MAY BE ONE-TO-ONE WHERE WANTED BUT, IN THAT CASE, WILL PROBABLY NEED TO BE OVER A PERIOD OF A FEW MONTHS.

6. Online database

“Are there any improvements you’d like to see in the database? Your answer could cover rectifying something you find a bit annoying, or an idea for adding functionality that does not exist at the moment.”

Thirty-eight responses:

Reference	Comments on online database
1	When you click on Calendar to view classes/registry/etc., the user has to go back to the main calendar to pull up the next class or other classes. This is inefficient and cumbersome. Why are there emails for weekly class updates when the portal already shows this info.? More time spent reviewing the same info found in two places.
2	I just find it annoying when I look at a RA that I move all the markers - it’s quite hard to look at on a phone too if you’re at a school
3	The links to pdf documents don’t work. Any useful comments made at IQA sessions should be shared with all instructors not just the instructors who had the IQA.
4	I have found that I often, but not always, have to input dates. The calendar doesn’t always pop up. I still have not managed to get rid of “you have unread” messages even though I have read all the unread messages! Overall think the system works well.
5	Generally when it’s working it does the job. I find it hard to find particular news items or downloads at times. It is not logical always where they are found. News items particularly get lost in the mix and items concerning the way we deliver bikeability need to be stored in a more accessible way. I’m not sure this is the place to say but I think the expense claim for on course mileage could be/should be automatically added for each lever 2 course. Also, as we are expected to use our cycles for level 1 courses there should be an on course payment.
6	When I claim for mileage during a level 2 session. We usually ride more than 1.5 miles especially on the last day when we are encouraged to put in a journey. I do not use a computer on my bike. Th erefore I don’t know if there is a solution for this. For example this week I was at Cordwalles. My colleague (who has a computer) told me that the ride to the town centre and back was 3 miles. This we did on the Friday. I therefore claimed a mileage of 2 miles a session to accommodate this. This is not a big deal and not even a bit annoying .
7	On the calendar it would be useful to have find a date. When reviewing consent form it would be useful to see all in one go for that weeks work
8	finding payslips and P60 seems complicated to me.
9	It’s a bit worrying that the pointers in the risk assessment maps can be moved when viewed on a phone but they seem to reset if you close and go back in.
10	I sometimes find it difficult to find information about allowances or to find where my unread messages can be found
11	Slightly annoying is when you use the calendar for availability and it takes you back to the current month each time so you have to scroll back through to the month you need before you click again.
12	Helmet- how many NON wearers Helmet does the school have helmet policy Better now that we can see parent comments as the simple YES/NO doesn’t give enough info
13	I’m not quite sure exactly what the database covers so it’s hard for me to say as we don’t tend to print off or request reports. If you mean instructor website functionality that we can see that is different from the database so a different question.
14	The consent information can be seen via two different paths: - clipboard icon and then magnifying glass - people icon Can it all be in the same place so instructors working together are accessing the same information?
15	Make the UI a bit more phone friendly, i.e. scaling / display window position etc
16	None that I can think of at present.
17	I feel overwhelmed by all of it now we have an Iphone that I struggle to operate. I long for simplicity!
18	It doesn’t work abroad on mobile decices So when on holiday you can’t check for any updates etc.
19	The consent forms need to be updated so parents or guardians are encouraged to provide more information about their child.
20	The alerts are too numerous and confusing. Often more than one alert is received for just one change in scheduling.
21	Moving between different sections can be slow. The ability to go back to the previous page/screen that you were viewing rather than the first screen of a section would be a wish.
22	I don’t find aspects of the database particularly user friendly. Trying to find things like ratios was hard recently. Also the news item could be boxed and once you’ve read it change colour, so you don’t have to click on it again to check you’ve read it. It would be good if you could merge risk assessment maps of schools that are close together so all the areas can be used. This would save printing off several different maps.
23	Would like improvement in the size & quality of RA map that can be printed off
24	It would be more convenient to allow the function of changing availability on the same calendar as booking, instead of going back and forth the 2 sections. Currently I’ll have to make note of date/period I need to book off as I check through the booking calendar and than going to the availability section to make adjustment. Also a regular once/twice a year reminder for instructor to update their detail on directory. I had a couple experiences where the old/wrong number was on the directory.
25	The option to state a preference for booking a part day not a full day. At present the only way to do this is to either block out all afternoons for example, or decline courses.
26	when filling out the pay claim, sometimes the ‘submit’ button remains greyed out and you have to go out of the pay claim page and then back in. in the past I have tried to contact an instructor with details from the Directory and the details have been incorrect as the instructor has not responded
27	I would like to see the addition of on line quizzes to use for holiday courses and to use if bad weather brings courses to a premature end but there is undercover space to still do stuff
28	The system uses a combination of trainees and riders to refer to children taking part in courses. I thought the term should now be rider. We just need to be consistent in using it.
29	Sometimes when you enter lines into the new pay claim, you have to exit then re-enter to enable the submit button to become live. Schools can swap pupils around from one day to another. Once the day has past we can no longer access the original consent forms. We then often rely on one instructor having made a note of any particular pupils needs.
30	Office contact details clearly displayed on the first page.
31	I don’t believe the database has accurate records for SCC mobile phone numbers
32	The FAQ section could maybe have a drop down menu so that it’s easier to find the correct subject, rather than having to sift through everything. It can be difficult to find things like blank copies of a register, although perhaps this will no longer be necessary. (Currently, I can’t find one at all).
33	the option to delete the e-mail.
34	I don’t have time to go back and check. I’m on holiday tomorrow and didn’t realise until yesterday that I’m required to complete the survey. There are many things that could be tidied up. Also, when changes are made a full test should be carried out before the changes are made live. It’s frustrating that with nearly every change, other features stop working. The developer should be carrying out a full test before releasing the updates. It’s not it job to test and highlight bugs.
35	Still being new I am getting used to the database so cannot comment at this stage.
36	Training so confident in using as i always hobble -
37	When submitting expense claims the mileage calculator doesn’t always work.
38	Just the mileage on the expense claims. They don’t always appear.

ACTION: THIS LIST HAS BEEN SENT TO THE SITE DEVELOPER. THE CHANGES TO BE MADE WILL BE LISTED IN A NEWS ITEM.

“There is an option to group home page alerts by alert type. This has been tested for the admin pages and the office team find it to be more convenient. Would you like the same to be available?”

A screenshot of admin alerts was included

Should the control panel alerts be grouped?	Number of Instructors
Yes	21
No	2
Don’t mind either way	32

ACTION: THIS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED

7. Level 2 morning start time

“How would the following L2 course times - a later start with a shorter lunchbreak - work for you? The adjusted teaching times are shown. The pre- and post- course times would be added as now (so arrive at school at 9am for the 9:15am start, for example)”

How would the adjusted times affect you?	Number of Instructors
Would not affect me	25
Would make the job more convenient for me	18
Would make the job less convenient for me; I prefer the current times	12

“Do you have any other suggestions or comments on course times?”

Twenty-one responses:

Reference	Comments on course times
1	That ALL instructors are aware of, and adhere to, the time they are expected to arrive on site and leave site. Obviously there are the odd occasions when arriving late due to traffic or other unexpected circumstances is acceptable but an instructor regularly arriving late and requesting to leave early is extremely annoying, and unfair that they are paid for the same hours as the on-time instructor.
2	A shorter lunchtime would be better as most schools start the afternoon at 1
3	I would be happy to start some courses earlier if the school was in agreement. I would also consider doing some courses over weekends, Bike 1 for example.
4	Although I stated the proposed times would be less convenient for me, my answer was based around a shorter lunch break. Particularly in winter months or when traveling to a different school for the afternoons it would be impractical if cycling.
5	Please take into account travel time when you have different schools and the need to eat
6	Slightly later start for first morning session will make it easier for parking as well as the school office staff would have finished dealing with the rush of parents needing attention.
7	start earlier on Monday to sort out administration with the school or find a better way to sort out paper work first day
8	If you’re doing a full day a decent lunch break is needed to refresh especially if it’s really hot or cold.
9	The start/finish time of the second AM course is a sticking point as children at break at 10.50 or need to be back to school for lunch at 12/12.15
10	Starting the morning L2 courses later would also potentially allow for late comers as often we can’t start the course until 9:10 or 9:15 anyhow due to due to people arriving late or ironing out issues with registers etc.
11	I think the slightly later start would help some instructors to accept work if they have children themselves to get to school ( not applicable to me) but it would definately help with parking ( if driving) and avoiding general drop off chaos. I think school office staff would also appreciate the slightly later start so requests for registers ect. isn’t at one of their busiest times. The shorter lunch break would be fine too.
12	I’m happy with a shorter lunch break when teaching afternoon courses as well as morning courses, but this will obviously be determined by school lunch breaks. It may serve to get the trainee groups clear of the training areas before the school collection rush which, although helpful at times in terms of busier roads, can also be a hinderance I have found in my rather limited experience.
13	Arriving at a school whilst the gates are open usually avoids hassles of getting my bike into the playground, whereas a later start could miss the opportunity to get in easily. On the other hand, starting the first morning course a bit later is more likely to allow the riders to be ready to start on time, which some schools seem to find difficult.
14	The only issue I would have with the propose amended time would be if the afternoon course was at another school. With shorter lunch break I would not think it will be fair to send an instructor to another school (unless it’s 5mins or less cycle time) when working in another school in the morning.
15	If courses are shortened to 4 days then this is a more rushed delivery and tends to cut out a ‘journey’ possibility which the riders enjoy. The 5 day course works much better. Also when riders miss a day here and there it is extremely disruptive. They should be there for the full 5 sessions
16	More often than not our start time of 9am clashes with morning registration so trainees are often released from class after we have technically started a session.
17	I think the 0915 start is good as there is a bit more time for the school to get the trainees organised. The shorter mealbreak is fine unless there is a school change for the PM session
18	Only that the post teach and pre teach time allowances don’t add up to the amount of time available. For example if a course ends at 10.40 and then there is 20 minutes post teach, that leaves 5 minutes for the 15 minutes pre teach.
19	Starting at 9.00 for a Monday is best as it takes longer to get started with the first course. The finish time of 12.15 is good as a lot of schools have their lunch at 12.15 and after. The children do get a bit worried about missing their lunch and start to ask what the time is and will they make it back for lunch. if anything, the break at the moment is the covid time and has not gone back to the shorter time. The second group in the morning always seems to get a shorter course. The other thing about finish at 12.30 is it will not give enough time to get to another school for 1.15.
20	A lot of schools require the children to go into lunch between 12 and 12.15… I think finishing at 12.30 would cause problems.
21	Later start makes it fairer for mums and Dads with no additional help with their younger children so therefore is inclusive

ACTION: NO IMMEDIATE CHANGES. OFFICE TEAM IS CONSIDERING WAYS TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAINED AND HAVE MORE PARENT-FRIENDLY TIMES, WITHOUT REDUCING THE QUALITY OF COURSES OR WEEKLY INSTRUCTOR INCOME. THERE ARE NUMEROUS IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHEDULING. IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE THE AIMS, EVERYONE WILL BE CONSULTED FURTHER.

8. Level 2 course structure

“Do you have any thoughts on the L2 course structure - how well do you think it works and would you change anything? If not, please write ‘none’”

Thirty-three responses:

Reference	Comments on Level 2 structure
1	Remind some instructors that the first day is not a full level 1 course. Also the need to be more dynamic and less rigid in the order of teaching outcomes.
2	I like the idea of doing the pre course talk “clothing talk” etc with all the groups on day one to save time. Also find doing the road signs and highlighting things like give way lines etc earlier in the week means they have a good understanding of the meaning of these before attempting the junction turns with give way signage. Maybe this could be part of the first day when time is usually used for checking skills or before commencing day 2
3	Day 1 is problematic as there are many things instructors can’t control - arrival times of kids (late starts) tech problems on bike repair, children not having the right equipment or no helmet/bike. These things affect delivery of the syllabus where some info/ activity is not sufficiently covered, like snaking. Not sure what the solution is but the “talk” can really run on, depending on the Instructor’s love of their own voice.
4	The course runs well when you have 5 days ! Can get a bit muddily over 4 days but being flexible is key
5	Some SCC visual aids might be helpful. Pictures clearly showing the positions to take at junctions, primary and secondary positions.
6	Works well. There is such a variation in abilities and rider numbers that I really dont see how it could be changed for the better. There is one school that does L2 in Year 5 and it is noticeable in the maturity of riders. Unless there is something really to justify this it should be only encouraged in Year 6.
7	I think the structure generally works well. I think we could progress the active learning when moving groups and rider led groups.
8	I think it works well. I particularly like working with the newly trained instructors and also think that the Recognized Prior Learning Course was helpful to me. I think we need to continue with CPD to enable us to diversify and increase our repertoire.
9	I think the L2 course structure addresses everything needed and works well.
10	It works but like all things a little longer for sessions would help the riders get more practice
11	I would like the guidance to be more clearly worded. At the moment, the Delivery Guide has way too many words.
12	teach road signs earlier in the week
13	I do feel that trying to do the course in 4 days doesn’t give you enough time to really get through the syllabus in a meaningful way especially if you have a high number of students. If the school only has 4 days then we could try to up the hours to get the same as you would in 5 days.
14	More demos - less talking
15	The five-day setup means that the courses do not have a rushed feel about them as there is always part of Friday that can be used if, for any reason, the group or certain students within it have missed out on an earlier session. Personally, I think it works well. In addition, the students seem really to enjoy riding around the area on the last day putting into practice all that they have learnt on the previous days. The five-day setup also benefits the students from the point of view of the feedback on their certificates being more meaningful.
16	I feel the structure of L2 courses works well providing all participants can cycle adequately and their cycles are road worthy. Those who do not meet the criteria slow down the process especially the poor state of some cycles.
17	On Monday morning sometimes the school office does not always give us update information about a trainees changes in their circumstances over the weekend, for example fractured hand but still turns up to Day 1. Sometimes schools ask us to bring in an original DBS?
18	L2 structure works well. ‘Making a journey’ on day 5 is a good idea if possible but could you clarify please? Does this mean just going on a long ride on the last day (sometimes off road) to reach a certain destination, eg secondary school, station, etc.? In my experience, most riders will tend to just follow the leader without looking or thinking for themselves and start messing about. Or should this still be a day for individual observation? Making a journey by snaking to a chosen destination but stopping off at different junctions on the way to observe the riders completing all turns individually.
19	My main concern is the amount of riders missing odd days of training and the detrimental affect that has. It is important that riders and their bikes are seen on the first day of training so that they can have a safety talk and that there is time to assess riding skills. A ten minute assessment then straight out onto the road is not good practice.
20	I follow the SCC suggested timetable for 5 x 1hr 25 min sessions which I generally works well for most groups if the training area is close. I think longer sessions over less days can work in some situations (like at St. Georges, Weybridge) but runs the risk of information overload for less able riders.
21	I would strongly recommend doing the junction talk before attempting the side road. Priorities need to be understood at junctions before introducing the side road. I agree to always try and do the left in first, but I think the turns then, should be relaxed in their order of learning. This is simply to allow for what the junction and around lends to you. Eg, often a car is parked on the major road near the junction on the left side making a left in and left out hard, but a right in and right out might be perfectly placed here. What I’m saying is play to what the physical situation lends you. It shouldn’t be too prescriptive. In principle though , where junctions allow, I appreciate the order of outcomes taught.
22	Current structure works well
23	I think that spreading the course over five days works well for the trainees’ learning. The way the units have been broken down works well across the week as there is time to teach, revise and consolidate.
24	Too new to be able to make suggestions
25	Riders who miss the first day of the course should not be permitted to join on the second day. They have missed far too much instruction. Allowing them to join on the second day increases the risk for everyone involved in the training. Barnaby advised that instructors were taking a gamble in allowing this and he would not do it. We really need a consistent Surrey policy on this.
26	Currently I think the L2 Course structure works but I dont have a lot of experience delivering yet.
27	I think it works pretty well although with 8 trainees, there is the opportunity to reduce to 4 or even 3 sessions
28	The structure as it is works with the five days. It gives us the option to catch up if things do not run to plan. They get more option to ride their bike on the road for 4 full days.
29	Not at this stage as still new and learning how the courses run.
30	I think it works well how we do it. I think it really helps if a school have thought well about group formation in advance. Last minute adjustments are helpful as well but not last minute organisation where there has been no prior thought or organisation into group dynamics or specific individual needs. Helpful to have a committed person on board who is aware of individuals who may struggle and for them to have the interaction and communication with parents prior to the starting day. For example where a child has only just learnt to ride. School should have responsibility of making sure everyone understands that there is a learn to ride option rather than us having to remove a child because they are not steady or ready enough - as it is detrimental to the child the group and also quite a challenge for instructors having to facilitate this. I have had this problem twice - once on a level one course and and once on a level two course.
31	A shorter lunch break would work well.
32	I have on occasion travelled between schools in my lunch hour. The new course structure would limit time to do this. Plus, I think if you are asked to do this, you should get paid for your time.

ACTION: THE OFFICE TEAM WILL LOOK THROUGH THE RESPONSES IN DETAIL, IN COMBINATION WITH ASSESSING THE NEW DELIVERY GUIDE, WITH A VIEW TO DISCUSSING AT THE CHRISTMAS SMALL GROUP MEETINGS.

9. Third Instructor on Level 2

“In your experience, how does having a third Instructor for a larger Level 2 group help the delivery - or if you think it doesn’t, why?”

The sentiments in each comment have been interpreted into a one-word summary for an overall impression. The individual comments follow the chart and the interpretation is shown.

The individual comments are:

Reference	Comments on Level 2 structure	Interpreted summary
1	A third instructor for larger groups is immensely beneficial. The whole group benefits in that longer distances start to stop can be utilised and cycling loops of, for example, left in/u-turn/left out/u-turn/right in can be easily accommodated as junctions and both u-turns can be covered by an instructor. It allows for a much greater ‘real’ riding experience and independent thinking for the learners and extends the amount of actual riding time for them. I would definitely welcome it.	Yes
2	The only time I think 3 is beneficial is when we are linking junctions to make it more challenging for the rider so we can ensure they are covered safely.	Depends
3	I think a third instructor helps delivery with a larger group.	Yes
4	Adds nothing having a third instructor. If the group is large , the riders don’t gain anymore riding time .	No
5	I feel a 3rd instructor for days 3-5 is useful if attempting linked junction turns with a u-turn but feel that 3 instructors for day 1&2 is a bit pointless!	Depends
6	It helps. Another set of eyes to manage groups snaking or at junctions. Reduces stress level of other instrctors and helps in busy traffic situations.	Yes
7	Sometimes it can be hard with a third instructor but this mainly depends on who the 3 instructors are I never know where the third instructor goes in the snake It can be useful to have an extra instructor so the children have more turns and longer cycling learning journeys with more skills added	Depends
8	A third instructor for larger groups is a must, sometimes hard to manage large groups waiting for their turn, plus third instructor can cover a junction or U turn or give feed back.	Yes
9	It is a joy to have 3 instructors. The course flows much better and the riders get more riding time. Being able to add in a U turn frequently really helps link the work and get longer more complex journeys.	Yes
10	It has alot to do with cooperation between the individual instructors. In my experience it works well if all instructors are happy to work as a team but has/can cause conflict if one instructor wants to work independently (this hopefully will have been solved due to a recent news post on lone working). Sometimes one instructor can feel supernumerary but after day two it can be a real bonus as it allows you to assess more outcomes in one journey and provides greater knowledge and experience of ‘a journey’ to the trainees and more active learning and progression.	Depends
11	It helps especially with drills. The drills can be extended because the riskier areas can be manned and also there is another person available to give individual feedback or help riders observe other riders practice. Plus is there is a rider with more challenges we can have a bit of a 1:1 situation going on.	Yes
12	Easier to link more complex journeys for those riders at this level. More eyes to watch riders. Can split (at the same junction) to teach several turns at once creating your own traffic, especially in quiet areas. I think for the schools, it would be easier for them to organise the groups with larger numbers in each one. One big drawback is having such a large snake on the road. Doubling up, probably at all times, would likely be essential.	Depends
13	I don’t think it give a great benefit to the riders as the time is taken up by them practicing so more riders equals less riding times. One benefit is with three instructors you can give two demonstrations to the riders. Also allows you to combine junctions to give riders more of a challenge where junctions are close to each other	Depends
14	I have often found that it hampers rather than enhances. Two instructors have a definite role while the third instructor often does not know where to insert him/herself. With the exception of making the u-turn easy to cover, allowing slightly more riding time, it is not enough to be counted as profitable to the sessions. Maybe we can take more time coming up with a beneficial way to work with three instructors.	No
15	It helps a lot when controlling and keeping the riders safe	Yes
16	It does make it easier but it depends on how well everyone gets on how well it works	Depends
17	Yes helps with managing the number and allows more linking of activity to reinforce understanding and learning.	Yes
18	It is very helpful particularly with large group, being able to Link outcomes, particularly in busier locations, however there are locations where three is not enough, with group of 8+ ie., St Ann’s Heath, Thorpe	Yes
19	I think that it makes a real difference. In terms of group management, riding in the snake and being able to move riders through the activities faster or extend activities to give riders more riding time. For example starting groups off, extra instructor placement at junctions or ‘u’ turns or higher risk areas which allows for more linking up of activities for riders and more riding time and riding practise for larger groups.	Yes
20	It depends on how well the co-instructors work together, it can be challenging to equally share tasks between three. Communication/teamwork must be excellent to ensure consistency in teaching. Often, one instructor will take a step back which can be frustrating for others. Three instructors can also mean increased instructor talking time/over coaching, when we are aiming to reduce that. It can be advantageous for risk management but also reduces rider empowerment as there is often an extra instructor on starts/stops (which would not normally happen as a two instructor course progresses).	Depends
21	Ideally there wouldn’t be larger groups over 8! But I understand that sometimes groups can’t be divided into smaller groups with 2 instructors. How helpful having 3 instructors together depends alot on what combo of instructors you have together- do they work well together? It can work well at times if your linking up longer journeys and u turns but can depend alot on the training site and riders abilities too. With larger groups of riders you can often get focus and behaviour issues and the riders might get the best out of the course if you divide the group into 3 smaller or 1 larger and 1 small group for the teaching and possibly snaking (if you can stay in sight of each other) but bring it together to link up journeys.	Depends
22	I think it works well as I can allow combining of junctions for turns and gives riders more opportunities to practice outcomes.	Yes
23	Obviously, budget permitting, the more instructors you have on a course the better. It enhances the students’ experience, the practise of activities (improved line of sight etc), speed of initial bike-checks on the first day of a L2 course, improved and safer snaking (when one instructor has to move from the back of a group to the front it doesn’t leave a student as the rearmost rider). The only problems I could foresee from SCC’s point of view is if certain instructors have ‘their way’ of doing things and this possible inflexibility could create problems. Nothing insurmountable if everyone is grown-up about it.	Yes
24	I personally feel if more than 8 riders are in a group this is too much for 2 instructors in terms of safety when snaking. It is highly beneficial for getting riders to do a sequence with 3 instructors so I think it does help delivery.	Yes
25	Could help with complicated link ups. 2 works well.	Depends
26	In most circumstances a third instructor is helpful in a snake, SEN trainees and linking more turns together. This does depend on the training area if there is plenty of junctions available and how far you have to snake. There is a difference of having 6 riders as you can achieve a lot more practice turns so a third instructor with more than 8 trainees is helpful. Doubling up in the snake has been helpful.	Yes
27	Yes, I think a third instructor is helpful if more than 8 riders. They can help with any behaviour issues and can also allow for more riding time and further distances when linking turns.	Yes
28	I find that a third instructor can help with group management of a larger group. Parking bikes, road crossings and linked drills but it does need all instructors to be flexible and organised with their roles. A third instructor can also help with moving a larger group, doubling up and seeing everyone through junctions.	Yes
29	Very helpful to arrange longer drills. Also very helpful if one rider needs extra help for whatever reason, such as understanding, health, discipline and bike issues. However, dynamic assessment and decisions can be slower because of the need for agreement of all three Instructors.	Yes
30	Yes a third instructor helps. It can provide the option of longer linked activities with multiple junction turns. It enables linked activities with individual feedback to be delivered in a more fluid way.	Yes
31	I think sometimes with three, one instructor can often feel redundant, as we’ve been taught to teach in the main with two instructors. It does however lend itself to being able to challenge the trainees with more complex rides and turns as more junctions can be covered. There are pros and cons, but I think maybe a 3rd instructor would be best used on days 3,4, and 5. I think their time isn’t needed the first two days.	Depends
32	Can be beneficial: Creating longer routines for riders. Can have smaller groups for teaching which can then link up. Can group riders according to ability/progress - if appropriate. Have smaller groups of riders for journeys which they are leading. Third instructor could be tasked to give feedback. Negatives: may be challenging to get agreement between 3 instructors. The input by instructors should be equal - this does not always happen.	Depends
33	I think it does help with the delivery in a larger group, especially allowing a better flow of the activity and opportunities for circuit/journey (more instructor to cover high risk point and/or giving feedback), therefore enabling the trainees with more cycle/active learning time.	Yes
34	It makes a noticeable difference especially on days 3,4 and 5. Trainees end up with more riding time and instructors can position selves to allow for more complex/challenging junctions or for trainees to ride further between start and stop perhaps incorporating extra u-turns/stationary vehicles, etc. Also gives option of splitting group into mini snakes to “go for a ride” in a more realistic way (within view of group)	Yes
35	Having a third instructor allows for more linked activities, however this depends on the riders ability to process a longer activity. It may be useful also if there is a rider with more challenging behaviour. However my preference is for 2 instructors and the possibility to split the group in two or double up riders. It flows better only having 2 instructors to agree what to do.	Depends
36	Yes, it does help, because: - on day 1 if there are problems with the bikes, an extra instructor helps to keep the other children engaged, whilst the 3rd instructor can sort out the bikes (sometimes we have a lot of problems with bikes) - you can create longer/more complex journeys, therefore keeping the children cycling and more engaged - with an extra instructor all the children have more 1-2-1 time and engagement with an instructor	Yes
37	Enables the riders to have more riding time/experience e.g riders can use two separate junctions linked by a relatively lengthy ride on the major road between the junctions. (one instructor on one junction, second instructor on the major road and the third on the second junction)	Yes
38	I have been on courses with 3 instructors for 8 children. This is overkill in my opinion and leads to too many chiefs scenarios. Two is plenty for up to 8	Depends
39	This can work but it depends on so many factors. You can set up a longer journey for the riders but you really need to have them riding in pairs otherwise there is too much standing around wait for their turn. You are also likely to have multiple pairs riding at the same time so there is more risk management involved. Often when we have a third instructor we will split into smaller groups keeping insight of each other.	Depends
40	Having a third instructor helps in rider management and covering all areas of risk at junctions. Also ensuring more riding time for riders. It can also help when moving groups in some situations.	Yes
41	With large groups the 3rd instructor is useful in allowing larger linked activities (ie. able to cover an extra u-turn to keep the group moving). Also allows the groups to be split into smaller snakes to increase the opportunity for independent cycling.	Yes
42	Having 3 instructors can create confusion as to who is delivering what regarding training and can become confusing for trainees and instructors especially if each instructor has a different style, with 2 instructors differences in style are more easily adapted to	No
43	It was very helpful to have a third instructor at Waverly Abbey when we had a larger group than 8. It allowed for an extra pair of eyes and ears to ensure everyone was grasping the concepts and tasks taught.	Yes
44	I think 1:2 is okay for up to 10 trainees in exceptional circumstances. 10+ trainees merit’s an extra instructor	Depends
45	A third instructor can be useful to keep riders moving; more manoeuvres can be joined together, resulting in more cycling time and less standing around awaiting a turn. A third instructor is also useful while snaking with a large group, either to ride alongside or go up to the junction for turns, so that an instructor can remain at the rear.	Yes
46	An even number is always best. If you have 9 trainees 2 trained instructor is fine for some course. 3 instructors if one of them is new and additional needs as thing can take longer to run a course. Good commutations with the school to choose where a 3rd instructor would be needed if the number goes over 8.	Depends
47	I don’t think it works. Too many people required required for consensus on everything.	No
48	For larger groups of more than 8 riders, an extra instructor can be very helpful, so we can get more cycle time in for all the riders. It can help with not having the riders wait too long and being able to continuously practicing what we are teaching them.	Yes
49	Sometimes useful sometimes not, depends on the working relationship between the instructors!	Depends
50	Even though I am new to this I can see how a third instructor would be a great benefit when managing a group on the roads. The presence of a third instructor would not only be an extra pair of eyes to monitor the group but would add a greater ‘presence’ on the road to help be visible to other road users and therefore improve safety.	Yes
51	Two instructors is a better dynamic - it all depends on if the instructors know each other and the level of experience individually. It can work - I’m open but it sometimes it’s a dynamic where you have to take the role of stepping back. Saying that it can be very helpful in group management depending on the school, behaviour and schools preparation	Depends
52	Having a third instructor is alway an advantage. Linking turns and u turns benefit by having another person. Also, the extra bike fixes that occur can be readily attended to without interrupting the session too much.	Yes
53	It very much depends on the circumstances & the behaviour of the children. Often, earlier in the week an extra Instructor is not really needed but later on is very useful as you can do more complex junction turns/combinations.	Depends
54	A third instructor can be useful for later in the week. This can allow for a better riding experience for the riders. It can give them more flexibility in riding link ups for example. The negative side to 3 instructors could be a greater risk to conflicting coaching styles and ideas. I think it can sometimes over complicate things.	Depends
55	don’t believe it is required	No

ACTION: THE AIM WILL REMAIN TO HAVE A MAXIMUM OF EIGHT RIDERS ON LEVEL 2 BUT WHERE THIS CANNOT BE ACHIEVED A THIRD INSTRUCTOR WILL BE ALLOCATED IF AVAILABLE.

10. Level 1 course structure

“Do you think the course content of Level 1 should be reviewed to focus more on the four core functions?”

“Do you have any suggestions for changing how Level 1 is delivered?”

Reference	Comments on Level 1
1	Providing a written resource of possible teaching games, I feel that I am very limited in how many options I can choose from.
2	Introduce road signs
3	Good question. It deserves further thought and perhaps a discussion among peers.
4	I have my own flash cards with the core functions on - talk about them simply and suggest other words - eg look The CF can then be mentioned throughout the session - ‘that’s was a great observation ‘ ‘your need to think if it’s your turn to go first - have you got priority?’ I think keeping it fun is key ….
5	Level 1 needs to be labelled as skills in the playground that get transferred to L2 when you are on the road. We should be able to refer to words like like right (the traffic shoulder), the riders should be able to signal (not just cycle one handed). Again more visual aids are required. Children respond to pictures and colours.
6	Level 1 is great. I personally would take out the Uturn as I find it very hard to realistically explain to mainly Year 4 what a U turn is when in the playground. They usually just end up cycling up and down looking as they turn but not understanding what they might be looking for.
7	There are some activities I do not like so much such as the one to do with sharing space. I think this can be done in other ways - happy to share these with you.
8	For the most part I have seen L1s being delivered in a progressive and dynamic way with riders having lots of cycling in the playground. Occasionally I’ve seen riders just going up and down the playground in a very controlled and prescriptive manner. Although this may be considered safer, by some, I don’t think the children enjoy this method so much. L1 is as much about having fun on your bike as well as learning the skills in preparation for L2.
9	I would like more suggestions for games which would incorporate the skills we have taught.
10	I like it as is. It is structured and fun.
11	I try to incorporate the 4 core functions however more time is sometimes needed so we could either shorten some of the exercises or take a couple out or make the course longer.
12	Emphasis on getting you ready to progress to level 2, incorporating four key functions as per standard and Bikeability handbook given to children. Why we do things a certain way ie., getting in and off the bike, looking behind Progression to control bike with one hand, then full signal/communicating session
13	Not using the word games for activities ( I use challenges) and making activities less competitive in nature. This puts off some riders with special needs who can struggle with being ‘out’ and can be uncomfortable for some female riders who find the competitive nature of some of the male riders in a group a bit off putting. Year 4 age group boys can become a bit competitive around this time.
14	More bike aerobics, more bike handling skills, balance skills, naming parts of the bike, setting pedal and gliding. It focuses on preparing riders for level 2 but year 4 is a very different to year 6, and you are more likely to get riders who have recently learnt how to ride or are not confident. More differentiation that we already do, different cone games for different ability. Four core skills as framework for session; maybe break session into four parts to focus in each skill ??
15	More an issue with schools regarding access to playgrounds and length of the mid morning breaks. It can be challenging to deliver a L1 course where the schools have staggered breaks for different year groups, such that the playground is unavailable from around 10:20 to 11:00, with the lunch break often then starting at 12:00.
16	None at present.
17	A proper structure and consistent games and activities would allow for better delivery and consistency across the county. L1 is too adhoc
18	Whilst the four core functions are covered in my Level 1 courses, I don’t think they generally help improve the riders’ skills. I think there should be more in Level 1 and Level 2 about speed. Indeed, I think the four core functions are lacking in that speed is not included. Courses should include more opportunities to understand the techniques and understanding of riding more quickly and more slowly.
19	I have found that you have to be flexible and prepared to make adjustments dependent on the group. It is difficult delivering an effective L1 course incorporating games and group riding when group numbers fall below 10 as has been happening recently.
20	Works better when done in one 3 hr session
21	It might be useful to reinforce the importance of looking before stopping in Level 1. I’m not sure that any of us currently do so.
22	Any new ideas for games and delivery would be worth sharing. We all have our favourite go to’s.
23	To make level 1 progressive to level 2, there’s little point in mentioning the four core functions if there is to be no mention of the reasons why and with realistic examples. Level 1 riders, I believe don’t understand priority and when they would need to use/think about priority. My experience is that courses mostly get trainees ready for the next level. I have been told in IQAs that I’m not to mention any level 2 content
24	Not delivered one yet
25	None. There are many different options available already.
26	We already try to refer to the core functions when teaching Level 1, but in order that we all work from the same rule’s perhaps the L1 Guide could state this.
27	Level 1 should be fun and should be primarily about getting children riding bikes becoming more confident riding and encouraged to practice elements such as one hand riding, looking behind and the concept of sharing space ready for Level 2
28	As covered previously, more emphasis on core functions.
29	Although I would teach Level 1 using the core functions, not all instructors do, so perhaps it should be included in the delivery guide. Perhaps there could be another way of teaching priorities, apart from ‘the bridge’ which seems to be more of a politeness exercise, rather than a definite, who goes first.
30	I have changed a few things I say, not sure if it is better but for children, I think so. I explain why you look over you right shoulder more. I now say traffic shoulder before you start and before you signal and stop. The looking behind I do in a straight line as I am finding a lot of children will come out without there glasses and can’t see. By checking they can see you fingers and call out the number a good few metre away helps to find this out. More so on L2 in the playground before going out. As we now teach year 4 the wording, I use is much more basic. The bike can be very small with most having either no gears, or just the back gears. So, an instructor bike is needed to explain gears more often. The 4 core functions are added in as we teach it now. The exercise for priority is more pedestrian based and giving way to other bicycles in game format.
31	Yes. I’ve noticed that the L1 course has become a L2 assessment. For example, with observation ‘all around and behind’ there seems to be very little instruction on HOW to do this. The same is true with controlling the bike with one hand. Asking riders to just do these skills without breaking this down by offering tips, can be troublesome. Some riders can already do the skills, others can’t but we shouldn’t assume that they can already do them .
32	Have not delivered enough Level 1 courses at this stage to comment.
33	Before I forget it would be helpful for parents to have some kind of bike check form before they supply a bike to help guide them to make sure it is fit for purpose when the sign up Level one is fun - most kids seem to love the games and the competitive angle. It can be adjusted to the capability of the group - I think it’s all dynamically dependant and that could possibly be staged so you have a go to format potentially.
34	I think we should be allowed to talk about traffic even when in a traffic free environment.
35	A periodic review should always be useful.

ACTION: THE OFFICE TEAM WILL LOOK THROUGH THE RESPONSES IN DETAIL, IN COMBINATION WITH ASSESSING THE NEW DELIVERY GUIDE, WITH A VIEW TO DISCUSSING AT THE CHRISTMAS SMALL GROUP MEETINGS.

11. Helmet cams

“Do you think Instructors should be issued with helmet cams to wear?”

Thirty further comments on cameras:

Reference	Comments on helmet cams
1	I think there is definitely a case for helmet cameras in some parts of the country for some cyclists eg commuters in busy city centres but the roads that we at SCC use for training are generally fairly quiet. I don’t hold any firm views on this but if I had to make a yes or no decision, I would choose no simply because it would be another piece of data/equipment to be concerned with.
2	I wouldn’t feel comfortable filming children
3	I for one believe cameras act as a deterrent as motorists can see the camera,knowing footage will go to police for review and action. However, how would this be managed asit would fall on instructors to film/ manage/forward this footage to appropriate authority, requiring more admin time./send
4	I’d be happy with one if it was provided
5	Yes to cameras. I have had very abuse at me and a few dangerous drivers. SCC needs to look after its staff and the riders, so that people who break the law can be dealt with by he police.
6	We need to normalize cycling and make it an affordable thing to do for everyone.
7	In my 17 years I have come across maybe 8 situations when a camera may have been useful when drivers have potentially put riders at risk but I feel that we have always handled the situation without escalation. I have only experienced 3 incidents when I would have like to see the drivers reported.
8	There may come a time but I don’t think they are needed yet
9	Would need more information on the legal responsibility I would be undertaking
10	I see both the negatives and positives of the camera argument. Personally I would rather not wear a helmet cam while teaching as I think it may be off putting for the trainees. Saying that however the state of driving around trainees can on occasions be shocking and dangerous. Drivers overtaking or positioning themselves on the wrong side of the road trying to get around a snake or trainee, impatient drivers passing riders in primary position about to turn right etc. It’s hard to try and teach about road rules and priorities when drivers don’t do what they are supposed to. Better education of drivers is the real issue which is a whole other subject that doesn’t really seem to be addressed in current policy.
11	I’m ambivalent as I’ve not really experienced that many incidents I’d consider worthy of reporting.
12	This opens a massive can of worms from the safeguarding point of view. Surrey Constabulary are really good at prosecuting from submitted video evidence but to be honest I’m really surprised you’re even asking this question. I wouldn’t wear a helmet-cam and I’m a camera user when I ride on my own and am not working teaching Bikeability. My personal cameras are really discreet and people don’t know that they’re there. I think bad drivers will drive badly regardless of whether there is a camera on a bicycle or not. Also, when you are in charge of a group of children is not the time to get into ‘discussions’ about driving quality.
13	Sadly I think there is a need for such a piece of equipment though not for recording children (so I would understand the parents if unhappy). The way some people drive around the groups is worrying at times.
14	I tend to not use the junction again if there has been a close pass if possible.
15	I wouldn’t wish to have a helmet camera just for traffic offences, but would wear one for other issues such as Instructor monitoring, safeguarding and third party interaction.
16	Would like to know what would happen to the footage that is collected?
17	While most of the L2 training sites has low-moderate traffic, area of certain school might have faster flow of traffic/more aggressive drivers. On this note, I feel having hamlet cams will helps to deter such behaviour from driver. I have not deliver a L3 course yet but I feel due to the nature of the course, using more complex traffic layout, I feel helmet cams will also be useful here.
18	It would be useful to have the option, especially in more challenging areas
19	I’m not sure that Surrey Police would have the resources to follow up with any complaints. Also, some members of the public might take offence to being filmed incidentally and instructors could be targeted for abuse.
20	Very good points above for and against. I think on balance cyclists wearing helmet cams are seen as provocative by some other road users. On the point of photography and filming in a public place anyone can do this, it’s not illegal and they don’t need permission.
21	This would potentially give the impression that what we are doing is dangerous. Additionally consent would be needed from each trainees parent for cameras to be used.
22	Video footage could be very useful in capturing bad/dangerous driving. I have been surprised at how selfish some drivers can be despite high viz and children being present. If it was allowed, replaying footage of certain manoeuvres could be very helpful for trainees to see where they are placing themselves in junctions. It would be very helpful for those with spatial problems . I appreciate there are concerns and permission and safe storage would need carful consideration and as a result, more problem than a benefit
23	I’ve not had enough occasions when we would benefit from having headcams
24	Perhaps they could be worn, but only turned on in certain circumstances. With regard to the message of cycling in general being risky; I think cycling on your own or with friends and family is a completely different situation to having a group of perhaps 12 children in your care whilst cycling on the road..
25	On average most drives and people are very polite. On the odd occasion it is not, with pedestrians by been polite and handing then a business card and telling them to phone the office works well. Drives not so good as one instructor will be watching the trainees and probably not see the driver’s behavior. The other instructor will be either doing a demo or talking to the trainees. Overall, we would be unlikeley to capture the 1 minute before and one minute after needed to make a good report to the police.
26	I used to wear a head cam outside of Surrey Work. I stopped because mine has to be fixed to a post that could (upon impact) cause a serious head injury to myself, since it is an addition to my helmet and not part of the original structure.
27	I think it could make the children, who are slightly nervous, more worried about cycling on the road, and as you mention there are some parents who wouldn’t want their children being filmed, or I don’t think adopted children are allowed to be filmed/photographed. But there are some careless/speedy drivers on the road, so the helmet cams could be a deterrent, if drivers see the instructors wearing a helmet cam……
28	I use a camera when cycling on my own. To date, I have not had cause to use the footage as supporting evidence but it has helped when I have wanted to look at something for my own reference. I can see how some parents might be concerned but the use of the camera will come with strict conditions. The cameras could also support instructors if any allegation against them is made.
29	You will always get idiots on the road it’s a fact of life and training to be aware of them and cycle with that awareness is best in my opinion - role modelling camera use takes our role beyond encouraging young people to get out there and use their bike - there is enough surveillance in our world today - biking is about freedom and managing risk accordingly - possibly for a level 3 course but then the students are more serious riders already.
30	I would be interested to know how many instances go through to the office before I can understand the need for helmet c@ms. My initial thought was Yes but after reading paragraphs three and four, I am now unsure.

ACTION: CAMERAS WILL NOT BE ISSUED. WE WILL CONTINUE TO LIAISE WITH POLICE COLLEAGUES IN REGARD TO OPTIONS FOR THIRD PARTY REPORTING.

12. Resources

“Would you like to be supplied with printed copies of the bike repair form for parents?”

Reference	Provide with bike repair form?
Yes	44
No	11

“Would you like to be supplied with a portable whiteboard?”

Reference	Provide with portable whiteboard?
Yes	37
No	18

ACTION: THESE RESOURCES WILL BE SUPPLIED TO PEOPLE WHO REQUESTED THEM AND A STOCK WILL BE KEPT FOR FURTHER REQUESTS.

13. IQA

“Do you have any suggestions or comments for how IQA observations could help your development as an Instructor?”

Thirty-one responses:

Reference	IQA comments
1	For observations not to take place on a Friday where little teaching takes place. Observations on day 3 and 4 would be best placed for seeing where any improvements could happen in teaching.
2	Not sure. current IQAs are satisfactory. But I think there has to Bea bigger discussion regarding instructors who are hard to work with/bossy/incompetant or not showing professional courtesy to other instructors. There is no process for dealing with these situations.
3	I was happy with the couple I had - it’s good to reflect
4	Just sharing of the good points and new ideas so that all instructors can advance and improve their cycle skills. Sayings like Plan to Stop, Look to go need to be shared.
5	I find the observations very stressful and do not look forward to them. I haven’t actually had anything other than minor negative feedback but still feel under scrutiny. I appreciate we have to have continuous monitoring and cant see a way around it. It is one of only a very few aspects of the role I dislike! Lots of instructor talk is about IQA etc. Most of it is not positive.
6	I feel the last few I have had have been helpful and less of a ‘test’ which encourages honest communication and therefore helps development and progression. I personally think an instructor should be able to ask a mentor to come out on a course if they are concerned about a new concept that has been brought in and would like to be shown how to use it. For example when active learning/rider led came in as every instructors interpretation is different and can then cause confusion
7	I think the IQA person is the one that needs the training. If their training is well done and adequate there should not be a problem.
8	process is ok but at the moment we are not getting good ideas from other parts of the county that the assessors are seeing
9	Seems comprehensive to me. It reminds me about new teaching methods and old ones I may have forgotten.
10	Nothing to add. Was a good experience and helpful.
11	Working with different instructors can impact how you can or are able to deliver a course. It is not always clear how /or if this is taken into account by the assessors and it could make a difference to the results of the IQA and/or what is being assessed. For example it is easier to undergo an IQA with another instructor you are more familiar working with. However if you wanted to assess adaptability this may require working with someone less familiar to the instructor!
12	no
13	None.
14	None as it doesn’t really apply to me yet.
15	The road observation takes place in an area where the instructor is familiar with the risk assessment, school and other instructor.
16	Frequent IQAs would be good so that it isn’t an unusual event when to happens.
17	I have been very happy with the IQA’s I have had and found them to be fair and helpful for my development.
18	Encourage me to reflect on my practice & ensure standards are being maintained
19	I have only experienced one IQA (level 1) so far but found it very useful - and reassuring.
20	Keep them positive. The latest ones by Jude were most enjoyable!
21	I agree with IQA observations as part of my development. However, my experience from IQAs is that feedback from the assessor has been based on their personal preference,believe or choice on a certain situation leaving me confused.
22	Na
23	No as I think the new regime is excellent.
24	I welcome visits to help me improve my delivery and any feedback from my fellow instructors and riders is appreciated
25	I think as we all run a L1 and L2 slightly differently. But teach the same thing a IQA inside can get a bit confusing. Best to see a L1 or L2 run outside is a much better way to pick thing up.
26	Accept that just because the observer hasn’t seen something, it doesn’t mean that we we don’t do it on other occasions. An example may be…. Instructing while the demonstration is taking place versus demonstration first or last. Another may be giving individual feedback versus group feedback. I don’t always do things the same way. Keeps me from getting/sounding bored 🥱
27	Have just recently had an IQA observation, and found it very helpful, receiving feedback and being given some pointers on how to improve our development as Instructors.
28	To date, UI have not had an IQA observation.
29	It would have helped me to have verbal communication with the IQA assessor prior to my first IQA because I thought it was more a personal assessment rather than looking at how I worked with another. Generally verbal communication helps me more that e mail only.
30	None.
31	Could be more frequent

ACTION: THE IQA TEAM WILL CONSIDER THESE COMMENTS AND REPORT BACK THROUGH A NEWS ITEM

14. ANNUALISED HOURS

“There are some annualised hours contracts available. Would you be interested in finding out more?”

Instructors interested in annualised hours contracts
Aldith Bruty
Alistair Lang
Briand Beausoleil
Carl Thompson
Catherine Hirst
Dorothy Lip
Janine Reilly
Ken Storr
Keryn Wingrave
Lucy Hamilton
Mark Sullivan
Matt hellyer
Nick Williams
Pete Cook
Ruth Williams
Shelley Standage
Sue Karpeta

ACTION: OFFICE TEAM WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPRESSED AN INTEREST

15. ANYTHING ELSE

“If you have any other suggestions, comments or questions, please put them below”

Reference	Other comments
1	The last question about annualised hours was interesting to read. I had no idea it even existed. Referring to the allowances for contributions towards helmets, wet weather gear etc, would it be possible to include an allowance towards an annual or bi-annual bike service which at basic level costs approx £70 plus parts.
2	I have reservations about the new BDG syllabus concerning rider safety. I understand the concept of involving riders - “the highest level of learning” - but think by minimising the verbal explanations prior to tasks we are increasing the chances of an accident. I recognise this approach comes via the Trust/ DFT and that Surrey has to implement it, but I am uneasy with it.
3	No. Thank you for putting the survey out.
4	I find it hard to keep my diary up to date as things change very quickly in my personal diary . I’ve also appreciated not being taken off a whole course when I can’t do some of it . I am preferring to do nearer courses as it can be quite a track over to Frimley for me
5	I still feel there is loads of potential courses out there that we do not explore. Why do we not have more adult courses? I have voluntarily done some training for groups of friends looking to improve their skills. It was very successful and a few now cycle around the village. Scouts, Brownies, WI, independent schools, home school hubs. We should have a local ambassador that goes to these groups and gives a talk and “sells” our courses. We should be talking to parents at assemblies so they know more about what we do and would sign up more riders.
6	I think the consent forms have not been as in depth or helpful since bookings have been done via parents and not the school, particularly with medical issues and SEND children.
7	Thank you for all you are doing to professionalise our job. We are more than instructors and if the delivery is done to a standard we become educators.
8	When the parents get the consent form and they are asked if the bike is road worthy  checked. From a instructors view they will say yes. Almost every course a rider will say my dad said this will need fixing or words to that effect. Can they be directed to utube to view a video of the bike check it may help with can always hope! I answered no to white board but my answer was “not sure” It may be of a benefit. I think what would be useful is some photos of the riders in the the primary and secondary positions etc. So it would better show positions etc.
9	The iPhone’s are over-securitised and have too short a battery life. Please replace the complicated password with a PIN or make the fingerprint recognition available for more functions. I would use it whilst on the road if 1. The battery lasts more than 36 hours and 2 if I could get into the Bikeability app with 4 clicks like I do for my personal iPhone (1. fingerprint recognition to open phone. 2. One tap to open shortcut to app. 3. Fingerprint recognition to input password . 4 One tap to open app. )
10	It would be good to have more area team meetings to help standardise delivery, discuss any progression, iron out any issues,L etc. I’m fortunate to work in a great area with a good team but even so I think it would benefit everyone and wouldn’t need to take a great deal of time. I’ve not had one since joining over 18 months ago.
11	Wearing cycle helmet for trainee Consider the weight of our luggage Encourage instructors to take bike to level 1 As demos better than chat
12	I am currently teaching some year 5 trainees on a level 2 course. Although some trainees are more mature and have a sense of reducing risk while riding on the road, many do not have much road sense or strong cycling skills to begin with and I don’t believe are quite ready for level 2 training. It may be important going forward to stipulate what age is best for L2 and give preference to older children who are slightly more mature and therefore ready to ride on the road and are better at listening and following instructions. the back sections on the current L2 certificates are also not always clear as to what can be marked as independent and what needs more practise. For example you can need to practice road positions but be ok at negotiating junctions. More clarity about this would be useful or a workshop around this to capture how different instructors deal with this.
13	I’ve been really pleased thus far to SCCs attitude to us on a zero-hour contract. We are provided with hours to do everything we do outside teaching and are treated as employees rather than the zero-hour setup being used, as it is in other industries, to get something for nothing. Well done SCC! Great management, office team, training, and colleagues.
14	When transferring from one school to another in the afternoon, it would be helpful to be paid for that transfer especially if you are cycling for example 45p a mile for cycling instead of 20p a mile?
15	Im not sure how the booking process works but quite often I’ve had courses on my schedule and then find I’ve been removed from them. I’m ok with this and can understand if it’s due to low uptake or schools cancelling etc, but occasionally, I find out it’s because another instructor has replaced me. It’s very disheartening. Is there a way around this to avoid disappointment?
16	When scheduled to work at any particular school, it would be helpful to know about all the courses planned for that school. This would help understand some of the issues that arise when talking to school staff, such as transferring riders between courses.
17	I think a larger allowance is needed for wet weather gear, panniers etc. Summer waterproofs, winter waterproofs, Panniers, waterproof trousers gloves, helmet covers, helmets, tools etc cost a lot more than the budget given.
18	I recently worked with an instructor who works for other Bikeability providers as well. He had some useful flash cards for working out priority at junctions e.g. one card showed three vehicles in different positions on a t junction. Trainees were asked to work out order of priority.
19	Ensure allocation of courses is fair. Sometimes it feels as though other instructors are given more opportunities, especially new ones. If we are allocated a new unqualified instructor to join us it would be nice to be paid at a higher rate as it is extra work showing them how as well as ‘taking the lead’
20	I get frustrated when a course gets cancelled at relatively short notice whether it be an afternoon session or a whole day. I look at my schedule and see what work I have for the coming months and ensure that I remain available to deliver the sessions . This also has an impact on my monthly earnings. There seems to be cancellations of courses due to low uptakes, these courses have been on my schedule for months so I find it hard to understand why there’s a low uptake relatively close to a course starting.
21	I think that a basic mechanics kit should be provided as part of the set up kit.
22	Schools and Surrey Phones We delivered a Level 1 course at a school where the Surrey phone was confiscated but not kept securely by the school as it was just left on the front reception desk. We felt that as it was a Level 1 course this did not create a safety issue but we were not clear if Surrey would consent to this. We mentioned that we would need to have the Surrey phone with us to deliver Level 2. The school seemed to have a policy of providing staff with school phones when they leave site. What is the Surrey policy if a school wants to confiscate the Surrey phone and supply a school one instead?
23	Some more details on the bank instructor pay slips - showing number of hours and rate of pay would help me tie it up with my diary and the claims download documents. Thank you
24	Regular CPD days where instructors can meet with colleagues and exchange ideas, teaching methods would be invaluable. Additionally a team building event would be good to build morale, team work and bring the team together as a whole.
25	Great team of staff in the office and instructors. A very supportive and good team to work with . Thanks
26	A heads up in when the following years courses are about to be populated so we can update our availability
27	It was handy to know about the Wednesday help desk in Woking for mobile phones problems.
28	Some of these questions aren’t simply a Yes/No answer. I don’t like having to provide my name on surveys. I understand the reasons given here but still don’t like it. I didn’t realise that this was compulsory. I don’t think I saw that in the original request.
29	I understand we have to use the SCC phones, which I do for messaging or calling Co-Instructors, and giving the number to the schools, but still don’t find it easy to use and access the information on the students info, etc. from the SCC Mobile phones. I find it much easier to access this info from my laptop.
30	Having worked with a lot of different instructors, I feel there is still quite a marked difference in instruction depending on which area instructors are connected to. As a new instructor it was quite hard to keep having to adapt to different delivery processes, more experienced instructors probably need to be prepared to have more discussion time with newbies before 9.0am to discuss how the course is going to be delivered so each instructor feels confident moving forward.
31	As I have already stated, I am still very new to Level 1 and Level 2 instructing so cannot fully comment. I hope to be able to add more in the future.
32	I generally struggle with my admin because of my adhd. It would help me to be mentored with it until I am competent. It must be as frustrating for you as it is for me but because I struggle with forward planning, blocking out when I can’t work is tricky - I am working on it gradually. I guess teaming up with someone is the way to go.
33	An instructor could be allowed say 3 or 4 preferred schools. It would forge ties with the school. Instructors get to know the schools inside out - it saves a lot of time Maybe an instructor could pop into the school the week before at registration (if they aren’t already working elsewhere) to outline the course and talk about appropriate clothing and having a roadworthy bike. In schools where uptake is dropping off, supply flyers for book bags. A complaint is that parents don’t have time to read all the online messages from schools which they now receive. Have a Bikeability stand at school open days - good for the school - good for us.

ACTION: OFFICE TEAM WILL CONSIDER EACH COMMENT AND REPORT BACK THROUGH A NEWS ITEM.