FAQ
IS TIME AWARDED FOR TRAINING SESSIONS?
Yes, time is awarded for training sessions. Please make sure you sign in / out to ensure you are awarded the time which is due.
WHY DO I NEED TRAINING SESSIONS?
Training sessions are designed to ensure all students are comfortable with recruiting, using the equipment involved in data collection and in giving consultations / interpreting results.
They are also designed to build your confidence and help you develop a professional ‘bedside manner’.
For this reason, all SUPER scheme members must attend the following training sessions:
Technical training
Consultation training
Recruitment training
HOW DO I BOOK TRAINING SESSIONS?
The SUPER Scheme is a fully flexible program, we endeavour to respond to members around the clock however as many of us have unorthodox working and studying schedules, it is recommended to mute group chats when needed. The mute function on Whatsapp allows you to mute a group from 8 hours to 1 year. It is however also advised to check the group chats regularly (once a day) in order to be notified of any upcoming vacancies, training and/or relevant news.
Please note that many of the managers have other commitments throughout their days or even be unwell and unable to respond within a certain time. Messages should be responded to within 2 working days. If no response is provided within this time please contact the Director of Training Operations (Sabrina Iqbal: Iqbals21@lsbu.ac.uk)
What happens once my training is finished / when can I begin volunteering as a researcher?
After you have finished any given training you will be given the option to repeat any training session you feel you need to repeat. It is important that you feel 100% confident and able in carrying out recruitment, data collection and in delivering consultations, before you begin volunteering as a researcher.
Once you are satisfied with your progress, you need to sign up for an assessment session. These can be booked via the links posted on Whatsapp. The ‘assessment’ is formally graded. If you fail to demonstrate proficiency in the relevant skill sets you will simply be invited to receive further training.
WHY DO I NEED TECHNICAL TRAINING?
Technical training is run to ensure all students are comfortable with and proficient in the data collection process; the use of the equipment.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A TECHNICAL TRAINING SESSION?
Technical training will be carried out by technical training managers.
These sessions can be run individually (upon request) or in groups of up to 6 persons. It is recommended to participate in a training session with more than 2 individuals as you will be able to practise showing them how to use the machines with your training manager present.
Training sessions last for approximately one hour. Please note that these sessions can sometimes overrun.
During the technical training your manager will provide you with a South Bank Student Survey (SSS) participant data collection pack; the same data collection pack which participants of the SSS study will use. This pack consists of a consent form, data entry section, optional study data and numerous questionnaires (background/lifestyle questionnaire, food preferences questionnaire and a locus of control questionnaire).
We encourage all potential researchers to participate in the study themselves in order to have a sound understanding of the process and the experiences of participants. Your participation also provides structure to the training session.
Before participating however, you must read the participant information sheet, paying special attention to the inclusion / exclusion criteria. Once you are sure that you are eligible to participate, you will then need to carefully read and then sign the consent form.
If you are not eligible, please let your training manager know. You can still receive training.
WHICH MEASURES WILL I BE TAKING?
Height, Weight, BMI, Muscle mass (kg & %), Fat mass (kg/%), Bone mass (kg), Visceral fat, Metabolic age, Grip strength, Blood pressure, Forced expiratory volume (FEV1/FEV6).
WHY DO I NEED CONSULTATION TRAINING?
One of the incentives for participating in the South Bank Student Survey is a free consultation in which the participant can have a quick interpretation of their results. In order for you to be fully equipped to deliver a consultation, you will be trained so that you are able to explain what all the measures mean and are able to answer any questions directed to you. This is important firstly to ensure that you come across professional and to develop your own confidence as a nutritionist and also to ensure the validity of the data. It is recommended that you attend as many consultation training sessions as you need until you are confident in giving consultations.
WHAT HAPPENS IN A CONSULTATION TRAINING SESSION?
One of the consultation managers will train you in a small group. You can choose which training day is convenient for you through the consultation training Whatsapp group. The manager will go through the consultation guidelines and talk through what each measure means (for example, visceral fat, metabolic age, grip strength etc) and the different ranges. Furthermore, the consultation guidelines will also contain possible reasons as to why a certain result is outside of the normal range. You will also be trained on how to deliver results that the participant may be self-conscious about. Training also covers what small steps you may recommend to a participant to help them live a healthier lifestyle. You will have the chance to ask any questions you may have and take part in consultation practice with other trainees. This ensures that you have had practice in giving consultations and are prepared for when you will be consulting the participants for the survey.
FOR RECRUITMENT AND MEASUREMENT GUIDELINES, ASK US
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