RLSS UK First Aid Trainer Assessors (TAs) must hold a current First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification or equivalent to maintain their TA status and deliver RLSS UK First Aid qualifications. Recently we have received a number of requests to accept a range of First Aid qualifications outside RLSS UK. 

Ofqual Regulation

As an Awarding Organisation (AO) - regulated by Ofqual with our First Aid qualifications sitting on the Ofqual framework, RLSS UK must follow the conditions set by Ofqual to ensure that qualifications are levelled correctly and meet the needs of all our centres and candidates.

First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum

The First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum (FAAOF) is a group formed to support regulatory requirements for Awarding Organisations/Bodies which RLSS UK is a proud member.

As part of the conditions of the First Aid Awarding Organisation Forum, RLSS UK must adopt the Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria as agreed upon by the forum - enabling the FAW Qualification to adopt a minimum standard allowing transferability amongst the members of the FAAOF.

Which Awarding Organisations are on the FAAOF?

A list of FAAOF members is available by clicking here.  

Which qualifications does RLSS UK accept as a Level 3 First Aid at Work equivalent?

• RLSS UK Qualifications Level 2 Award in Pool Lifeguarding, Intervention, Supervision and Rescue (NPLQ)
• St John Ambulance First Aid at Work Certificate
• St Andrew’s Ambulance First Aid at Work Certificate
• British Red Cross First Aid at Work Certificate
• QA Level 3 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (RQF)
• QA Level 4 Certificate in First Response Emergency Care (RQF)
• QA Level 5 Diploma in First Response Emergency and Urgent Care (RQF)
• FAQ Level 3 Award for First Responders on Scene: Emergency First Responder
• FAQ Level 3 Award for First Responders on Scene: Ambulance Service Community Responder
• FAQ Level 3 Award for First Responders on Scene: Ambulance Service Co-Responder
• FAQ Level 3 Certificate for Ambulance Service First Responders
• FAQ Level 3 Award in Immediate Emergency Care: Fire and Rescue
• FAQ Level 3 Certificate for First Responders on Scene
• QNUK Level 3 Award for First Responders (RQF)
• QNUK Level 3 Award for the First Person on Scene (International) (RQF)
• QNUK Level 3 Award in Rescue Trauma and Casualty Care (RTACC) (RQF)
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 Certificate for First Person on Scene
• Pearson BTEC Level 4 Certificate for First Person on Scene
• Pearson BTEC Level 4 Extended Certificate for First Person on Scene
• Highfield Level 3 Award in First Aid Response (RQF)
• Highfield Level 3 Award in Emergency Care for First Responders (RQF)
• TQUK Level 3 Award for Initial Person on the Scene of an Incident (RQF)
• STA Award in Pool Lifeguarding
• SFJ Awards Level 3 Award in First Person on Scene Support

What if my First Aid qualification is not regulated or the awarding body is not part of the FAAOF?

If you have an unregulated First Aid qualification or a qualification that is not FAAOF recognised, you must carry out and submit a mapping document. To do this, you must email [email protected] and request the RLSS mapping document. Once completed, you will return the document and wait for the final outcome.

Can my First Aid at Work qualification be rejected?

RLSS UK, as a member of the First Aid Awarding Body Forum, has committed to ensuring First Aid Trainers meet a required standard and only accept the First Aid qualifications listed above.

How is RLSS UK supporting you?

We are currently working on a qualification mapping guide ((launching in 2023) to help and support any RLSS UK Trainer Assessor that does not hold a permitted First Aid at Work qualification and wishes to complete mapping to demonstrate the qualification’s suitability.

Does this mean mapping my qualification automatically makes it accepted?

No. Unless your qualification maps across efficiently, it cannot automatically be accepted.

Click here to find out more about RLSS UK First Aid qualifications