Practical Skills for Investigators (MEDA)

How will this course benefit me?

This practical, skills-focused course gives you the complete skill set and techniques to confidently conduct effective investigations and present your findings. You will be given the opportunity to enhance your interview skills using techniques developed and used by the UK police force, including the cognitive interview, funnelling questions and conversation management.
You will be taken through a series of evaluated exercises both in syndicates and as individuals and will have ample opportunity to apply skills learnt in the classroom in a ‘real-world’ example investigation. Emphasis is placed throughout the course on the human element of error and how investigating human error can be complex and requires an understanding of the cognitive processes to gain realistic and worthwhile long-reaching fixes for organisations.
By completing this course, you will be able to:

• Increase your contribution to your organisation’s safety and efficiency standards
• Reduce your exposure to risk and risk-provocative situations
• Provide cost savings through reduction of unnecessary rework
• Improve reliability

Key areas of focus

Overview of Human Factors and Error Management, specifically error, rule-breaking and defences
In-depth look at the Boeing Maintenance Error Decision Aid (MEDA) investigation tool
Interview skills including: interview preparation; opening, conducting and closing interviews; questioning techniques such as timeline/funnelling; dealing with challenging situations in an interview
Extensive ‘investigation scenario’ practical exercises
Collection of suitable evidence
Analysis of evidence and results and risk assessment of findings
The importance of using a database to facilitate trend analysis
Reporting and feedback of issues

Is this course right for me?

This is a practitioner level course ideally suited for new and prospective error investigators, especially:

• Quality Assurance Staff
• MEDA Coordinators
• Engineering Staff who are conducting investigations

This course would also benefit:

• Regulatory Authority Inspecting Staff
• Newly-promoted Maintenance Managers

Prerequisites:
Delegates should previously have attended training in Human Factors and be within date (2yrs) for their refresher training. A basic understanding of Just Culture principles will also be beneficial.

Course details
Course format: This course is a balanced mix of group discussions, flipchart work and PowerPoint presentations. Managed syndicate exercises give you the opportunity to practise the application and evaluation of new processes and techniques.
Course level: Practitioner Level Training (P) is suitable for those who have worked in the subject for some time, are familiar with core terminologies and concepts and are looking to develop or update their level of knowledge and practical understanding.
Assessment process: Course assessment and feedback from the facilitator.
Course size: 8 persons maximum at our Aviation Safety Academy or on-site at your facility