Hygiene Specialist

The Hygiene Specialist Qualification is suitable for colleagues who work in Hygiene and have the responsibility of working cross functionally to ensure hygiene standards are achieved to meet organisational, industry and legislative requirements.

This Level 4 qualification provides the opportunity to gain the knowledge and experiences required to become a subject matter expert with accountability for setting, maintaining and implementing hygiene management systems. Hygiene Specialists provide leadership and support for hygiene activities, including managing health and safety hazards and having an appreciation of environmental risks.

By the end of the 18-month programme, colleagues will have a good understanding of microbiology, will have the skills to be able to  analyse and interpret microbiological results and identify appropriate controls. Hygiene Specialist’s determine the audit requirements of the hygiene management system and provide advice and support to other colleagues to ensure it is maintained.

 

Internal contact details

Hayley White
[email protected]

External contact details

University of Lincoln
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/apprenticeships/
Hygiene specialist - Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st0873-v1-0
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What you need to know

What level is the qualification? Level 4 Hygiene Specialist Apprenticeship Standard (equivalent to a foundation degree)

How long will I study for? This is a 18-month programme of learning, followed by a 4 month End Point Assessment.

Are there any entry requirements? To be eligible for the programme you will need to:

  • In a role that enables you to meet the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour objectives of the programme
  • Have been employed by Greencore for a minimum of 6 months at the start of the programme, and successfully passed your probationary period
  • Have previously achieved a Level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE grade C or 4)
  • Have been consistently rated as ‘Doing A Good Job’ or ‘Outstanding’ in the last three Grow with Greencore check-ins
  • Not on a fixed term contract or time limited visa that is due to end before the planned end date of the programme
  • Spend at least 50% of working hours in England

Am I in the right role to apply? This Qualification is aimed at colleagues working in a Hygiene role.

You’ll need to be working in a role that will enable you to undertake and practice the skills, knowledge and behaviours required either as your current role or as step-up responsibilities.

These will include supporting, managing hygiene processes, monitoring hygiene standards, working with service providers, evaluation of data and results, leading continuous improvement projects, investigation of accidents and incidents.

Do I need to take account of any prior learning? Colleagues may already hold Level 3 Food Safety, Level 3 HACCP or IOSH qualifications. If you hold a NEBOSH qualification, you will be ineligible to apply.

You will also need to provide evidence of attainment a GCSE grade 4/C or higher in maths and/or English (or equivalent).

It’s important you let us know about any pre-existing qualifications at the application stage, so that we can validate your application prior to enrolment

More Information

  • All about our partners

    As a Triple-Gold institution (Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023), the University of Lincoln is a leading provider of apprenticeships across the UK, partnering with hundreds of organisations to meet their training needs and support business growth, while offering development opportunities for employees nationwide.

    The National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM) is a satellite campus of the University of Lincoln, situated in Holbeach in South Lincolnshire. NCFM is dedicated to helping food industry employees advance their careers and understand the demands of studying while working in this fast-moving, dynamic industry while balancing family commitments.

  • How is the course delivered?

    This qualification will be delivered as a blended delivery model, through a combination in person and online learning.

    You will be part of an open cohort, which means you’ll work with other employees from other organisations as well as Greencore colleagues.

    At the end of the course, you will undertake an End Point Assessment (EPA). This will include a combination of assessment methods to validate your learning, including a portfolio of work-based activities, in addition to a formal assessment of your knowledge through a test, a project and structured interview or professional discussion.

  • What will I learn?

    Over the duration of the programme you will study the following modules:

    • Food Safety
    • Health, Safety and Environment
    • Project management
    • Managing self and others
    • Science for Hygiene
    • Factory Design
    • Auditing and Compliance
    • Business Improvement
    • Finance

    Each module will be delivered through a combination of online study work and study blocks at the Lincoln University Campus.

  • How will I be assessed?

    Throughout the programme you will complete assignments relating to each study module.

    You will also be required to complete a work-based evidence portfolio to demonstrates your competence against the skills required, and tracks your learning hours.

    The End Point Assessment will include:

    • A knowledge test (50 multi-choice questions)
    • A professional dialogue and interview
    • A workplace project and presentation

  • Where will training take place?

    In person study blocks will take place at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing in Holbeach, South Lincolnshire.

    Off the job time will be taken through a combination of activities, including study blocks, online learning and practical activities in the workplace.

  • When will the Qualification start?

    Enrolments will take place in September.

  • What does the application process look like?

    Once you’ve applied, your eligibility for the programme will be assessed based on your application form.

    We’ll then contact your Line Manager to complete a role mapper. This will help us to understand that your role meets the requirements of the learning objectives of the qualification.

    Your role mapper will be reviewed to assess suitability for the programme. We’ll then ask HR teams to review all applicants as a function/site, to ensure that they are supportive of the application, and have the resources and capacity to ensure success on the programme.

    If approved, details of next steps and enrolment details will be sent to you.

    Please note, the application process can typically take 4-6 weeks to find out whether you have been successful.

  • When will I find out if I’ve been successful?

    The application process can typically take 4-6 weeks to find out whether you have been successful.

    We expect to communicate outcomes for 2025 applications in May 2025.

Where to find out more

Before applying for a Greencore Qualification, you should speak to your Line Manager at your GWG check-in about how this programme will support your development plan.

You’ll find out more about Greencore Qualifications in the guide which can be found on LMF and at Qualifications.Greencore.com

Our Training Partners will hold ‘Spotlight Sessions’ to provide full information on the programme, to help you understand more about the programme, and provide you the opportunity to ask any further questions.

If you have any further questions, please email [email protected].