T Trainer Group - Terms of Reference

1.       Background

A  T-Trainer is the highest level of accreditation that can be achieved within the self management programmes provided under licence from Stanford University in California.  The self-management programme was initiated in UK by a number of voluntary organisations in 1994. Over the subsequent years the development of the courses has spread throughout the UK and has allowed the further development. The role of the T-Trainer [TOLT] is to train master [lead] trainers who will then go on to train tutors. All T-Trainers have had to follow the same steps as a tutor to become accredited in the programme. There are now several T- Trainers working in the UK enabling the formation of a group.  The purpose of this document is to set out the terms of reference for the group.  The group has met 3 or 4 times a year since August 2008 and during their second year they organised the first national support day for Master/Lead trainers in spring 2009.

2.       Membership

• The group is open to all T Trainers formally accredited by  Stanford University who are working within the UK
• The T Trainers are either working within a provider organisation or wholly independent

3.       Objectives

• Adhering to SS2Q for their own practice, offering peer support to fellow members
• Formal peer review and sharing good practice
  • Although representing a variety of organisation the group is independent and does not owe allegiance to any organisation but represents support and  best practice
• Single key link to Stanford as a resource for all working within the Stanford system in the UK
  • The group is linked to Stanford by virtue of the title T Trainer which can only be granted by Stanford University Patient Education Programme.  T-Trainers act as a conduit for experiences, views and suggestions for change between self management programmes in the UK and the staff of Stanford and are responsible for ensuring that licensed organisations within the UK fulfil the conditions of their licence.
• Setting and maintaining best practise
  • To represent best practice and support individuals and organisations to deliver quality programmes within SS2Q
  • To be responsible for ensuring that licensed organisations adhere to licence requirements set by Stanford
• Development of Master/Lead Trainers and course tutors/leaders
  • Members of the group are the only individuals within the programme in the UK able to formally sign off Master/Lead Trainers and individually or collectively offer help and support to Master/Lead Trainers within the UK.
  • The group will organise regular support and training sessions for all Master/Lead Trainers within UK – thus maintaining standards set out by QISMET
• Setting standards for Stanford and linking to QISMET
  • The group adheres to Stepping Stones to Quality (SS2Q) as the quality standard for all Stanford self management programmes delivered within the UK.  The accreditation of the group members is through SS2Q and they act as a bridge between the standard in the UK and Stanford’s Fidelity Manual.
  • The group hold regular meetings and, as the senior trainers within the Stanford programme, ensure standards and best practice are adhered to throughout the country.

The T Trainer group recognises that they in no way can adjust or alter the standards set out by QISMET; setting of standards is not their responsibility. Their role is to seek to achieve these standards for all in UK and recommend changes in light of observed practice.

4.       Management and frequency of meetings

• Meeting should be held quarterly at a designated place convenient to all or as conference call
• A chair will be nominated and agreed by the group every 2 years
• Agenda should be drawn up and circulated 2 weeks prior to each meeting
• Administration and minute taki9ng is at present being carried out by sponsoring organisation – to be reviewed once funding is received
• Will act as SS2Q accreditation for T Trainers with standing item on agenda at face to face meeting for peer support.
• T Trainer email address to be piloted for query referrals, reviewed end 2010

5.       Costs and funding

• To maintain independence and continuity external funding for at least 3 years is being sought.
• Independent funding will allow all members to attend group meetings  
• Funding will also cover administration costs and fund national events organized by the group
• External funding will widen support and maintain independence from any one organisation
• Terms of reference to be reviewed once funding is achieved.

Ian Darling and Lynne Kalman - July 2010