Dominica Bureau of Standards staff attended two 3-week training programs to equip laboratory managers, technicians and professionals with the skills & knowledge to manage laboratories effectively

As part of its capacity building efforts, staff of the Bureau participated in two (2) three-week training programs hosted by the National Institute of Training for Standardization (NITS) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in India. The 13th International Training Programme (ITP) on the Competencies of Laboratories and their Management Systems from February 06 to 24, 2023. The Bureau was represented by Ms. Colita Nation and Ms. Indira Constant. The program was designed to provide laboratory managers, technicians, and other professionals with the skills and knowledge required to manage laboratories effectively.
 
The program covered a range of topics, including laboratory quality management, technical competency, legal metrology, measurement uncertainty, and laboratory accreditation. The training was delivered through a combination of theoretical and practical sessions. Theoretical sessions included lectures, discussions, and interactive learning activities while practical sessions involved mock audits, and workshops as well as field visits to laboratory facilities.
 
The 18th ITP on Management Systems was held from March 06 to 24, 2023 and the Bureau was represented by Mr. Kyle James and Ms. Caren Casimir. The program was designed to provide participants with the skills and knowledge required for the effective and sustainable implementation of management systems. The program covered a range of management systems which included ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems, ISO 22000 Food Safety Management Systems, ISO 14001 Environment Management Systems, ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System and ISO 50001 Energy Management systems. The training was delivered through a combination of lectures and workshops from highly experienced faculty as well as industrial visits. One major element was the insight into understanding and implementing an Integrated Management system. An introductory session was also conducted on the BIS Care App which provides information on all things relating to the BIS, including access to their standards and certification schemes. The Bureau intends to utilize the knowledge gained from this training for the development of additional certification schemes by the National Certification Unit and for continuous improvement of its QMS.