Kelvin TOP-SET 3-Day Senior Investigator Course

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants can expect to:

• appreciate the value of the Action Card
• The Action Card is at the heart of TOP-SET. It is designed to help the investigator follow the system and stay on track


• be aware of the importance of the Incident Statement, the thinking behind it, and how to write it
• The Incident Statement is the key to both the investigation and the subsequent Root Cause Analysis


• know how to plan an investigation
• Planning has many aspects including the scope and boundaries which may limit what you can do and what you can influence and change


• be able to use Indicators to collect data
• The TOP-SET System promotes wide and open thinking using the Indicator Card, which ensures every possible aspect of an investigation is considered, and nothing is missed


• know how to record information on the Storyboard, including the use of a time-line
• the Storyboard is a dynamic repository of all information relating to the incident, and relies on the effectiveness and flexibility of Post-Its. It offers an environment which supports the sharing of facts and ideas, and encourages productive discussion within the team


• know how to conduct an effective interview
• Interviewing is a skill which can be enhanced by self-awareness, an understanding of specific techniques, and by practice


• be able to construct and justify a Root Cause Analysis
• The development of a logical analysis is the culmination of a successful investigation. It relies on sound understanding and an effective problem-solving approach


• know how to compile a series of SMART actions and appreciate their importance
• Realistic SMART actions, which can be sensibly implemented, are a key feature of an effective report


• know the key features of good team leadership
• The characteristics of good team leaders and competent team members is emphasised throughout. A good team leader understands the strengths and weaknesses of individuals, and makes maximum use of their differing perspectives


• understand the significance of ‘responsibility’ and how that differs from ‘blame’ and ‘fault’
• An understanding of this underpins the formulation of recommendations, and learning from incidents


• appreciate the significance of the human involvement in any incident
• Humans are at the heart of all incidents, not technical failures or environmental change


• develop an increased awareness of how the personality traits of an investigator can affect the outcome(s) of the investigation
• An understanding of behavioural bias is essential for successful teamwork


• be familiar with the e-RCA e-learning programme
• The e-RCA e-learning course is designed to provide practice in Root Cause Analysis, and to enhance and help maintain competence and confidence in using this technique

Particular emphasis will be placed on establishing the Incident Statement and on the identification of immediate and root causes; the whole TOP-SET process is, in essence, geared towards Root Cause Analysis and eventual profiling and reporting

Participants will receive a Kelvin TOP-SET ‘Senior Investigator’ certificate on successful completion of the course.

All course delegates receive FREE 30-day access to the e-RCA online Root Cause Analysis course and the option to purchase an upgrade to a full e-RCA licence at a preferential rate

This course equates to 21 hours of CPD

If you are considering using an external venue to run an in-house course, we may well be able to help. We have an excellent relationship with a local hotel which offers very reasonable preferential rates to all of our clients for conference rooms and accommodation. The hotel is close to our global headquarters so booking a course here will also give you the chance to meet some of our core team to discuss any issues or address any questions that you may have. The venue is easily reached via Prestwick or Glasgow International airports in under an hour, so is ideal if you need to fly delegates in to the course from multiple locations. Please contact us for further information and rates.