Product Overview

Summary: This Coaching and Training Programs Standard Operating Procedure provides a clear, repeatable framework for planning, delivering, and evaluating staff development across your organisation. It helps Australian businesses lift capability, meet compliance obligations, and embed a culture of continuous learning and performance improvement.

The Coaching and Training Programs Standard Operating Procedure is designed for Australian organisations that want to move beyond ad‑hoc training and establish a structured, defensible approach to workforce development. It sets out a step‑by‑step method for identifying training needs, designing programs aligned with business and WHS objectives, engaging internal and external trainers, and embedding coaching into day‑to‑day operations. This SOP recognises that capability building is not a one‑off event, but an ongoing process that must be planned, documented, and measured.

By implementing this SOP, your organisation can demonstrate that it takes its duty to provide information, training and instruction seriously, while also lifting productivity, consistency and service quality. It provides practical guidance for coordinating induction, refresher and role‑specific training, integrating e‑learning and toolbox talks, documenting attendance and competency, and using coaching conversations to reinforce learning on the job. The procedure also supports compliance with Australian WHS legislation by linking training activities to identified risks, change management, and incident learnings, giving you a clear audit trail when regulators, clients or certification bodies review your systems.

Key Benefits

• Standardise how coaching and training programs are planned, approved, delivered and reviewed across all sites and teams.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS obligations to provide information, training and instruction through clear records and documented processes.
• Improve workforce capability, consistency and performance by aligning training content with role requirements and business objectives.
• Embed a coaching culture that supports ongoing feedback, skills reinforcement and behavioural change on the job.
• Streamline coordination with external trainers, RTOs and e‑learning providers, reducing duplication, gaps and training fatigue.

Who is this for?

• HR Managers
• Learning and Development (L&D) Managers
• People and Culture Leaders
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Operations Managers
• Team Leaders and Supervisors
• Training Coordinators
• Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Coordinators
• Quality and Compliance Managers
• Practice Managers (Health, Community and Professional Services)

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Concepts (Training, Competency, Coaching, Refresher Training)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Accountability
• 4.0 Training Needs Analysis and Planning
• 5.0 Design and Approval of Training and Coaching Programs
• 6.0 Induction, Onboarding and Role‑Specific Training Requirements
• 7.0 WHS and Compliance‑Related Training Integration
• 8.0 Selection and Management of Internal and External Trainers
• 9.0 Coaching Framework, Methods and Frequency
• 10.0 Training Delivery Methods (Face‑to‑Face, Online, Toolbox Talks, On‑the‑Job)
• 11.0 Competency Assessment, Verification and Re‑assessment
• 12.0 Training Records, Attendance, Certificates and Privacy
• 13.0 Evaluation of Training Effectiveness and Continuous Improvement
• 14.0 Managing Changes, New Systems and Lessons Learned from Incidents
• 15.0 Communication, Consultation and Engagement with Workers
• 16.0 Document Control, Review and Audit Requirements

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and mirror state and territory WHS Acts – duties to provide information, training, instruction and supervision
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 – provisions relating to training, instruction and competency for high‑risk work and specific hazards
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination: Code of Practice
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS ISO 10015:2019 Quality management – Guidelines for competence management and people development