Training Matrix – What SSIP Assessors Expect to See

A training matrix is a simple way of showing that your workforce has the right training, qualifications, and cards for the work they carry out.

For SSIP, it should clearly link:

• People
• Their role
• The training they need
• Whether that training is in date

How the Training Matrix Is Normally Set Up

Most training matrices are laid out with:

• Employee names down the left-hand side
• Training courses listed along the top

For each course, you enter the expiry date, not the completion date. This makes it much easier to see what is coming up for renewal.

Information You Should Include for Each Person

For SSIP purposes, your matrix should include the following details for each employee or regular contractor:

• Role (e.g. Site Supervisor, Operative, Office Manager)
• Employment status
  • PAYE
  • LOSC (Labour Only Subcontractor)
• Work location
  • Site-based
  • Office-based
    (This is important, as site staff and office staff are expected to hold different training)
• Trade qualifications (where applicable)
• CSCS card number

This helps demonstrate that training is appropriate to the role, not just a random list of courses.

Courses and Expiry Dates

Across the top of the matrix, list your key training courses, such as:

• CSCS
• SMSTS / SSSTS
• First Aid
• Asbestos Awareness
• Manual Handling
• Working at Height
  (Your exact list will depend on your activities.)

For each person, enter the expiry date for each course.

In the template we provide:

• White = valid, not close to expiry
• Green = in date
• Amber = approaching expiry
• Red = expired

This colour-coding makes it instantly obvious what needs attention.

A Word on LOSC and Toolbox Talks

• Only include regular or permanent LOSC on your matrix
  (Not one-off subcontractors used occasionally.)
• You can track toolbox talks on the same spreadsheet if you want to
  However, be careful not to over-clutter the matrix, as it can make it harder to spot critical training that is expiring.

This is especially important for courses like SMSTS — if it expires, you’ll need to complete the full 5-day course again, rather than just the 2-day refresher.

Ongoing Management Is Still Your Responsibility

Although we provide the training matrix template, we don’t track the training for you.

It’s essential that you:

• Regularly review the matrix
• Check for amber and red expiries
• Book refresher training in good time

We recommend adding this as a monthly diary task, so nothing slips through the net.