Introduction to the EASO Training Curriculum

Supporting Member States’ national administrations and national services responsible for asylum matters through the establishment and provision of training is one of EASO’s obligations as defined under Article 6 of Regulation (EU) No 439/2010 (‘the EASO Regulation’). Since the establishment of the Office in 2012, EASO’s Training Curriculum has been providing Member States with high-quality learning material to case and reception officers and other officers working in the asylum and migration field. To date, we can proudly say that more than 23 000 officials have already followed the EASO Training Curriculum both across the EU and beyond. This number reflects the successful implementation of EASO’s training and learning strategy.

EASO’s Training Curriculum will continue to respond to the needs of national authorities, and, by doing so, will continue to support national administrations in achieving a common understanding and a harmonised application of EU standards in the field of international protection. Through training, learning and development, we will continue to support the practical implementation of the Common European Asylum System and the enhancement of quality standards.

What is the EASO Training Curriculum?

A common training system designed for case and reception officers, as well as other asylum practitioners throughout the EU Member States, Norway, and Switzerland (EU+ States).

A training system consisting of a number of interactive modules covering the entire field of international protection and developed within the framework of the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, the Common European Asylum System’s legal instruments and other relevant international and European law.

Developed by knowledgeable and experienced teams of Member States’ experts and thoroughly reviewed by an EASO Reference Group whose members come from the European Commission and other institutions of the EU as well as from international organisations and members of academia and civil society.

It is based on a blended-learning methodology, including both an online e-learning format and face-to-face sessions. This approach allows for the optimal delivery of both theoretical and practical aspects of the training.

A train-the-trainer methodology is adopted to support the development of skills, knowledge, and competencies of trainers who, upon completion of a training module, will be able to train personnel in national administrations thus creating a multiplier effect.

The training material is developed in English, with the possibility to translate the material into national languages. The translated versions allow for better implementation at a national level.

The Training Curriculum is also used as a basis for operational training, as well as to increase and develop capacity in third countries.

Who can make use of the EASO Training Curriculum?

The Curriculum is used across the EU as a permanent support tool. However, it can be further used in the framework of emergency or special support in response to specific situations or operations.

The Curriculum can also be used as a capacity-building instrument in the framework of the External Dimension.

The Curriculum targets asylum and reception authorities in the EU+ States. Other stakeholders working in the area of international protection and migration may also benefit from the Curriculum.

Certification

EASO also continues to work on a European Certification process. A certified EASO Training Curriculum will ensure that personnel responsible for asylum and reception matters are trained in line with the EU legislative framework and have the adequate knowledge, skills and competencies required to perform their duties.

To this end, 13 EASO Training Curriculum modules in the English language version have been accredited and certified by Middlesex University under the National Qualification Framework of England and Wales.

How can I obtain further information on the EASO Training Curriculum?

If you are interested in getting to know more about the EASO Training Curriculum, kindly contact training@easo.europa.eu.

EASO Training Curriculum Modules

• Inclusion
• Interview Techniques
• Evidence Assessment
• Interviewing Vulnerable Persons
• Interviewing Children
• Gender, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
• Trafficking in Human Beings
• Inclusion Advanced
• Reception
• Dublin III Regulation
• Asylum Procedure Directive
• Country of Origin Information
• Exclusion
• End of Protection
• Resettlement
• Interpreters
• Managers
• Fundamental Rights and International Protection in the EU
• Common European Asylum System
• Introduction to International Protection
• Introduction to Didactics.

The modules of the EASO Training Curriculum are complemented by a Trainers’ Manual and a Training Handbook. The Trainers’ Manual is designed to assist trainers in delivering train-the-trainer and national training sessions. The Training Handbook serves as a reference tool and accompanies trainers in the course of their daily work by providing a summary of the key elements of the training material.

1	Inclusion

2	Interview Techniques

3	Evidence Assessment

4	Interviewing Vulnerable Persons

5	Interviewing Children

6	Gender, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

7	Trafficking in Human Beings (THB)

8	Inclusion Advanced

9	Reception

10	Dublin III Regulation

11	Asylum Procedures Directive

12	Country of Origin Information

13	Exclusion

14	End of Protection

15	Resettlement

16	Interpreting in the Asylum Context

17	Module for Managers

18	Fundamental Rights and International Protection in the EU

19	Common European Asylum System

20	Introduction to International Protection

21	Introduction to Didactics

EASO Operational Training

The EASO Operational Training finds its legal basis in Article 6 (Support for training) of the EASO Regulation(¹), in the form of specialised training provided to experts who are part of the Asylum Intervention Pool. As spelled out in Article 6, the training should be related to the experts’ duties and functions. Training is also included as one of the measures in the EASO operating plans which are signed with Member States facing particular pressure on their asylum systems.

Initially implemented as a form of support in the framework of the EU hotspot approach and of the EU relocation scheme under the European Agenda on Migration of May 2015(²), the EASO Operational Training is under constant development and adjustment, depending on the needs on the ground and on the changeable operational contexts.

Given the operational nature of the sessions, the format of the operational trainings consists mainly of face-to-face sessions and focuses to a large extent on practical exercises. The duration of the face-to-face sessions varies from one to five days (on average) and the sessions are delivered by EASO in-house trainers, Member State experts, and external experts with extensive expertise on the specific topics. The face-to-face sessions are organised in the place of EASO operations. Representatives of national local authorities, as well as of the international/EU bodies that are involved in the operation often take part in operational trainings as trainers or speakers. The e-learning element is also incorporated for the extensive training programmes.

To date, the operational training has been delivered in the form of a specific training programme or as a tailor-made training session addressing a particular request.

EASO has developed a number of training programmes in response to some reoccurring training needs on the ground, as well as in the context of particular operations. These training programmes are delivered in the framework of EASO’s operations, but might also be delivered upon individual requests received from Member States which do not have an operating plan signed with EASO.

The EASO Operational Training Programmes consist of thematic trainings related to tasks to be performed on the ground, as well as in the operational context. The training programmes are usually complemented by a set of training material such as the Trainers’ Manual and Handbook. The training materials are developed by Member States’ representatives, as well as by external experts with extensive knowledge and experience on the topics in question.

The currently-implemented EASO Training Programmes are listed below:

• Operational training for EASO deployed experts
• Extensive training programme for junior caseworkers
• Extensive training programme for vulnerability experts
• Operational training on access to the asylum procedure
• Operational training on registration of applications for international protection
• Operational training on the Dublin III Regulation
• Operational training on reception
• Operational training for team leaders
• Operational training on interpreting in the asylum context
• Operational training on coaching
• Other EASO operational training (tailor-made training sessions)

1. Operational training for EASO deployed experts

The EASO operational training for deployed experts targets EU+ Member State officials deployed in EASO operations. Depending on the tasks of the deployed experts, the operational training offers thematic face-to-face sessions, including practical case studies. The sessions vary depending on the work to be performed by the deployed experts and may cover topics such as:

• Refreshers on Inclusion, Interview Techniques, Evidence Assessment (as refreshers of the EASO Training Curriculum core modules);
• National asylum procedures and processes;
• Standard Operating Procedures and templates to be used in the framework of the operation;
• Vulnerability assessment;
• Dublin procedure;
• Country of origin information;
• Exclusion;
• Trafficking in Human Beings.

The duration of these trainings varies from two to three days.

2. Extensive training programme for junior caseworkers

This extensive training programme has been developed to prepare junior caseworkers who will be deployed in support of the national authorities conducting the asylum procedure.

The training programme is composed of different phases:

• Phase 1 - EASO Training Curriculum core modules (online + face-to-face, total duration of three weeks)

Junior caseworkers follow the three EASO Training Curriculum core modules: Inclusion, Interviewing Techniques, and Evidence Assessment. These modules have been identified as fundamental for any caseworker to be operational and to be able to fulfil their tasks in line with the standards of the EU asylum acquis. Each module is composed of an online part and a face-to-face session. For each module, participants have three days of online studies (around 20 - 25 hours) and two days of face-to-face sessions.

• Phase 2 - Operational Training (face-to-face session, duration of three days)

The operational training for junior caseworkers consists of face-to-face sessions on specific topics. These are selected based on the type of EASO support to the national authorities and on the caseworkers’ tasks. The sessions can cover topics such as identification of vulnerable applicants, trafficking in human beings, identification of potential Dublin cases, country of origin information, and exclusion. The thematic sessions include practical exercises such as case studies and on-the-job visits. The operational training for junior caseworkers also comprises sessions on the national context of deployment of the caseworkers, as well as on the tools and templates used in the operations. These particular sessions are mainly delivered by EASO, by national authorities, and by other stakeholders involved in the same operation.

• Phase 3 - On-the-job coaching (optional, duration of two weeks)

The on-the-job coaching, performed preferably in the place of deployment, is articulated in the following phases:

• The junior caseworkers shadow experienced asylum officers in performing their duties, then they gradually start to perform their tasks on their own, with the support of the experienced experts;
• The work of the newly-deployed/newly-hired caseworkers is revised and discussed with EASO coaches. This phase also includes peer review.

3. Extensive training programme for vulnerability experts

This training programme targets experts deployed in EASO operations, who are in charge of conducting vulnerability assessments. They also provide guidance to the EASO interviewers on the identification of vulnerabilities.

The training programme consists of the following phases:

• Phase 1 - EASO Training Curriculum modules on IVP and Gender and SOGI (online + face-to-face, total duration of two weeks)

EASO-deployed experts follow the EASO Training Curriculum modules on Interviewing Vulnerable Applicants (IVP) and on Gender, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation (Gender and SOGI). The IVP module provides trainees with the specific elements to be taken into consideration in an interview with an applicant with special needs, as well as with advanced knowledge on vulnerability, mental and physical impairments. It also advises trainees on how to address difficult situations. The module on Gender and SOGI raises awareness and provides trainees with the knowledge and skills needed to deal with and to assess an application based on gender and/or SOGI-related issues. For each module, participants have three days of online studies (around 20-25 hours) and two days of face-to-face session.

• Phase 2 - Operational training (face-to-face session, duration of four-five days)

The operational training for vulnerability experts consists of face-to-face sessions on specific topics whose selection is based on the type of EASO support to the national authorities and on the experts’ tasks, such as interviewing children and trafficking in human beings. The operational training for vulnerability experts also envisages sessions on the national vulnerability procedure, as well as on the tools and templates used in the operation.

• Phase 3 - On-the-job coaching (duration of six days)

Currently implemented for vulnerability experts deployed in the Greek hotspots, it consists of:

• Shadowing of experienced asylum officers in performing their duties related to vulnerability assessment, then gradually starting to perform these tasks on their own with the support of the experienced experts;
• Revision of the work done by vulnerability experts and discussions with the EASO coaches. This phase also includes peer review.

4. Operational training on access to the asylum procedure

This operational training targets first contact officials, including police, border guards, immigration authorities and personnel of detention facilities who play an important role in guaranteeing access to international protection. The duration of the training is 1-2 days.

The operational training offers an introduction to international protection from the perspective of first-contact officials, including the fundamental rights directly related to the access to the asylum procedure (such as right to life, non-refoulement, right to asylum, prohibition of collective expulsions) and the EU legal framework on international protection, with a focus on the access to the asylum procedure. The training includes thematic sessions with practical exercises focused on identification of persons who may be in need of international protection; identification of vulnerability indicators; trafficking in human beings; and communication techniques on how to provide information to persons who may be in need of international protection. The training programme finally aims to prepare first-contact officials to apply the necessary mechanisms to refer the persons who may be in need of international protection to the competent national asylum authority.

5. Operational training on registration of applications for international protection

This operational training targets officials working in the registration of applications for international protection and consists of face-to-face thematic sessions with practical exercises. Depending on the needs on the ground, the training is designed to be 1 or 2-days long.

Firstly, the training aims to provide registration officers with relevant information related to the EU legal framework, that is, an overview of the Common European Asylum System with a focus on access to the asylum procedure and on the relevance of fundamental rights (in particular, non-refoulement and right to asylum) in the registration process. Secondly, the training programme includes thematic sessions with practical exercises in order to best prepare registration officials for their tasks and to ensure that all rights and obligations of an applicant for international protection are respected. These sessions are focused on topics such as communication techniques, identification of vulnerable applicants (including unaccompanied minors and victims of human trafficking), identification of potential Dublin cases, and country of origin information. Finally, the training programme includes a session on the national procedure for the registration of applications for international protection, as well as practical exercises with the tools, templates and platforms used for the registration of applications for international protection at a national level.

6. Operational training on the Dublin III Regulation

Based on the EASO Training Curriculum module on the Dublin III Regulation, the operational training targets national authorities involved in the Dublin procedures from different perspectives – for example, Dublin Unit officers, registration officers, case officers, reception officers, representatives of local institutions (such as municipalities) – who may deal with applicants for international protection.

Depending on the need, both of the target group and on the ground, the operational training on the Dublin III Regulation is designed to cover either one specific part of the Dublin procedure, such as the identification of potential Dublin cases (a), or the whole procedure as defined in the Dublin III Regulation (b).

1. the operational training on the Identification of potential Dublin cases (face-to-face, duration of one day) includes sessions with practical exercises on the general overview of the Dublin system (procedure and practical implementation, forms and time limits), indicators for the identification of potential Dublin cases (based on the Dublin responsibility determination criteria), Dublin referral mechanism at a national level.
2. The operational training on the Dublin III Regulation (face-to-face, duration of two days) provides trainees with an overview of the Dublin procedure, from the identification to the transfer stages, and consists of sessions on the identification of the potential Dublin cases and the referral mechanism, the application of the responsibility criteria, procedural rules and tools. The operational training also includes sessions on the national-local practices related to the application of the Dublin III Regulation (referral mechanisms, templates).

7. Operational training on reception

Based on the EASO Training Curriculum module on Reception, this one-day operational training targets mainly reception officers, as well as social and medical workers dealing with applicants for international protection. The programme provides trainees with an overview of the EU asylum procedure and of the EU standards for reception of applicants for international protection. There are also thematic sessions with practical exercises on special reception needs, mental health and vulnerability, professional attitude, code of conduct, and cross-cultural communication.

8. Operational training for team leaders

A specific operational training has been developed for EASO experts deployed as Team Leaders mainly in the framework of the EASO Operations in Greece. This operational training consists of an approximately 2-day face-to-face session with theoretical input and practical exercises. Certain segments are repeatedly addressed during the trainings and form the backbone of the operational training programme for Team Leaders, such as sessions on managerial skills, quality feedback, and procedural issues according to the Standard Operation Procedures. The content of these segments is adjusted depending on the needs on the ground, on feedback from participants, and on the most recent quality feedback reports. Other segments might be included in the training based on continuous needs assessments. These varying components include, for example, sessions on interview techniques, evidence assessment, vulnerability, and exclusion.

9. Operational training on interpreting in the asylum context

The EASO operational training on interpreting in the asylum context aims to support interpreters deployed in EASO operations in performing their role in the asylum procedure, that is, to facilitate the communication process between third-country nationals or stateless persons and the national officials/EASO deployed experts, in line with the EU asylum acquis standards. The training is delivered in the form of 1-1.5-day face-to-face sessions with practical exercises. The training covers the following topics:

• EU asylum legal framework;
• General and specific aspects of interpretation in the asylum context;
• The role and the code of conduct of the interpreter in the asylum procedure;
• Interpreting or language interpretation in specific asylum settings (personal interview, information provision, interpreting for persons with special needs, group interpreting).

10. Operational training on coaching

Due to the need to coach experts working on the ground, EASO is currently developing a training programme on coaching. In order to allow coaches the utmost flexibility when designing and delivering their sessions, the training does not intend to provide coaches with a fixed coaching model. Instead, the intention is to provide coaches with techniques and tools that they can pick and choose from, according to the needs. The training covers elements such as:

• How to establish rapport with the participants;
• Productive feedback techniques;
• How to react to ‘difficult’ coaching situations;
• How to facilitate a group discussion;
• How to facilitate peer reviews;
• How to build a coaching strategy, etc.

11. Other EASO operational training (tailor-made training sessions)

Operational training can also be organised ad hoc and refer to a particular need on the ground which cannot be addressed in the framework of the existing training programmes. Such sessions are based on the existing operational training materials and on the EASO Training Curriculum modules. They are very often Member State specific. Examples of such trainings could be: training on the reception of unaccompanied minors and training for voluntary guardians, both delivered in Italy.

Endnotes

¹ Regulation (EU) No 439/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2010 establishing a European Asylum Support Office.

² Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: A European agenda on migration, Brussels, 13.5.2015, COM(2015) 240 final.

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