BASIS has launched a new digital learning platform – the BASIS Classroom – that supports members in advancing their professional development from home.

Stephen Jacob, BASIS CEO, explains that the BASIS Classroom is a free ‘members only’ platform that contains a selection of voluntary digital training sessions on an array of subjects surrounding crop production, turf management and environmental protection.

“Members can log-in to the platform and will be presented with a choice of topics applicable to their qualification. Once selected, members will be taken through to an online exercise that may include presentations, videos or even a quiz,” he says.

“The software is designed, so that exercises cannot be skipped, which ensures the appropriate amount and quality of training is delivered and CPD points are rewarded accordingly at the end of the session.

“It’s also worth noting that the courses will be available online for a year after first posting, so members can participate at a convenient time,” says Stephen.

The training will be put together by companies that want to share knowledge with members, but no longer have events as a platform to do so. The first two companies to submit a session were Origin Fertilisers and Certis and these are now live online.

Mandy McAulay, Origin Fertilisers marketing manager, explains that the company already has a strong digital focus, so BASIS’ new offering really complements the business.

“Our training session focuses on reducing ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions through appropriate fertiliser choice. It consists of an animated presentation with a voiceover, followed by a series of questions at the end,” she says.

“We’re always looking to broaden our advisory outreach, so the BASIS Classroom gives us the ideal platform to reach out to and educate members. This is especially important during a time when we’re unable to run ‘merchant meetings’ that are normally accredited by BASIS.”

Keeping in with the theme of environmental consideration, Kate Downes, Certis marketing communications officer, adds that their Classroom session focuses on the importance of using an integrated approach to slug control.

“We’ve prepared multimedia content, including a presentation with voiceover and videos to keep it engaging, informative and interesting. This way we hope we’ll be able to stay connected with our audience, without physically meeting with them,” she says.

“The BASIS Classroom is a great initiative, as it gives members the opportunity to continue to stay up-to-date with their CPD, but also gives us a great outreach platform that’s easily accessible to both providers and members.”

Members that want to participate in the BASIS Classroom training sessions can do so by visiting basis.vbms-training.co.uk/ using the login details and password emailed to you by the BASIS team.