The Individualised Training Officer (ITO) serves as a guide and model for officer formation’s integrated and holistic pattern.
An ITO is the first port of call and serves as an advocate for a cadet. They are responsible for coordinating an in-depth assessment of each cadet’s training needs and monitoring the ongoing implementation of an Individualised Formation Plan.
The ITO is responsible for knowing a cadet’s particular program and assisting in providing choices that allow them to grow and develop in the most needed areas. The ITO will also understand something of the previous experience a cadet brings to their training. The training program can take into account prior learning and does not replicate what someone already knows and understands.
Overview
The Individualised Training Officer serves as a guide and model for officer formation’s integrated and holistic pattern. An ITO is the first port of call and serves as an advocate for a cadet.
The ITO coordinates an in-depth assessment of each cadet’s training needs and monitors the ongoing implementation of an Individualised Formation Plan. The ITO is responsible for knowing a cadet’s particular program and helping provide choices that allow growth and development in the areas most needed.
Individualised training
OFS is committed to an individualised model of training. Each cadet brings a different journey and background to the process. Every cadet develops an individualised training plan marked by flexibility and case-managed by an assigned officer staff member.
The training program can take account of prior learning and does not need to replicate what a person already knows and understands.
Your ITO will
- Help develop capacity in ministry skill and confidence.
- Observe ministry practice as often as possible.
- Provide coaching during preparation before delivery.
- Offer verbal feedback and written critique on ministry practice.
Your ITO is your main point of contact for public platform ministry preparation and critiquing. No major ministry responsibility (eg. sermon, meeting lead) is to occur unless prior approval is given. This includes community worship events, specialling Sundays as well as platform ministry requirements at your Placement/Appointment.
ITOs are accountable to the Leader of Officer Formation. Open communication with other staff is necessary for the effective functioning of this role.
Public platform ministry
The ITO is the main point of contact for public platform ministry preparation and critiquing. No major ministry responsibility, including a sermon or meeting lead, is to occur unless prior approval is given. This includes community worship events, specialling Sundays, and platform ministry requirements at placement or appointment.
ITOs are accountable to the Leader of Officer Formation. Open communication with other staff is necessary for the effective functioning of the role.
Planning and support
Cadets are expected to have regular discussion and planning meetings with their ITO. Time management, training engagement, personal development, support needs, and formation opportunities may be part of these conversations.
If illness or personal circumstances affect attendance at online classes or scheduled activities, cadets should notify their ITO and lecturer. Requests for personal or compassionate time away should be discerned through the ITO relationship.
Discernment, review, and discipline
Officer Formation is an ongoing process of discernment. The Review Board meets twice yearly with each cadet and their ITO to review overall progress. After each Review Board, a report detailing progress, possibilities for growth, and areas of concern is prepared, then reviewed and signed by the cadet and ITO.
The Review Council meets as required to consider pastoral and disciplinary issues. ITOs follow up with cadets about difficulties in meeting college expectations. Where unhealthy behaviours and attitudes remain unchanged, concerns may be escalated under the Officer Formation Discernment, Review and Disciplinary Procedure.