33. The stockman is the most significant influence on the welfare of the pigs in his or her care and must plan and execute an effective daily routine whatever the weather conditions.
34. Outdoor pig-keeping calls for a high degree of dedication by management and stockmen. Looking after an outdoor unit is physically arduous and requires the stockman to be physically fit. In short, a high calibre of person who is prepared to work hardest when the conditions are worst, is needed to operate an outdoor unit effectively. The stockman must be willing to work alone and have a sympathetic attitude to the pigs, together with an ability to recognise the needs of the animals and respond to them.
35. Anyone new to pig-keeping should receive appropriate training before being placed in sole charge of the animals. Those who already have experience of indoor units will still need to learn about the special needs of the outdoor herd. It may be possible to achieve the necessary level of knowledge through on-farm training from experienced outdoor pig stockmen but it may also be necessary for the newcomer to attend an appropriate training course run by an approved agricultural trainer. The industry should ensure that all training is validated by encouraging trainees to enter schemes such as the National or Scottish Vocational Qualifications. NVQ level two is the minimum level of competence for those being left in sole charge of outdoor pigs. Management has a major role to play in motivating stockmen and this includes making arrangements for adequate training and, where necessary, the up-dating of knowledge.
36. It is essential to ensure that sufficient staff are employed to carry out effectively all necessary tasks throughout the year. There will be times when additional staff and equipment will be required to cope adequately with increased workload due to circumstances such as extreme weather conditions.