The RIBEC family of projects was launched with a view to modernizing the system of audit and accounts among the different categories of GOB officials. The GoB set up the Financial Management Academy (FIMA) to accelerate the changes needed by updating and disseminating relevant knowledge/ideas and developing the management skills of FIMA trainees. As a 'Centre of Training Excellence', the FIMA Project is working towards GOB's objective of giving its officers the skills and techniques to apply modern concepts of audit, accounts and financial management. The target is to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient and effective management in the various Ministries, Departments and Offices of the Government. FIMA's trainers must be capable of contributing properly to this target.

FIMA is determined that its full time trainers, and visiting trainers and lecturers consistently apply the skills and practices expected of professional trainers. This BEST course has been designed and is being delivered, therefore, to provide an overview of basic training skills in an interactive environment. FIMA has developed a BEST guide as a basis for running the course. The Guide is intended to give FIMA trainers, old and new, information on key training principles which they are expected to apply before, during and after training. The guide also acts as a reference workbook which trainers can adopt to their individual styles and experience.

The course will continuously improve training by
 

Ensuring that trainers are skilled by examining their performance and looking for ways to make it better.
 

Sharing experience, between trainers and trainees, using quality techniques 
 

Exploring key elements in the training process.
 

Looking at options for improving the process.
 

Providing accessible, practical assistance for both experienced and less experienced trainers and
 

Helping 'Cascade' better training methods.
 

Providing a Guide which will be a reference document for FIMA trainers.

 
The courses are run over 3 to 5 days duration (depending on need) and are on the basis of class room lectures, group discussion, workshops and presentations. The aim is to ensure effective participation in the programme. 
Trainers are invited to join the course, with 25 selected for each course.
At the end of the course, attendees are examined and certificates are awarded to successful trainers.

 
The BEST programme is intended for GOB officers employed as trainers in the Academy or who will be required to undertake long/short term training for the Academy. Officers so trained will form a pool of trainers to be available for conducting appropriate courses as and when required.

FIMA uses a combination of Senior Officers of the Audit and Account Department, full time/short time trainer - as a concept of harmonious blending, with wide range of background and experience.

 
Introduction to Training in the Guide
 
PART 1 : The Learning Process - eight basic rules
 
PART 2 : The Training Environment
 
PART 3 : Preparing for Training
 
PART 4 : Training - Doing It
 
PART 5 : Training - Summing It All Up
 
PART 6 : Training - Putting It All Into Practice

BEST courses have already established a network of over 180 trained, highly-experienced GOB officers. Further courses will be held at least twice per annum or subject to demand/need.