HOP Fundamentals Course

Learn the fundamentals of Human & Organisational Performance

The course will help you to develop a working knowledge of the HOP (Human Organisational Performance) principles, terminology and methods. Managers from operations, safety, business improvement, and quality will find this program both highly engaging and incredibly beneficial personally and for their organisation.

Duration: 1 Day
Location: Public or In-house
Delivery: Face-to-Face or Virtual
Note: Virtual courses are run in AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Online Version: Available here

Suitable for: Quality, Operations, Business & Safety Managers
Course Investment:
$695.00 AUD (incl. GST) per person

Course Overview

The Human and Organisational Performance (HOP) Fundamentals Course explores safety paradigms in which we operate and introduces the foundational aspects of the HOP philosophy.

Human and Organisational Performance is an operating philosophy that recognises good performance is not only the absence of error, but rather the presence of capacity. It is a systems-based approach leveraging on worker expertise, with a focus on understanding the context and conditions of work.

The HOP Fundamentals Course provides the basis to have robust conversations, with the ability to reflect and explore safety as we know it. It will push your thinking to develop a working knowledge of HOP principles, terminology and approaches. The coursework encourages moving away from a compliance only mindset to asking better questions, seeking to understand how everyday work happens, and involving those who know it best. Latest research relating to the role of safety professionals, safety work and the role of bureaucracy in safety is introduced and explored.

Managers from operations, safety, business improvement and quality will find this program both highly engaging and incredibly beneficial personally and for their organisation.

A contemporary operating philosophy to
improve how work is done.

Course Program

Course Introduction

Safety Today and the Challenges of Current Perspectives
Safety Work and the Safety of Work
HOP and New View Safety

People Make Mistakes

Errors and Mistakes
Mistakes in Context
Performance Modes & Error Inducing Conditions

Blame Fixes Nothing

Blame or Accountability
Impacts of Blame
Why we Blame

Context Drives Behaviour

Context and Influences
Systems Thinking
Metrics and Performance
Operational Humility

Learning is Vital

Work as Imagined Vs Work as Done (Black Line & Blue Line)
Linearity, Complexity & Deeper Stories
Failure and Failing Safely

Reponses Matters

Reaction vs Response
Hindsight Bias
Responding to Learn
Just Culture and Restoration

Benefits of HOP

Course Wrap Up

What can I expect from the HOP Fundamentals course?

Participants will be able to apply the ideas discussed to their own organisation to improve system performance and resilience. You will see the importance of building better systems, increasing capacity and improving learning around events and normal work.

To ensure you get the most out of this learning experience we provide you with:

Learning through engaging, energised group discussions and activities, exercises and case studies
Exploring underlying value and belief systems that underpin how organisations manage safety
Robust discussion around the paradigms of safety and value-adding activities
Debunking myths and exploring truths in human behaviour and work systems
Powerful reflection and self-discovery in how we lead safety and operations
Takeaway resources and free HOP material to assist you in putting the concepts in action
Networking opportunities throughout the course and beyond

HOP Fundamentals Online

This training is also available as self-paced eLearning through our HOP Fundamentals Online course.

The online version is suitable for individuals or teams looking to learn the foundations of Human and Organisational Performance in their own time, and provides a cost-effective, convenient option for training large or geographically dispersed teams where face-to-face or facilitated training is not always possible.

In-House Training Options

Every group has a different yet vital role to play to support the successful adoption of the HOP approach. All require a solid grasp of the philosophy, but the actions required will vary based on position in the organisation. HOPLAB has developed a suite of HOP Fundamentals courses focused around the unique needs and challenges of each key group.

Talk to us about arranging any of the course options below as in-house training.

HOP Fundamentals

The course is available in-house by arrangement as either a facilitated 1-Day course, or online as self-paced learning. Bulk licence packages can be purchased for the online course.

HOP for Senior Leaders

Designed for the most senior positions, this course is available in-house by arrangement or as part of a wider HOP engagement.

HOP for Supervisors

Designed for frontline leaders to understand the philosophy and support its adoption within the organisation, this course is available in-house by arrangement or as part of a wider HOP engagement.

About HOPLAB

HOPLAB has been supporting organisations to adopt HOP and Operational Learning since 2017.

Our HOP Fundamentals and HOP & Learning Teams courses were the first in Australia and New Zealand, and have now grown to attract a global audience of safety professionals interested in learning the foundations of HOP.

We work with each organisation to understand how work happens and guide decision makers to reflect, learn and grow – harnessing the potential that already exists within its people. Because of that, we can offer a unique perspective and a more organic approach that drives more sustainable results.

Phone: +61 7 5533 9988

Email: admin@southpac.biz

The information was presented in a very clear and easy to follow format, with a lot of opportunity for relevant and contextual conversation.

Virtual

I found the course very informative and the instructor very knowledgeable and engaging.

Virtual

The course has made me look at things differently and take the time to ask questions, find out the truth and see what we can learn from.

Virtual

Was a great course and content was simple which allowed for discussion and interaction within the room.

Brisbane, Australia

Trusted by leading companies across Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific

What is the focus of the HOP Fundamentals course?

This one-day course introduces the core principles, language, and mindset behind Human and Organisational Performance (HOP). It helps participants shift from a traditional compliance-based view of safety to one that focuses on learning, context, and system improvement.

Is this course suitable for someone new to HOP?

Yes. The course is designed specifically for individuals and teams who are new to HOP or exploring whether it is the right fit for their organisation. No prior knowledge or experience is required.

What kinds of roles benefit from attending this course?

The course is especially useful for quality, operations, safety, and business improvement managers, but it is also highly relevant for frontline leaders, HR professionals, and anyone responsible for supporting work and improving systems.

What is the difference between the 1 Day and 3 Day HOP courses?

The 1 Day HOP Fundamentals course introduces the principles and theory behind HOP. It’s ideal for building awareness or starting the conversation. The 3 Day course goes deeper, including practical application, facilitation techniques, and hands-on learning around Learning Teams and Operational Learning.

Is the HOP Fundamentals course available online?

Yes. Our HOP Fundamentals Online course is available to complete as self-paced eLearning. It is suitable for individuals or teams to learn the foundations of Human and Organisational Performance, and provides a cost-effective, convenient option for training large or geographically dispersed teams where face-to-face or facilitated training is not always possible.

Will I be able to start using HOP after this course?

You’ll leave the course with a foundational understanding of HOP and the confidence to start exploring how it fits your organisation. It’s a strong first step if you’re considering introducing HOP more broadly or continuing with more in-depth training.

Does the course explore real examples?

Yes. The course includes relatable stories, real-world examples, and practical case studies to bring the principles to life. This helps participants see how HOP thinking applies in their own roles and industries.

How is the course delivered?

The course is offered face-to-face or virtually. Virtual sessions are live, facilitator-led, and interactive, with breakout rooms and group discussions.

How long is the course and what’s included?

The course runs for one full day, generally from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Participants receive course materials, a workbook, and access to digital reference resources after the session. A certificate of completion is also provided.

Can we run this course in-house for our team?

Yes. HOPLAB offers in-house delivery for organisations wanting to train their team together. The course can be tailored with examples that reflect your operations and workforce.

How do I enrol in the HOP Fundamentals course?

You can enrol directly through the Southpac website by choosing an available date and completing the registration form. For group bookings or in-house enquiries, contact admin@southpac.biz.