About The Training Quality Standard
Whilst there is a 'News' item on the official TQS site about changes to the TQS, there is little ‘authorised' detailed documentation as yet. Nevertheless, we are happy to describe what we believe is likely to happen (and those of you who know us know also that we would not do this lightly). However, because news of these changes is still emerging, (public from June 9th, 2010, with further communications over the next few weeks and changes in effect from July 1st) we must disclaim the following ‘highlights' as our own views only, and cannot accept liability for decisions you might take before all the facts and details have been clarified, officially.
Our 'take' is that
- Conditional certification as a concession will end on the last day of June this year (as planned)
- Until then, to achieve Conditional, applications will need to continue to meet the scoring requirements of at least 385 points (55%) in Approaches (A1,2,3,4 and 6) and satisfy the assessors that, in terms of Results, an appropriate framework ‘for performance measurement and management' is in place.
- Also, Full certification will only be awarded if the score is above 550 for a Part A and no indicator scores less than 25%.
- From July 1st onwards, successful applications will have to score a minimum of 25% in ALL indicators (including those in A.5). This represents a raising of the bar in Results (Approaches remains as now) and applicants will be expected to show a complete set of data in A.5.
- However, there will still be a ‘Conditional' award. This will apply where 25% has been achieved in ALL indicators, but the overall score is still below 550 points AND most ‘room for improvement' is within the Results criterion (ie not in Approaches which must continue to score at least 385 points). There is currently no deadline set for this arrangement to expire. All in all, very good news.
- Additionally, in Results, more importance will be placed on getting the scope of measures right first time - ie the correct range of measures on the dashboard to show if strategic objectives are being achieved and that customers are satisfied and impact (in terms of meeting underlying business needs) is being achieved.
- More guidance will be issued to help organisations set the correct scope of measures, which is a positive step. The other Results scoring elements of trends, targets and comparisons will remain.
- The Validation process will no longer be required for Part A (ie the telephone survey of employers). We are checking how this will operate reciprocally with the Framework for Excellence. Good news again, and should help keep costs down, for example
- In case you were unaware, the TQS now sits squarely within the SFA
- The marketing budget (ie for marketing TQS to employers) has been doubled
- Changes in approach to scoring and conditional outcomes affect all new applications including Part B's. Note, though, that the changes to the Validation stage only affect Part A applications.
We really think these changes can be helpful, and are pleased to see them.
If you want to know more, or if you have a comment, please call 01273 389892 or email info@tqssupport.org
If you are thinking about the Training Quality Standard for the very first time, you should visit the official TQS website at http://www.trainingqualitystandard.co.uk/ to seek out essential starting information.
If you have already done this, you may find the supporting products and services described on our Support and FAQs pages useful in assisting you in your journey towards TQS certification.
If you want to know more, then please email info@trainingqualitystandardsupport.org or call us on 01273 389892 to discuss your situation and your needs with a specialist.
If you want to speak to a Certificating Body (the organisations that manage the TQS assessment process) - you will have to register with one, and they will assess your application or applications. You can find out about them at http://www.trainingqualitystandard.co.uk/