In the last 20 years, most employment sectors have agreed up-to-date sets of standards - National Occupational Standards (NOS) - to describe competent performance in that occupational area. This is a constantly-evolving area, and employees should think about whether they need to achieve a particular type of qualification or accreditation to help maintain their ability to work at a certain level, or to assist with their career and work-based development.
If you need to undertake a qualification linked to your job-role, you should discuss this with your employer. Your annual appraisal discussion - the Personal Development & Performance Review scheme (PDPR) in South Gloucestershire Council - is the ideal opportunity to do this. In most cases, the council can only consider supporting its own staff to achieve this kind of accreditation, for example if it is clearly related to a team's current service priorities.
Examples of this can include:
- A range of Vocational Qualifications: including for apprentices, both new staff and existing employees can follow this route. These used to be NVQ's, but are now called QCF Diplomas, Certificates or Awards.
- Continuing Professional Development that is accredited in some form, for example short modules via a University, College or other external provider.
- Support to work towards varying levels of broader professional qualifications, for example in Finance, Social Work/Care, Engineering, ICT, HR etc.
Through our accredited Qualification Centre we can provide more direct support for vocational qualifications in a couple of occupational areas. In some instances, these pathways can be accessed by non-council employees too. Please note that charges apply in that situation; please contact us to discuss this further. Further information can be found by following this link.
MANAGEMENT & LEADERSHIP:
We offer CMI recognised Introduction to First Line Management four times a year. This course offers you an opportunity to increase your confidence and skills in a range of management topics. See the course details for more information.
If you are unsure what level qualification to undertake, please use this information below as a guide.