Supported Employment: Invitation to comment on the new Occupational Standards
We are very pleased to share that the review of newly developed National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Supported Employment is now open and are encouraging you to comment on them.
The standards have been developed in collaboration with the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS). These standards would apply across the UK and views will be sought from SQA, the Welsh Government and CCEA. The standards would form a basis for developing workforce qualifications and ensuring that existing qualifications meet the sector’s requirements. We expect that a Welsh language version will be available shortly.
Electronic review opportunities are open between now and 2 March 2012. This includes an online survey, plus guidance and templates to help you to hold your own internal or network discussion on the drafts and to report your views back to LSIS.
All the information and downloads are available on the Excellence Gateway at http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/page.aspx?o=320143
Please note that responses should be directed through the Excellence Gateway website and not to Pluss.
What is Supported Employment?
Supported employment is the term for high quality, personalised support for people with disabilities which enables them to seek, access and retain employment. The people who provide support tend to have a variety of job titles such as job coaches, employment advisers, employment consultants and employment support officers. Jobcentre Plus staff and Disability Employment Advisors are often a key referral route onto supported employment. A person’s line manager and colleagues in the work place can also provide support; they are sometimes called ‘natural supports’.
What are NOS?
National Occupational Standards (NOS) are the agreed UK-wide statements which describe what a person needs to do, know and understand in their job, in order to carry out their role in a consistent and competent way. In essence, they capture and inform ‘best practice’ by bringing together the skills and knowledge needed to deliver a function or job role. There are many ways in which NOS can be applied but they are most commonly used to develop qualifications – therefore it is important that these NOS accurately reflect the skills and knowledge needed to offer Supported Employment.
Who should take part?
It is important the supported employment sector is involved to ensure that the NOS capture and meet the needs of those who use them. They are inviting comment from as many experts, practitioners and employers in supported employment across the UK as we are able to reach.
Spread the word!
We would encourage you to share this message and news with your networks and contacts (including relevant websites and newsletters) – it is important that the NOS meet the needs of people who deliver supported employment and they are keen to engage with and invite comment from as many relevant organisations and individuals across the UK as they can.
