The government has launched new professional
qualifications for operational delivery staff to help ensure high quality
public services.
The
new qualifications have been developed with, and are accredited by, City &
Guilds and the Chartered Management Institute. Around 150 volunteers from
different departments and in different parts of the country have also been
involved. They focus on the skills gaps identified in April 2013 by theCivil Service Capabilities Plan as part of the
government’s civil service
reform programme.
Professionalisation is a key theme of civil service
reform. Read theOperational delivery profession: capabilities plan.
Around 280,000 people work in operational delivery
– 70% of the civil service. These staff make sure that citizens get the
services and protection they need, including:
- processing visas or driving licences
- checking passports
- working in courts and prisons or consular offices
abroad
- helping people find jobs
- making sure our food is safe to eat
- bringing in tax
The
qualifications will help develop a more skilled, unified civil service and meet
growing public expectations for high-quality public services by aiming to
achieve excellent customer service.
About the qualifications
There are 6 levels of qualifications, from Level 2 to
Level 7. Levels 2-4 will be awarded by City & Guilds. Levels 5-7 will be
awarded by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). There is also a Level 5
Award in Project Specification for Operational Delivery from City and Guilds.
Within each level, there are 3 qualifications: Awards, Certificates and
Diplomas. Where you start will depend on what skills you can show you already
have. You can stop at any point, or build on the qualifications you’ve
taken. An Award will count towards a Certificate, and a Certificate will count
toward a Diploma. Courses range in cost from £86 to
£309.
Visit Civil Service
Learning for more information.
Staff will be able to study and complete assessments
online, rather than be assessed in the workplace. However, a suite of older
qualifications covering Levels 2 to 4 will remain in place for people who want
to be assessed in the workplace. By enrolling in a qualification, people will
be able to join an online community of learners. People who study for City
& Guilds Level 4 and 5 qualifications will also receive student membership
of the Institute of Leadership and Management, and those studying for Levels 5,
6 & 7 will receive student membership of the Chartered Management
Institute. As student members, they’ll be able to register for further
qualifications.
Minister for the Cabinet Office Francis Maude
said:
To
win the global race we need a civil service that delivers the best for Britain.
The qualifications being launched today will not only develop the capabilities
of civil servants in the Operational Delivery Profession but will help improve
the public services on which we all rely.
Head of the Civil Service Sir Bob Kerslake
said:
Developing the skills of civil servants is fundamental
to civil service reform, which is why I am pleased to see the introduction of
these qualifications. They build on our Capabilities Plan and will help to
create the modern, efficient, responsive civil service that the country expects
and deserves – digital by default and putting the needs of the user
first.
Head of the Operational Delivery Profession Ruth Owen
said:
The
new qualifications contribute to the aims in the profession’s
Capabilities Plan to build capability, develop the profession and support
successful delivery of civil service reform. They also demonstrate a genuine
commitment to give something back to our diverse and talented workforce, while
enabling them to deliver even better services to UK citizens and
businesses.