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New training programme to raise skills in UK public services

Local authorities and other public bodies are being urged to take part in a new project to raise the skills of support staff in public services.

The Public Sector Skills Framework offers a National Vocational Qualification in Customer Service with extras including teamwork, health & safety, equality and diversity and core skills. It is for organisations in England such as councils, schools and hospitals or private facilities firms that run outsourced services on government contracts. Funded through Train to Gain, up to £2,000 worth of skills training per learner is available free.

Staff who are in regular contact with the public - including cleaners, caretakers, porters, care assistants and gardeners - are already benefiting.

They include Harry Racey-Brighty, aged 77, whose job it is to clean operating theatres at Lymington New Forest Hospital in Hampshire.

“There’s always something new coming along and it’s good to be learning even at my age,” he says.

And Peter Knight, a porter, says: “It’s made me more alert and aware of the things that are going on around the hospital.”

The PSSF equips staff with additional skills to those needed for their core work such as customer service, team work, health & safety and life skills. The training not only enhances their job prospects and boosts motivation, it also improves the service offered to the public and ensures that staff receive a nationally recognised qualification.

The PSSF is overseen by several parties, including:

* Asset Skills, representing the Sector Skills Council network
* The Improvement and Development Agency for local government
* The Public and Commercial Services Union
* The Trades Union Congress
* Unionlearn
* Investors in People (UK)
* private sector employers providing outsourced facilities services
* trade associations.

Local authorities and housing associations are being urged to get involved in the programme.

T: Tom Orton 01392 423 399
E: torton@assetskills.org
W: www.assetskills.org

11th June 2009