Garrie Owens, executive manager of the Kent and Medway learndirect hub, has
secured external accreditation – from the Institute of IT Training (IITT)
- for some 20 of his learndirect centres, following a pilot project, begun in
August last year, which was jointly funded by Learning Skills Council (LSC)
and University for Industry (UfI).
Owens commented: “We have absolute confidence in our processes and the
validity of the learning opportunities which we make available through the learndirect
banner.
“However, we might have been insular in our views, so I saw IITT and
its Learning Centre accreditation process as a source of external expertise
from which we could benefit. The accreditation process was not a threat - the
concept of failure was never really an issue – rather, it was the kudos
of external recognition of my centres which was the driver for the project.”
The accreditation process unfolded with half-day meetings at the nominated
centres with the discussion, review and evidence gathering which is a key part
of the Institute’s accreditation process. Using a mix of observation,
balanced score-card analysis and ‘tick box’ checking, the IITT’s
assessors produced reports showing a matrix of key performance indicators (KPI),
corresponding actions and recommendations.
“The process is rigorous,” explained Owens, “but its real
value stems from the expertise and advice which is part and parcel of the meeting
and the subsequent report. Even more importantly, the process is reviewed –
half yearly as a pulse-feeling exercise and annually as a full renewal exercise.
“Year-on year the KPI matrix is re-evaluated for each centre. Performance
monitoring and continuous improvement are not merely a lip-service activity.”
Owens added: “These are critical processes in any centrally managed operation
– made even more valid through the external validation of the Institute
and the expertise which it brings to the party.”
Senior IITT accreditation consultant and project manager for learning centre
accreditations, Ian James, revealed: “Some of the centre staff were ‘warn-down’
with inspection after inspection by various bodies but the two-way exchange,
which is the basis of our accreditation process, took them by surprise.
“The IITT’s accreditation process is based on observation, advice
and documentation. It took a while for the message to get through that accreditation
is a basis for review, discussion and continuous improvement and not ‘cold’
inspection and point scoring.”
Owens observed: ‘The pilot highlighted things that we knew already and
confirmed many of our beliefs. Its value was that it produced a holistic view
of our operations, comparing centre with centre and, for each centre, developed
an action plan for improvement."
Owens continued: “Now that they can display IITT logos and the ‘Accredited
by the Institute of IT Training’ tagline, they are better able compete
head-to-head in their quest for commercial business.
“Companies expect commercial standards for the delivery of training to
their staff and I feel that we have now proved that learndirect measures up
to the highest of those standards,” he added. “I aim to work with
the Institute to support the rest of my centres to work towards accreditation
and to make the accreditation process part of the hub’s own management,
quality and marketing process.”
About the Institute of IT Training
Formed in November 1995, the Institute of IT Training (IITT) provides a professional
membership structure for all individuals involved in IT Training. Other key
services include publishing standards that encompass all aspects of IT training,
development and delivery and a comprehensive accreditation programme for any
training service organisation.
Within the IT training industry, the IITT is driving standards through its
competency frameworks and by encouraging world-leading qualifications such as
TAP and CeLP. The Institute works with other organisations and professional
bodies - first, to ensure its standards are as widely accepted as possible,
and secondly to recognise other qualifications and experience and accept these
against defined competency frameworks as evidence towards its own professional
membership.
The IITT’s philosophy is that the qualifications for admission to individual
membership bands should realistically reflect job roles in the workplace. Therefore,
qualification is achieved by proving competence in clearly defined training
skills areas, along with technical expertise in the candidate's area of activity.
The Institute provides a comprehensive range of benefits and exclusive support
services for its membership. It also organises a range of awards – presented
annually in February – to encourage and celebrate excellence within the
IT training world.
Further information from:
Colin Steed, IITT, 0845 006 8858; www.iitt.org.uk
Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, 01727 860405
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