Opportunity for formal recognition of in-house training programmes

Social Services Industry Training Organisation,

The Social Services Industry Training Organisation is inviting social service sector agencies to apply for enrolment in its service to recognise in-house training programmes for staff and volunteers against unit standards.

A 2008 feasibility study showed it was possible to match unit standards to existing in-house training programmes, and associated reviews helped share learning across agencies and strengthen training processes.

Expressions of interest are now sought from social service agencies that:

1. run an existing in-house training programme for volunteers, staff and/or community participants. The programme must not already have NZQA course approval.
2. have the staff capacity to participate in all aspects of the service – i.e. Training, systems review, mapping of the in-house training programme to unit standards.
3. are willing to encourage staff/volunteers to complete national qualifications (i.e. through work-based assessment – using internal or Social Services ITO-assigned external assessors).

A participation plan for each agency involved in the service will be jointly developed by the Social Services ITO and the agency. Organisations can apply for recognition of more than one in-house training programme, using a separate application for each.

The Social Services ITO will cover the costs of agencies’ participation in the service, including travel and accommodation for agency staff to attend meetings and training; hosting a review team onsite; participating in a peer review of at least one other agency’s training system; assistance with ‘mapping’ the in-house training to unit standards.

Agencies will need to cover the salary cost of their staff time and development costs where programme changes are needed to align with unit standards or improve effectiveness.

Contact the Project Manager, Jac Lynch on (04) 915 7711 or 0800 558 558 or email jac.lynch@socialservicesito.org.nz to discuss the project or application process. Applications are due by 5pm, Friday 30 October.

If you can’t apply in 2009 but think this service may be useful to your organisation, contact Jac Lynch so you can discuss a preparation plan for the future.

Contact person	Jac Lynch
Postal address
Phone	0800 558 558
Email	jac.lynch@socialservicesito.org.nz
Website address	http://www.socialservicesito.org.nz/
Submitted by	Ns