AFAQ-ETA

Bulletin 05/04: 2 July 2004

SECTOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY TO CHANGE

The SSDA Board is engaged in discussions to determine a new strategy for the SSDA once all licensed SSCs are in place.

The changes are being designed so that the Agency:

Can get closer to employers and their needs;
Will drive strategies to influence the learning and skills infrastructure throughout the UK more effectively;
Add significant value by working in partnership with the network and enhancing performance, capability and capacity.

The Executive have agreed that the best way to deliver this will be through:

An employer engagement directorate tasked with delivering employer-led demand for changes in learning supply and provision and delivering SSC influence across the UK;
A workforce development directorate tasked with leading the network’s response and implementation of policy issues affecting skills, qualifications, occupational standards and the cross-sector agenda;
A strategy and research directorate to champion and lead the network’s thinking and response on big issues/questions on the skills and productivity agenda;
A communications directorate with an increasing role in leading the Agency’s strategy to influence stakeholders as well as supporting SSCs in their marketing and communications strategies;
A corporate services directorate tasked with leading the performance review and development of SSCs and providing excellent infrastructure support to the Agency and its externally focussed teams.
Two new directors will be appointed to lead the sector development and learning and development directorates. The recruitment process for these positions has already commenced.

Comment

Everything is always changing. AFAQ-ETA will monitor what happens.

NEWS FROM US!

What do you know about Six Sigma?

Do you understand the Six Sigma quality systems initiative and appreciate what its introduction might mean for your business? AFAQ-ETA is looking into licensing the training programmes from CAP AFNOR in this quality methodology, which is all the rage in the USA, Europe and the Far East. Six Sigma has such concepts as champions, green and black belts, which together can lead to a very high performance organisation.

Companies wishing to register an interest in Six Sigma or who have had experience of the concept should email me on bill.fenton@afaq-eta.com

ISO 9001:2000

We will be running an IRCA accredited ISO 9001:2000 Lead Auditor/Auditor Course between 11 – 15 October at our London offices near London Bridge. There are a few places still available. Contact phillippa.greig@afaq-eta.com for details.