Qualifications In this feature l review l standards l apprenticeships TSO OF THE FUTURE As CTSI reviews its qualifications procedures and the Chancellor says the apprenticeship levy could raise 3bn Richard Strawson considers what this all means for the profession T Our aim is to change, adapt and position ourselves to support our members in the best way possible, and enable them to thrive in this shifting environment he roles of many trading standards officers (TSOs) subject to dramatic changes over the past 10 years are likely to shift further with continued reshaping of the local government arena in which most TSOs operate. Some officers are engaged with public health issues such as smoking, alcohol and obesity; others find their roles are more commercially driven, in developing business support packages centred on a Primary Authority; while a third group find themselves tackling the most serious fraudulent practices committed by criminals. This diversity clearly creates a challenge for designing a system of professional standards and qualifications, to ensure expertise and ongoing competence for every officer. Indeed, one of the core purposes of any professional organisation is to set standards for its members, and to provide services for them, helping them to maintain competences. Reflecting on the changing roles for our profession, we have challenged ourselves to study these in an open and transparent way. Our aim is to change, adapt and position ourselves to support our members in the best way possible, and enable them to thrive in this shifting environment. Our intention is to ensure that the services we provide for them are right for the future and not based on historic assumptions of their roles. Competency framework Our definition of a TSO of the future (see panel, headlined Reviewing the framework defining a future TSO) will be supported by a competency framework, which will be developed by a smaller working group of the Trading Standards Qualification Framework (TSQF) Focus Group. This body is looking at the key skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to equip an officer to operate in the current and foreseeable future environment. We have also discussed how these could be developed and assessed adequately through the framework. Some key aspects of any reform of the framework will centre on: G Clear entry points and an exit/qualification point at Level 6 (postgraduate degree level) G Clear anticipated timeframe for completion G Evidencing skills, knowledge and behaviours through a variety of assessment methods, including examinations and portfolios ofevidence G Inclusion of statutory elements within the qualification G An apprenticeship entry route to qualification Where do apprenticeships fit in with this? In England the government has signalled its intention to have three million apprenticeships by 2020, under what it is calling a Trailblazer apprenticeship. The Richard Review of Apprenticeships evaluated the existing scheme and, from this, the new Trailblazer initiative was developed with three key intentions: Employer led recognising that employers are best placed to decide what they need from any apprenticeship to support their profession and business development Simplicity complex frameworks to be replaced by standards of around two pages written by employers High quality to provide a more viable alternative to conventional study routes through colleges and universities Significantly, for employers with more than 250 employees, the government has now announced a business levy of 0.5 per cent of payroll, which will come into effect from April 2017 and is expected to raise 3bn. This will fund the Trailblazer scheme, with employers able to draw down funding tosupport both apprentices and their training. It is also likely that publicsector organisations will be given minimum targets for numbersof apprentices. Last year Rob Taylour, assistant director for Derbyshire Trading Standards, approached CTSI for help with devising an apprenticeship in regulatory services. We were keen to assist and support the development of such a scheme, as we saw a potential to provide for the workforce of the future. We are aware of the risks with such a scheme particularly that employers could see it as the end learning point and it could lead to a deskilling of officers. However, we believe the benefits will outweigh the risks, and are adopting safeguards to preserve the professional standards and competence required to be a TSO. As things have progressed, we have been able to conduct our review of the TSQF with a view to incorporating the proposed apprenticeship scheme as a potential entry point into the professional qualifications. It is anticipated that the apprenticeship standards group will develop the standards and assessment plans for the new scheme over the next year, ready for adoption in 2017. CTSI will be ensuring that the interests of the profession are represented at all stages. We are also committed to supporting apprenticeships in the other home nations, and ensuring that the benefits of the England Trailblazer are obtained elsewhere. CTSI is aware of the work being done on a Scottish modern apprenticeship, and is working to make sure the two schemes align. We believe the benefits will outweigh the risks, and are adopting safeguards to preserve the professional standards and competence required to be a TSO Conclusion We are all living in times of uncertainty and challenge, but CTSI exists to promote the profession, and to resource its members to perform well in a changing environment. Professional standards are at the heart of any professional body. The new TSQF and apprenticeship seeks to deliver on this key commitment. If you wish to contribute to the ongoing development of either the TSQF or apprenticeship, please contact us. Alternatively, you can provide feedback and suggestions to your representative of the TSQF Focus Group. R EVIEWING THE FR AMEWORK DEFINING A FUTURE TSO M embers will be aware that we are which aimed to give direction to the knowledgea ble in consumer law, carrying out a fundamental review of qualifications review. Over the next employed to support legitimate our qualifications framework, and many few months, we did further work with business and protect consumers of you will have seen the discussion the members of the Trading Standards interests using skills in negotiation, document, circulated in 2015, which Qualification Framework (TSQF) Focus communication and investigation to asked for member views on what a TSO Group, which includes all regions, and operate successfully and professionally; will look like in five years time. with heads of service to look at what an individual who is competent in all defines a TSO of the future. We came up areas within their remit, who is able to with the following statement: recognise and adapt to the changing This review followed a useful and open debate during one of CTSI Councils breakout sessions in October Credits Richard Strawson is a chartered trading standards practitioner and lead associate at Capel Associates. Images: Michael Rosskothen / Vik Y / Shutterstock An individual with integrity; trading environment . To share this page, in the toolbar click on You might also like Meeting of minds December 2015