In response to Leitch, the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) established World Class Skills - developing responsive provision programme (WCS). KPMG deliver the programme on behalf of LSIS and lead a consortium of national partners. Together they can bring significant expertise to you and your organisation. They can also draw in the sector's most innovative and effective practice to share with you.

The WCS programme offers a range of support products and services
including:
* interactive workshops
* seminars
* consultancies
* thematic development projects
* materials and resources.

As part of ALP's involvement, we are supporting KPMG to develop a delivery team with individuals from across the sector. WCS will work with people who can bring specific and relevant experience into the programme and contribute to helping others meet the skill requirements of employers. Their contribution will not only ensure that the products and support available through the programme are relevant to the sector but will also enable real life situations and practical examples to be incorporated into the various modes of delivery.

What is the aim of WCS?
WCS was developed in response to Lord Leitch's report of December 2006 and the Government's response to Leitch, which highlighted the critical need for the UK to raise skill levels. The Programme aims to support you in improving the productivity and competitiveness of England's businesses through the ongoing provision of skilled and capable workers.
The ultimate goal is to ensure the country remains globally competitive.

Who is running WCS?
WCS is funded by LSIS and delivered by a KPMG consortium.

Who is WCS for?
WCS is fully subsidised and open to all LSC funded providers.  There are activities targeted at all levels of staff.  This includes CEO's, directors and principals of further education institutions.  Staff from independent training providers who are involved in planning, developing and delivering employer responsive provision will benefit by getting involved in this programme.

Workshops and Seminars

For further information about the workshops and seminars, please read our special edition of Connect by clicking here or our events page

 

Apply now to lead the way on Thematic Development

If you are a leading edge organisation, have demonstrated interesting or effective practice, and are prepared to commit to develop and improve this practice, then KPMG would like to hear from you.

They are continuing to accept applications for the nine Thematic Development Projects which officially launch in the second week of December 2008. The overall aim of these projects is to:

• enable providers with interesting or effective practice and a commitment to improvement to share and develop their practice in a particular area
• develop and disseminate effective practice examples for the sector.

For further information on these projects and to download an application form, please click here

Completed applications should be returned as soon as possible to: wcsthematicdevelopment@kpmg.co.uk

  

How to apply for a World Class Skills Consultancy

As part of the World Class Skills programme, the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) is inviting all LSC funded providers to apply for individual organisational consultancy support. This is a huge opportunity for you to apply for fully-subsidised, expert guidance to further develop your employer responsive provision. The application process is open for a limited time only.

How will a consultancy programme support my organisation?

A KPMG consultant will be assigned to each consultancy programme to support your organisation through the process of completing the diagnostic questionnaire developed by LSIS, 'A Framework to Measure and Improve Employer Responsiveness', and preparing the associated Development Plan.

If you have already completed this diagnostic your consultant will help you to update the questionnaire and ensure that it is in line with Training Quality Standard (TQS) requirements. KPMG will then work with you to help identify how additional consultancy support may assist you in implementing your Development Plan.

The consultancy will take a flexible approach to ensure that the programme is customised to meet your needs.  Areas it may provide support include:
* implementing effective LMI and/or CRM systems
* Improving organisational design for performance
* implementing and maintaining change
*  achieving the Training Quality Standard

How do I apply for consultancy support?

Consultancy support is filling up fast, but you can still apply to take part of this service. The application form can be downloaded here. Your completed application should be returned by email to wcsenquiries@kpmg.co.uk as soon as possible. Please note that there are a limited number of consultancies available so you are encouraged to submit your application form as soon as possible.

Places will be allocated on a first come first served basis but if we are oversubscribed priority will be given to those providers hoping to achieve TQS within a year or who have been recommended by their LSC.

If you have any questions about World Class Skills consultancies please call us on 0800 32 86 075