The Training Quality Standard (TQS) is an assessment framework and an assessment and certification process which has been designed to recognise and celebrate the best organisations delivering training and development solutions to employers.

The outcome of a year-long process of research, development and testing, the Training Quality Standard has been designed to reflect employers’ priorities and expectations in sourcing training and development solutions, and the practices of the organisations proven to be the best at delivering them.

By achieving TQS certification providers such as colleges or employers can be recognised for the high quality of their training provision.

"The TQS recognises training providers who are engaging effectively with employers. Learners who are able to work with creative and cultural employers during their time in college will be better equiped to work in our sector." Pauline Tambling, Creative & Cultural Skills

The Training Quality Standard has been developed to help employers by:

• creating a quality mark which will highlight the best public and private organisations from which to access training and development solutions; and
• setting a high bar for certification, to trigger a cultural shift among training and development providers, encouraging them to aspire to greater flexibility, relevance and commitment to continuous improvement.

To achieve the TQS, centres need to show how they are responding to the needs of employers as individual customers. This is covered in Part A of the Standard, 'assessing organisations for their responsiveness'.

Centres will then be able to complete their application by showing how they are developing and deploying products to address particular sector needs. This is covered in Part B of the Standard, 'assessing organisations for their expertise'.

Creative & Cultural Skills has helped the Learning and Skills Council to develop a new higher standard for the certification of training providers, including those previously recognised as Centres of Vocational Excellence (COVEs).Guidance is available for Visual Arts, Craft & Design, Music & Performing Arts, Literary Arts and Cultural Heritage: Download the Part B Guidance from Creative and Cultural Skills (PDF)

For more information visit www.trainingqualitystandard.co.uk.