February 2008
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We've got a bumper edition of the eBriefing for you this month. We've had new members of staff join us, new projects, the world of Apprenticeships has experienced a virtual explosion in interest and on top of all that we've decided to give some events tickets away. I've got a baby update for you as well. As mentioned last month, your regular editor, Tracie Jaiswal was expecting a baby. I'm delighted to let you know that Lana Jaiswal was born safe and well on the 4th of February and all are doing well. Hope you all recovered from January's first outing with me as editor. As ever, if you have any comments, suggestions or articles for the eBriefing please do get in touch.
If you no longer wish to receive these eBriefings please click here to email us with your name and organisation. |
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What does GOOD look like?- TEN free event places
The workshop is a great opportunity to build on what you learnt at earlier assessor and IV master classes. If you attended earlier master classes or you are attending a CfA event for the first time, What does ‘good’ look like will maximise your performance as an assessor and streamline the process of building a complete and effective learner portfolio. We would like to offer the chance to win one of TEN free places at these events. To be in with a chance of winning in our prize draw we would like you to tell us who in your office is missing out and not receiving our eBriefings. Please send us the names and email addresses of your colleagues who currently do not receive the eBriefing but would like to. Please also include your name and which location you would prefer to attend on the dates below and we will enter you into the draw to win one of ten delegate places for you or one of your colleagues. To enter please email events@cfa.uk.com. Good luck!These full-day events will be held around the country on the following dates and will include a chance to network over lunch or over cup of tea with colleagues from around Britain.
To find out more please click here (pdf 116kb). Bookings are being taken now through the online store. |
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The CfA is developing a Functional Map for Business, Administration and Governance. This Functional Map aims to identify the National Occupational Standards (NOS) that support the functions carried out by administrators and any gaps in the current Business, Administration and Governance NOS. If gaps are identified the CfA will review the possibility of creating or importing new Business, Administration and Governance NOS to fill these gaps. This will ensure that all functions carried out by administrators at all levels are covered by appropriate Business, Administration and Governance NOS. The CfA would like to consult with all key stakeholders on the draft Functional Map. This is your opportunity to influence the shape of the 2008 Business, Administration and Governance Functional Map and we would really appreciate your involvement. Please return your completed questionnaire to Kerrie Fuller by Friday 14 March 2008. Please click here to obtain a copy of the Functional Map questionnaire. Download Questionnaire (Word.doc 224kb) |
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James has been carrying out research into the demand for business, administration and governance skills as part of the Labour Market Information (LMI) research. This research will inform the Qualification Strategy which to be completed later this year. |
OCR Levels 2 & 3 Diplomas in Administration The OCR Levels 2 and 3 Diplomas in Administration have been approved as proxies for the OCR Levels 2 and 3 Awards in Administration within the Administration Apprenticeship Frameworks.
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This year we looked at stress management and personal image. Both workshops were lead by leading psychologist Judi James who is best known for her work on Big Brother and her book ‘The Body Language Bible’. We also looked at the functions of administration which feeds into CfA research paper: Functional Map and looked at the role of the advisor network in 2008. The Advisor network is a voluntary group made up of senior administrators who act as the industry voice in order to inflence the Business & Administration Standards. If you are interested in joining this group or nominating a colleague then please contact Kerrie Fuller. |
Opportunities for PAs in Europe
Over the past two years the CfA has extended its work into the European market and taken a pivotal role in the design and development of vocational qualifications for European Office Managers/ PA’s. By September 2010, two qualifications will be available in the UK, the European Management Assistant/PA for SME’s and European Management Assistant for large and global organisations. They are designed primarily for experienced Office Managers or PA’s who wish to develop and expand their current role and career into the European market. Candidates will have the opportunity to work and study in any of the 10 European countries and Switzerland who have signed up to deliver this qualification. To find out more about this project please contact Uta Sempf. You can also click here to visit the Eurasment website. |
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On 28 January the Prime Minister, along with the Secretary of State, other ministers and business leaders attended the Ready for Work, Skilled for Work conference, to examine how Government and employers can work together to unlock Britain’s talent. At the conference, the Government published World Class Apprenticeships, setting out ambitious plans to ensure that all qualified young people have access to an Apprenticeship place by 2013 and significant growth in apprenticeships for older learners. Key recommendations include:
Click Here (pdf 1.1mb) to download the 'World-class Apprenticeships' strategy report |
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Apprenticeship Awards 2008: Last chance to enter There is now only two weeks to go until the deadline for your submissions for the APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS 2008. If you are an employer who is committed to training your workforce through Apprenticeships and can demonstrate the direct benefits to your business or you are an apprentice who is succeeding in your chosen career through your Apprenticeship, the LSC would like to hear from you. We would like to see some more strong contenders in the running from Business & Administration. We know you're out there so get nominated, fast. To find out more about the Apprenticeship Awards 2008 and how to enter, please click here or call 0800 954 88 96. |
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The CfA would like to thank everyone that took part in the Business & Administration Modern Apprenticeship (BAMA) review consultation and workshops. The CfA is currently reviewing the findings from the consultations and workshops and will be submitting a revised BAMA framework to the Modern Apprenticeship Group in the spring. If you have any questions about the BAMA review please contact Kelly Saliba on 020 7091 9635. |
City & Guilds are pleased to announce that their Level 2 Certificate in Business & Administration, recognised Technical Certificate for the Business & Administration Apprenticeship Framework, is now fully supported by SmartScreen. This gives access to suppoer materials such as sample lesson plans, Handouts and Activities. For more information about SmartScreen,thesupport for this qualification and subscribing, please go to www.smartscreen.co.uk, email or telephone 020 7294 3435. |
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Channel 4 offer insight into the life of an apprentice The viewing public will be offered an insight into the life of an Apprentice next Monday as Channel 4 go behind the scenes of New College Swindon's Young Apprentice programme short documentary. The documentary, which will be aired at 7.55pm on Monday 18th February, will see Anne Snelgrove MP interview a number of people involved in the Young Apprenticeship programme, including the head teacher at Churchfields school, who supports his students taking part in the YA programme, New College Young Apprenticeship Coordinator, Jo Green, and two students taking part in the YA programme. Jo Green commented: “It’s very exciting and a great opportunity for people to see what the Young Apprenticeships programme is about. A lot of people will probably think of Apprenticeships as just being in industries such as plumbing and building, but we offer Young Apprenticeships in wide range of areas, including Business and Health and Social care. Few people are probably aware of how popular Apprenticeships are becoming and how well they can prepare students for the world of work. 3 Minute Wonder Channel 4 - 7.55pm Monday 18 Feb |
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Review of NOS for Notice Processing To help ensure that those involved in notice processing are competent and skilled employees, the CfA and BPA (British Parking Association) are working together to review and update the national occupational standards (NOS) for these colleagues, this will ultimately lead to improved training and recognised qualifications. The BPA is the largest Professional Association in Europe representing organisations in the Parking and Traffic Management Industry. These organisations are many and varied, and include: Manufacturers, Car Park operators, Local Authorities, Health Authorities, Airports, Railways, Shopping Centres, Theme Parks, Consultants, in fact anyone involved in the construction, management and enforcement of Parking and in the wider Traffic Management Industry. As the recognised authority within the parking industry, the BPA represents, promotes and influences the best interests of the parking and traffic management sectors throughout the UK and Europe. The BPA and CfA have worked together for more than five years on the development of parking administration specialist standards and qualification pathways. The BPA is now looking to review and update the existing notice processing NOS. This work will be an important part of the solution to the challenges that face the parking sector. If you would like to be involved in the notice processing NOS development please contact Sara Vanderheld at the CfA on 020 7091 9626 or Rocky Datoo at the BPA on 01444 44 73 12. |
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South West Business Skills Academy The CfA is currently busy as part of a group setting up a Business Skills Academy with several colleges, Training Providers and employers. The Skills Academy aims to bring an employer focus to Business Skills by assuring quality provision for current and potential employees.  To start with the Skills Academy will be based in the South West of England for the pilot stages and is Chaired by Simon Witts (pictured) from FlyBe based at Exeter Airport. |
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Changes to IT Standards: Have your say Following a series of events and focus groups during the autumn, e-skills UK has published for wider consultation an amended set of National Occupational Standards for people who use IT in their every day jobs. The National Occupational Standards are the basis for IT user qualifications. Drafts of the IT Professional and Telecoms standards will follow shortly. The draft standards can be found at www.e-skills.com/nos2008 and e-skills would welcome comment on the standards as a whole, or on individual areas or statements of competence. This is of particular importance to centres offering Business & Administration as the IT NOS form a large proportion of our imported units. The CfA have received comments over the last few months regarding the 'natural fit' of the IT units in the Business & Administration NOS. This is your chance to influence them. You will need to log in to the e-skills website to view and comment. If you are registered on the e-skills.com website already, please use your individual login. Otherwise, please register and you will be sent your login details instantly. There are only a couple of weeks left to comment as the public consultation on this version of the draft standards will remain open until 28 February 2008. Additions and amendments as a result of your feedback will be clearly signposted. |
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To subscribe to the CfA eBriefing, please email richard.jane@cfa.uk.com The CfA is not responsible for the content of any external links from this newsletter. The Council for Administration is a registered charity, No 1095 809. |
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Following on from the success of 2007’s Assessor Master Class, this March, the CfA is holding a series of full-day events around the UK. What does ‘good’ look like is an interactive workshop of best practice activities designed to promote high-quality Assessor performance and efficient portfolio building.
The Diplomas can now be used as achievement of the Technical Certificate element of the Business Administration Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship.
The CfA's Advisor Network hold's a conference each year to update Advisors on the latest tips and tricks.
If you would like to submit information to the CfA eBriefing, please contact Richard Jane on 020 7091 9620.
© CfA 2008
