Core Criteria Overview

Core Criterion 1:
The organisation’s activities contribute to the improvement of young people’s achievement; personal development, aspiration and motivation; and knowledge of the world of work.

Core Criterion 2:
The organisation enables employers to become involved in education and ensures that its activities reflect the realities of work.

Core Criterion 3:
The organisation’s purpose is clear and explicit; its intended outcomes are specified and relate to the preparation of young people for adult working life.

Core Criterion 4:
The organisation’s activities support national work-related learning strategies.

Core Criterion 5:
The organisation is aware of, and its work supports, specific national, regional and local skills policies, and links to employer needs.

Core Criterion 6:
The organisation has governance arrangements that reflect its community and stakeholders, and indicate clear accountabilities.

Core Criterion 7:
The organisation has a clear management structure and current business plan with explicit time-bound objectives.

Core Criterion 8:
The organisation has sound financial management including planning, monitoring and compliance with contracts.

Core Criterion 9:
The organisation has policies relating to its statutory responsibilities; these policies are implemented and achieve compliance with current law.

Core Criterion 10:
The organisation uses an evaluation process to monitor the achievement of its objectives and intended outcomes, which prompts action in response where required.

Core Criterion 11:
The organisation provides a programme of continuing professional development for its staff, which enables them to meet the organisation’s objectives.

Module A Overview

Modules A: Brokerage, strategy and partnership

Criterion A1:

The organisation supports learning providers in the development of work-related learning.

Criterion A2:

The organisation is engaged in partnership with schools and colleges.

Criterion A3:

The organisation is actively involved in partnership activities with organisations that support schools and colleges.

Criterion A4:

The organisation works with employers to address the needs of local, (sub-) regional and/or national economic development.

Criterion A5:

The organisation promotes to employers and schools/ colleges the benefits to each of working in partnership.

Modules B: Delivery of Specialisms

Criterion B1: Experience of Work

The organisation delivers quality-assured work placements which provide explicit links to the curriculum and help to prepare young people for working life.

Criterion B2: Enterprise and Employability

The organisation delivers programmes which develop enterprise skills and improve skills for employability.

Criterion B3: Economic Awareness

The organisation delivers programmes which develop economic wellbeing and financial capability in young people.

Criterion B4: Subject Specialism

The organisation supports and delivers programmes which enhance young people’s understanding of the importance and relevance of its subject specialism within the economy, employment and everyday life.  It encourages the use of positive, dynamic role models to inform young people about careers and challenges occupational stereotyping.

Criterion B5: Professional Development

The organisation provides a professional development programme for education staff which gives them first-hand experience of current employment practice.