Develop your quality standards
- The Skills Development Scotland (SDS) National Training Programme Requirement
- Preparation of Self Assessment (SA) documents and Quality Development Plans (QDPs)
The Scottish Quality Management System (SQMS)
SQMS standards help to define what quality means for organisations involved in education, training and lifelong learning.
The standards provide a means to measure and improve the quality of training and a tool to develop your organisation through structured self-assessment.
SDS National Training Programme Requirements
The National Training Programme general rules require that all national programme contract holders (apart from the exceptions listed below) are familiar and comply with SQMS standards.
Download a copy of the Scottish Quality Management System standards (PDF, 1505kb)
The following 3 categories are exempt:
- Contract holders whose main business is not training and have 5 or less trainees in training at all times.
- Providers contracted to deliver the Life Skills element of the Get Ready for Work programme.
- Certain Training for Work contractors that offer short duration or customised training, when activity is not continuous throughout all of the operating year.
If you are interested in contracting with SDS but are not familiar with SQMS standards, please contact us for advice.
Preparation of Self Assessment (SA) documents and Quality Development Plans (QDPs)
Preparation of SA documents and QDPs are an integral part of our quality management process, and SDS contractors are required to complete these annually.
Below you will find some practical guidance in relation to completing SA’s and QDP’s for our national training programmes.
Guidelines
Self Assessment and Quality Development Plan Process Summary-Training Provider Guidance (Word, 81kb)- Hints and Tips for Conducting Self Assessment and Writing Quality Development Planp (PDF, 51kb)
- Sample of a partially completed Self Assessment and Quality Development Plan (PDF, 105kb)
Templates