Standards

This web page covers the following topics:

• National Occupational Standards (NOS): what they are and what they can be used for

• Investors in People (IIP): standard for organisations

If you are looking for information about standards and professional qualifications connected to being a trainer, then go to the NCVYS web page >> professional qualifications and standards for trainers

National Occupational Standards (NOS)

Q. What are they?

National Occupational Standards describe the knowledge and skills needed to perform a job role or work task. They provide a benchmark of good practice as they explain what needs to be done.

It is best to think of the standards as a tool which you can refer to and use sections of the standards or the full version.

Q. What can the standards be used for?

There are potentially 115 uses of the national occupational standards. Download the Uses Document to find out what these are.

Some common uses of the standards:

• Job descriptions and recruitment selection

• Use in the design of qualifications and training programmes

• Training needs analysis

• For appraisal and supervision purposes

• For continuing professional development

• As a self reflective log

Q. Are there National Occupational Standards for youth work?

Yes, and the full suite of standards can be downloaded here. If you would like individual PDF versions of the standards please contact Nichola Brown workforce development officer, or just print out the relevant pages from within the full document.

Sharing practice: real examples of how members and the sector have used the National Occupational Standards for youth work (opens a pop-up window) >> NOS practice examples in the voluntary youth sector

Q. Where to go for copies of the standards and further information?

Copies of standards and units from standards, plus further information can be found on the UK Standards Website. These are free to download.

National Occupational Standards connected to working in the third sector e.g. managing volunteers, trustees and fundraising can be obtained from the Skills-Third Sector web site.

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Investors in People

The Investors in People (IIP) Standard provides a framework that helps organisations to improve performance and realise objectives through the effective management and development of their people. It is open to all organisations of any size.

To find out more >> Investors in People

The former UK Workforce Hub in conjunction with Investors in People has produced Not for profit, fully professional - a publication showing how IIP can make a difference in not-for-profit organisations. 

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