The council’s staff training centre has been given a first-class report after an external inspection.

The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) centre offers staff the chance to study for a wide range of qualifications.

Its work has been described as excellent following a visit from the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA)

During the annual visit, the assessor found:

• An ‘excellent’ standard of work on show
• ‘Significant strengths’ – the highest possible rating – in all areas, including resources, support for candidates, internal assessment and verification, and records/data management
• Excellent work by staff members working towards qualifications.

He also said the centre maintained ‘very robust records’ for all council assessors, and that there was consistency over all assessors and SVQ awards.

Assessment of work was in line with was in line with SQA requirements, as was providing evidence that candidates’ work is their own.

Jane Fowler, the council’s head of improvement and HR, said: “We are delighted with this outstanding report from the SQA.

“It reflects our commitment to ensuring our staff have the opportunity to enhance their skills, gain a recognised achievement, and continue their learning and development.

“Having staff who have had the best training and are keen to continue their professional development means we can better serve the people of Argyll and Bute.

Both the council’s own SVQ assessors and members of staff studying for their SVQs were interviewed as part of the inspection.

The awards being examined were in SVQ in social services and healthcare, and SVQ social services (children and young people).

Argyll and Bute Council’s SVQ centre, based at Kilmory headquarters in Lochgilphead, was set up to offer in-house training and support to members of staff who want to gain work-related qualifications on the job.
They range from health and social care to customer services.