Skills for justice - developing skills for safer communities

How do NVQs and SVQs differ from other qualifications?

S/NVQs assess your competence in doing your job, and they are usually assessed in the workplace by observation, professional discussions with an Assessor, and by collecting evidence whilst carrying out your duties. Traditional 'taught courses' usually take place in the classroom and are knowledge based.


Who is responsible for developing Scottish and National Vocational Qualifications(S/NVQs)?

S/NVQs structures are developed by Sector Skills Councils or Standards Setting Bodies in collaboration with awarding bodies and industry. Awarding bodies will design, develop and seek accreditation of the S/NVQs with the relevant qualifications regulator.


Where can I find details of NVQs and SVQs in the Justice sector?

Take a look at our new Qualifications Leaflet| showing what qualifications are available/under development and the equivalent levels across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.


Are any funded courses available through Skills for Justice?

Although we develop products and services, implement practical solutions and develop qualification structures, we do not deliver any training courses ourselves.


Where can I undertake an NVQ/SVQ and how much will it cost?

You will need to contact your local provider (assessment centre). There are a network of assessment centres for each subject area who are approved by their Awarding Bodies. Awarding bodies who offer justice S/NVQs|


I'm looking at career development for my staff, are S/NVQs suitable?

Absolutely. S/NVQs assess competence in doing the job and are usually assessed in the workplace. By undertaking an S/NVQ your employees will gain formal recognition for the knowledge and skills they already have, and the S/NVQ will provide a structure for development. The method of learning is a flexible and cost-effective qualification.


We want to make sure that our staff are doing their job well and I would like to use S/NVQs. I was wondering about the possibility of being our own assessment centre?

Many employers realise that competence based qualifications such as S/NVQs will quality assure their emploees' level of performance. Being your own assessment centre depends upon the business case. If you have significant numbers of staff and/or a considerable change in staff it may be worth contacting an Awarding Body and becoming an approved centre. If the potential numbers are limited you could link into an existing assessment centre and work with them. For small numbers it is more viable to buy in the assessment provision.


What's the difference between NOS and NVQ Units?

We undertake extensive consultation with employers to develop National Occupational Standards (NOS). NOS are standards of competence that employers expect their staff to have in order to carry out their role effectively. NOS have no levels and are qualification neutral.

NOS are the basis of S/NVQs and are used to define the qualification structure. During the qualification development process, the NOS are converted to S/NVQ units - evidence requirements are identified and qualifications are given an S/NVQ level appropriate to the level of authority/autonomy relative the occupational role.


What degrees are available in the Justice sector?

Take a look at the UCAS Course Search facility where you can search by course subject, type etc.