The Public Service Skills Framework

A pilot project to train public service support staff in England is well under way.

Aimed at public sector employers such as local authorities as well as private facilities companies offering outsourced services to public bodies, it equips staff with skills additional to those required for their principal job roles – thus enhancing their job prospects whilst improving the service offered to the public.

The Public Service Skills Framework (PSSF) offers an award in Customer Service with extras including teamwork, health and safety, equality and diversity and core skills.

With funding from Train to Gain, it aims to provide focused skills training for a wide range of workers free of charge to employers. There is considerable interest from FM / support services companies and from local government.

OCS are piloting the scheme for cleaning staff at their site at Lymington Hospital in Hampshire and for support staff at Gun Wharf Quay in Portsmouth. Feedback will help assess its suitability for the private sector, particularly where staff have contact with the general public.

We would still like to hear from employers who may be interested in joining the pilots. Please email Tom Orton at torton@assetskills.org or call 01392 423 399.

Click here for a copy of the PSSF Leaflet.

Click here for FAQs about PSSF.

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