NVQs awarded to UCL staff

Fifteen members of staff gained Management NVQs (National Vocational Qualification) at level 4 or level 5, while three gained Administration level 3. For the first time in the seven years that the programme has been run at UCL, this year's group included two members of academic staff and two researchers.

Zoë Holman, Head of Corporate & Alumni Events in UCL's Development and Corporate Communications Office, has completed Management level 5 - the highest level possible. She said: "It's fantastic that UCL offers this programme to staff who wish to develop their management skills. Not only have I learned a great deal about different types of management practice and leadership skills, but because of the way that the course is taught you get to put everything into practice, rather than simply come away with lots of theory which might not be implemented."

Andrew Taylor of UCL's Staff Development and Training Unit explained: "The flexibility of the NVQ programme meets with all manner of challenges - from job sharing and internal job changes to maternity breaks."

Since UCL began the programme in 1999, it has provided the university with 62 qualified managers. Independent research has found that the workplaces of UCL candidates have benefited 'overwhelmingly' by their participation in the programmes. Many people who complete the course have found that it boosts their self-esteem and personal confidence in carrying out their roles.

"It is astonishing to see the difference that staff who have taken NVQs can make to their departments," said Professor Michael Worton. "By reflecting both on what they themselves do and on what others do, they develop their professional skills and contribute significantly to improving organisational processes at UCL.

The UCL programme is run in partnership with West Hertfordshire College. Judy Johnson, who manages the programme at the college, also attended the awards presentation.

NVQs are work-related, competence-based qualifications. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do a job effectively, and are based on national occupational standards.

Induction sessions for the next set of staff to undertake the programme will be held in January 2007.

Image: Natalie Wilkins of Human Communication Science receives her NVQ certificate from Professor Michael Worton

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• Management NVQ
• Administration NVQ