Government Skills
Last updated: 4 December, 2009
4 December 2009
This year David Bell, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Children, Schools and Families, became the Central Government Champion of the new Diploma in Public Services. He joins a growing network of employer champions committed to ensuring Diploma students have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to give them a career head start in public services.
David Bell's appointment marks a positive step towards engaging central government employers in the preparation for delivery of the Diploma in Public Services in September 2010. The Department for Children Schools and Families also leads on the Diploma programme in England. David says:
“It's a great chance to combine my commitment to delivering the Diploma programme with a championing role for this specific Diploma, which will help us prepare the next generation of public servants.”
The Diploma is a new qualification for young people aged 14 to 19 to prepare them more effectively for work, whether through school, college, work-based learning, university or directly into employment. Covering careers within the justice sector, health sector, central government, local government and housing, the Diploma in Public Services is one of 17 diplomas, designed to combine essential skills and knowledge, hands-on experience and employer-supported learning.
Central government covers a many functions, sectors and careers and the Diploma invites learners to study the full range of public services in each.
The Diploma in Public Services provides a learning experience that should ensure greater numbers of young people consider a career in central and local government. By getting involved in the Diploma employers have the opportunity to bring their contribution to public services to life for students and to play their part in attracting and shaping the future workforce.
Central government departments need to contribute to ensure the successful delivery of this Diploma and to make the most of the numerous development opportunities available to staff who are involved in Diploma delivery.
David concludes:
“Every department, with no exceptions, can play a role. I want to see young people given practical opportunities to learn the trade in our departments. With our reach and influence, we can make a real difference right across the country.”
Employers can get involved in various ways, working with schools and colleges in local areas where Diplomas are taught, including:
Whilst helping students complete their Diplomas, employers can contribute to the growth of a strong pool of future job candidates with a real understanding of your sector, a commitment to the values it embodies and the functional skills you want, learnt in a range of public service contexts.
The Diploma is being developed by a Diploma Development Partnership (DDP), in collaboration with employers to ensure its relevance and value. The DDP is led by Skills for Justice, the Sector Skills Council for Justice and safer communities, working in partnership with Government Skills, Skills for Health, Council for Administration and SkillsPlusUK.