Welcome to phase 2 of the Diploma Support Programme

The consortia workforce training programme starts now. There will be a range of workshops, materials, training as well as bespoke support from workforce partners for every member of every consortia delivering in 2009.

How to access support

• A conversation with Cambridge Education (on behalf of DCSF) will provide feedback on your Gateway application and provide an overview of the support on offer. Conversations will be arranged for April/May
• One of the regional team from the National College for School Leadership (NCSL)/Centre for Excellence in Leadership (CEL), and the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) will contact you to invite you to a second conversation to help you plan your workforce support package in more detail. Your government office and 14-19 regional adviser may want to attend this meeting, which will be held in late April or May
• Refine your plan as you go along with support from NCSL and CEL leadership consultants, who can meet with you termly to review your support needs. Your SSAT regional diploma coordinator will also be a key ongoing contact as you identify your teams of practitioners to deliver the Diplomas

Your support package

The support on offer has two key themes; preparing for teaching and learning, and helping you lead, plan and communicate. A small amount of support is core and the rest is optional.

Members of your consortium will be offered:

• Functional skills training in June (Secondary National Strategy / QIA)
• Building the Diploma team for line of learning team leaders from June (QIA / SSAT)
• 'Inside the Diploma' and 'Inside the workplace' core events from November (QIA / SSAT)
• Bespoke support, including consultancy, tailored training, and networking and materials (QIA / SSAT)
• Online support at www.diploma-support.com

Further support will be signposted at your initial conversations, covering:

• Exam officers and managers (National Assessment Agency – NAA)
• Specifications & assessment - awarding bodies support
• Information, advice and guidance
• Employer engagement
• Marketing your offer to young people
• Support for unsuccessful lines

DCSF online consortia support and events calendar
This calendar contains comprehensive listings of all the support available to consortia and centres offering Diplomas and functional skills that is provided by:

• DCSF through partner organisations
• Awarding bodies
• Diploma development partnerships

Listings include continuing professional development training, published and online resources, bespoke support, seminars, conferences and much more. You can search for support relevant to you and your organisation using a number of different parameters.

• DCSF online calendar

You can also sign up to receive monthly e-newsletter updates.

We look forward to working with you in the months ahead to ensure a smooth and successful progression towards Delivery 2009 for you and your consortium.