Murray Simpson explains why the TSA is supporting the latest Government training initiative
The Consumer Service Industry Authority (CSIA), established earlier this year, could be seen as just the latest in a line of training bodies, but nevertheless I believe it has the potential to deliver what our industry needs.
Every five years or so, the Government feels the need to abolish its network of employer led education and training organisations and replace them with "fewer, larger, more strategic bodies". In this industry alone since the mid-1980s we have had TRICE, DOSC, DNTO and now the CSIA.
National scandal The waste of public money in establishing and then abolishing these organisations is nothing short of a national scandal, but even that is overshadowed by the effect on industry of this constant and needless change.
Employers are confused by the organisations, unsure of the qualifications, and baffled by the funding routes. This uncertainty could be the reason so few in our industry have taken up NVQs. It could also explain why in-house qualifications have been developed and why the Guild has relaunched its own examinations.
Good work Much good work was carried out by the organisations I have listed, not least the development of three NVQs for our industry and some pioneering and enterprising companies are using the qualifications as part of their strategy to recruit, develop, motivate and retain staff. But many more are not.
There is a clear need for industry leadership on the training issue, for what can be more important today than attracting and retaining good staff.
So, despite the frustration of reinvention, TSA is supporting the establishment of this latest body. The Consumer Services Industry Authority (CSIA) will cover a whole host of consumer related industries from hairdressing and beauty, through betting and gaming to funeral services.
The only show Retail drycleaning is an obvious fit here; textile rental perhaps less so. But for our industry the CSIA is the only show in town.
The organisation, based in Doncaster, has 28 staff and has applied for Government recognition as a Sector Skills Council with statutory responsibility for education and training and workforce planning. Funding will follow too - a figure of up to £1million a year has been quoted.
The CSIA has the potential to deliver for our industry, with the staff and resources to make a difference. Expect to hear a lot more.
