SkillsPledge Programme Framework

SkillsPledge Programme^®

A programme for recognition of employers who promote the professional development of their workforce

SkillsPledge Programme Framework

To be recognised in the SkillsPledge Programme each employer must meet the benchmarks mentioned in our framework.

What is SkillsPledge Programme Framework?

The SkillsPledge Programme Framework defines a set of benchmarks and criteria for recognising employers who demonstrate a structured and measurable commitment to workforce development. At its core, the framework is built around eight clearly defined benchmark, which serve as the key standards against which employers are evaluated. To meet these benchmarks, employers must provide supporting documentation that evidences their compliance and efforts. A list of possible supporting documents is provided as a reference to guide employers on the types of evidence they can submit.

Benchmarks	Possible Supporting Documents*
B1. Establish and maintain a clearly defined organisational structure delineating roles and responsibilities for employee professional development	Organisational structure/chart detailing the hierarchy and roles/responsibilities in relation to professional development of employees Training manuals, guides or other documents in relation to professional development clearly identifying who the responsible person is
B2. Establish and maintain documented policies and procedures supporting employees' professional development	Copies of all related policies and procedures Note: The names of these policies might differ; it’s the content that we are interested in
B3. Establish and maintain a structured performance management system coupled with a systematic feedback system to foster continuous improvement	Performance management policy Performance appraisal forms Training records Employee handbook Policies, procedures or templates evidencing how feedback is provided to the employees
B4. Integrate staff development into the organisation's strategic planning processes	Vision, mission and values of the organisation Minutes of staff meetings at the strategic level, including any action plans
B5. Allocate and maintain adequate resources to effectively support CPD initiatives	Pictures of available resources such as training facilities Virtual tour of online resources Evidence of subscriptions Evidence that budget allocations are specifically designated for CPD activities Inventory of resources available for employee development, such as training materials, software licences, or training facilities
B6. Incorporate emerging technologies when planning and delivering CPD activities across various settings	Records of investments in technology infrastructure to support CPD, such as learning management systems or virtual training platforms Note: This is likely to be covered in B5. However, please feel free to provide additional evidence, as relevant.
B7. Provide comprehensive and ongoing support for employees in their professional development journey	Relevant policies and procedures Examples of how this was implemented in practice Feedback from employees regarding the effectiveness of support provided by the employer in supporting their CPD endeavours
B8. Promote a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion when implementing policies related to personal and professional development of the workforce	Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy Staff Training Records Diversity and Inclusion Data/Reports Inclusive Hiring Practices Documentation EDI-related Awards or Accreditations

*Additionally, the assessment will be based upon the results of an anonymous employee survey form, offering insight into how the organisation’s development culture is experienced across the workforce. Together, these components ensure a thorough and transparent assessment of an employer’s dedication to continuous professional development.

How do I, as an employer, demonstrate that I meet these benchmarks?

Alongside the submission of the required supporting evidence, employers must complete a self-evaluation of between 1,000 and 2,000 words, addressing each of the eight benchmarks outlined in the SkillsPledge Programme Framework. This self-evaluation should provide a comprehensive overview of how your organisation meets the criteria, including reflections on strategy, implementation, and impact.

In addition, employers are required to facilitate an anonymous employee survey to gather staff feedback on the organisation’s development culture. The survey must include a minimum of 10 employees or 25% of your workforce, whichever number is higher, and the survey results must be submitted as part of the assessment. This ensures that the employee perspectives are incorporated into the final evaluation.

Upon review of the complete application, including the self-evaluation, supporting evidence, and survey results, employers will be awarded one of the following ratings for each benchmark:

Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Requires Improvement

You must achieve at least a Satisfactory rating against each benchmark.

	Silver Employer	Gold Employer	Platinum Employer
Badges
Criteria	Good or Excellent grade in at least any of the two benchmarks + At least Satisfactory grade in the remaining six benchmarks	Good or Excellent grade in at least any of the four benchmarks + At least Satisfactory grade in the remaining four benchmarks	Good or Excellent grade in at least any of the six benchmarks + At least Satisfactory grade in the remaining two benchmarks

	Silver Employer	Gold Employer	Platinum Employer
Criteria	An Excellent or Good rating in at least two benchmarks + Satisfactory rating in the remaining six benchmarks.	An Excellent or Good rating in at least four benchmarks + Satisfactory rating in the remaining four benchmarks.	An Excellent or Good rating in at least six benchmarks + Satisfactory rating in the remaining two benchmarks.

For more clarification, please see Membership Guidance For SkillsPledge Programme

	Silver Employer	Gold Employer	Platinum Employer
Badges
Criteria	Good or Excellent grade in at least any of the two benchmarks + At least Satisfactory grade in the remaining six benchmarks	Good or Excellent grade in at least any of the four benchmarks + At least Satisfactory grade in the remaining four benchmarks	Good or Excellent grade in at least any of the six benchmarks + At least Satisfactory grade in the remaining two benchmarks

For more clarification, please see our Guide for SkillsForge Programme

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SkillsPledge Programme Framework