How are they developed?

Standards are developed through extensive consultation with employers.

An occupational analysis is developed which maps all aspects of a work area. The occupational analysis is broken down into the functions performed within each are to create a functional map.

An employer group is set up to ensure wide industry consultation to identify the performance and knowledge criteria for each function.

A first draft of the standards is circulated for national consultation with stakeholders including employers, professional bodies, and practitioners.

The standards are revised according to consultation findings and working group approval and completed standards are submitted to the UK Commission for Education and Skills.