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Framework Solutions Ltd CharterFRAMEWORK SOLUTIONSCHARTERJULY 2005Framework Solutions Ltd Phone: 04 385 2196 Vision StatementFramework Solutions Ltd provides NZQA Framework related solutions for those with an interest in training and education, and assessment of learning. 1. Mission StatementFramework Solutions Ltd provides quality training opportunities focusing on helping and encouraging learners and staff reach their goals, develop their potential and become life-long learners. IntroductionFramework Solutions Ltd is a multi-site, multi-focus PTE. We currently focus on industry based employment and pre-employment training in the fields of computing, outdoor recreation assistant leadership, sports event management, sports fitness, seafood processing and deckhand operations, and unique fields of hearing therapy, and adaptive technology for the blind. Framework Solutions Ltd also provides consultancy, training and assessment for a range of ITO's and other organisations. This aspect occurs mainly through the Head Office and its Director. All programmes delivered, courses and qualifications offered are based on the NZQA National Qualifications Framework unit standards. One site offers Occupational Health and Safety, Emergency Management and Hazardous Substance management as requested by clients. Sites are located in Timaru, Christchurch, Wellington, New Plymouth, Napier, Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland. Each Site has local ownership through at least one Site Director and has a management board. Each site has a contractual arrangement to be a site of Framework Solutions Ltd and adheres to the common Quality Management System. Each site is part of the integral whole of Framework Solutions Ltd. Each site is unique and is distinctive in relation to its focus of training, local learner pool, and staffing. Hence local sites are encouraged to develop some further values and goals reflecting that distinctiveness. This allows some flexibility and direction for each local site. The combination of local ownership and contractual arrangement means that Framework Solutions Ltd is able to meet local needs and to develop as opportunities are identified in any particular region. Industry needs are speedily accommodated through this process. Framework Solutions Ltd identifies its stakeholders as
For its future vision, Framework Solutions Ltd is committed to continual professional development of its educational services through its quality management system and its process of site consultation. We seek to build our capacity to pre-employment and employment foundation skills. We also seek to respond to workforce transitional and re-training needs and to contribute to the maximisation of participation levels in formal education, particularly levels 2 to 4. As sites gain experience they offer higher levels for their students to staircase and this has lead already to some level 5 being offered and more is expected including level 6 in the next 2-3 years.. Through continual feedback from learners, staff and stakeholders Framework Solutions Ltd Sites will build capacity to
2. Special CharacterFramework Solutions Ltd is a multi-Site, multi-focus PTE that has a diverse industry focus, and is training basically at levels 2-4 on the Framework. One Site offers a level 5 programme, the Diploma in Hearing Therapy (the only provider of this training in New Zealand). A level 5 Diploma in Adult Education and Training is delivered using block courses. For a significant number of learners, Framework Solutions Ltd Sites offer an opportunity for a "new start" and provide foundation processes which introduce people to the learning culture in ways that help them develop the confidence to work in self- directed ways. Our learner profile includes
Framework Solutions Ltd provides a robust quality management system also for individual training providers who see their expertise as delivering quality training to their client groups. Framework Solutions Ltd by providing an infrastructure as well as providing management of these flexible sites and individuals enables them to be able to use their skills for the benefit of learners. 3. Contribution to New Zealand's identity and economic, social, and cultural developmentFramework Solutions Ltd Sites contribute in several areas to New Zealand's identity, and economic, social and cultural development through the diversity of its sites. Contribution to New Zealand's identity and cultural development occurs through the recognition of the multi-cultural nature of the New Zealand population and by most Framework Solutions Ltd Sites having open entry. (The nature of some programmes does require a certain degree of fitness and are unsuitable/unsafe for certain types of disabilities, for example, the deckhand courses and sports). This open entry policy enables the multi-cultural society to be reflected in the learner and staff mixes at the various sites and promotes appreciation of diversity. One site (New Zealand Sports Academy, Rotorua) has a Maori focus and contributes to cultural development by promoting Te Ao Maori and tikanga as an integral aspect of the training. Tikanga is promoted by the incorporation of Maori food gathering methods, Maori medicine, haka and powhiri. This results in Maori learners being very proud of their heritage and valuing their traditions as well as being able to pass on that knowledge to others. All staff at this site are Maori. Three other Sites (computing) have Maori Tutors and a high proportion of Maori learners. All sites contribute to economic transformation, in such areas as fishing and seafood processing, computing, tourism and sports. Young people are trained for employment in the seafood industry at the Timaru Site. This training is flexible, allowing opportunities for short term practical experience on a fishing vessel (with training individually tailored to accommodate this). Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland sites also train young people for employment in the tourism industry through outdoor education and leadership, recreation and fitness. These programmes have a strong emphasis on safety and risk management. Graduates from these programmes readily find employment (a recent survey showed 70% graduates from all the Outdoor Recreation Assistant Leadership Courses still working directly in this field). Many of these graduates commence study with low qualifications and make significant personal growth through their course and become confident young people entering the employment market. Framework Solutions Ltd Sites contribute to the social development of New Zealand through their foundation courses in levels 2 and 3 of the NQF. Open entry into these courses enables a good basic skill set of computing skills to be gained, these skills are now required for almost any industry and employment role and in our knowledge-based economy. Two sites provide innovative contributions. The first of these is the adaptive technology course based at the Auckland Site (Royal Foundation of the Blind), which caters for learners who are visually impaired and seeks to provide computer training using adaptive technology with a view to people finding employment. This site works in close conjunction with other asvpects of the Royal Foundation of the Blind support services to ensure the welfare and special needs of these learners are met. The second innovative site is based in Hamilton and is involved in training hearing therapists. This is a niche market that has a great shortage of trained specialist staff. LIFE Unlimited is the Framework Solutions Ltd site that works in this area. Block courses are delivered in Hamilton and Auckland to take advantage of the hearing specialists and companies that produce hearing aids in those localities. Learners are then given individual placements in hearing therapy clinics with supervised practical training to gain the experience and further learning on the job. 4. Contribution to the tertiary education system as a wholeFramework Solutions Ltd is positioned within the tertiary sector to contribute to providing opportunities for pre-employment and basic skills that lead to further tertiary study or employment. In particular the open entry policy and flexible learning hours of each computing site improve access and participation for learners who have difficulty in attending fixed class times. The blended learning styles of the computing sites include self-paced learning, flexible tutoring hours, home visits and telephone support. The similar structure followed at each site allows learners to transfer between sites when necessary. Some Framework Solutions Ltd sites provide specialist training unavailable elsewhere in New Zealand, for example the National Diploma in Hearing Therapy through its Hamilton Site and computer training for the visually impaired using adaptive technology in its Auckland Site. The Timaru site is the only seafood provider in Timaru. Framework Solutions Ltd Sites are committed to helping learners complete their course, to be successful and to take responsibility for their learning. Tutors at each Site seek to inspire in learners confidence, a positive attitude, motivation, a developing independence in study and a passion for life-long learning. This is achieved through personal interest, respect, open door policies, one-on-one extra tuition, encouragement, feedback and discussions on progress. The small class sizes facilitate personal attention of staff to individual learners. Having gained foundation skills, Framework Solutions Ltd learners are in a position to enter training with other tertiary providers for higher level study, should they so desire. Local Sites help learners become aware of further training opportunities. Many also enter or re-enter the paid workforce and return to further training with some work experience behind them. 5. Approach to collaboration and cooperation with other tertiary education providers and organisationsFramework Solutions Ltd is largely working at the lower levels of the Framework, and has few formal links to other tertiary providers. Our Fishing School Site works closely with SITO, and the sports and outdoor education Sites work closely with SFRITO. Framework Solutions Ltd receives requests from other tertiary providers in such areas as assessor and moderator training. The head office Site Directors provide these services to these providers and a number of ITO's. Framework Solutions Ltd is a member of NZAPEP, and acknowledges the support it gets from advisers at TEC, MOE, and NZQA. Sites with informal arrangements and initiatives to facilitate pathways of further study for learners include:
In the last year Framework Solutions Ltd Sites have been working to establish further relationships with local Polytechnics, Wananga and PTEs to help facilitate pathways of further study for learners. 6. Approach to fulfilling Treaty of Waitangi obligationsFramework Solutions Ltd endeavours to work with Maori in the spirit of partnership suggested by the Treaty of Waitangi. We accept our responsibility to bring that commitment to all aspects of the work of our sites. A copy of the Treaty is displayed at most sites. We are a large provider of tertiary education for Maori. Maori learners form a high percentage of our computer learners in Auckland, Hamilton, Napier and New Plymouth. Our Rotorua site is a Maori site, Kaupapa based, applying Maori methodology and practices. A Kaumatua is available. At this site a cultural practices programme is run and a tutor covers Whakapapa, Mau Rakau (Maori weaponry training techniques), Waka Ama (outrigging), Rongoa (Maori Medicine and healing), and Kai Mahi (traditional food-gathering). Learner surveys show high levels of satisfaction among our Maori learners. A number of sites have contact with local Maori wardens. Most computing sites have Maori tutors. The two sports sites also have Maori staff members. Framework Solutions Ltd is committed to assisting Maori tutors to upskill. All tutors are encouraged to complete unit standard 7091 "Facilitate adult learning in New Zealand's cultural environment". Tutors are given specific advice about learning styles likely to be found among Maori, and how to use this knowledge. Improving learning outcomes continues to be a major priority. We are monitoring progress more closely and providing support and counselling as needed. Should learners request assessment in Te Reo, we will provide it. Each Site has people that are willing to assist in translation. A long-term aim is to use our flexibility in learning delivery to make a specialised contribution that is valued by Maori. We expect to continue to attract a percentage of Maori to our programmes that is above the per capita average. Our open entry policy and generally flexible hours attract Maori learners. The personal support of skilled tutors assists understanding the needs of Maori learners. A requirement of the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer for Framework Solutions Ltd was that he/she has had experience in working biculturally and an understanding of Treaty based practice. The appointee has this background and spent 7 years setting up and developing Te Kaiawhina Ahumahi, the only truly bicultural ITO. He is now working with all sites to encourage them to determine tangata whenua; to contact local Iwi, Runanga or Maori organisations to view their development plans in order to see their education and training aspirations; to arrange noho Marae visits for staff and stakeholders. Two of our sites already have access to Maori Advisory Board services and one site (Timaru) has access to the local Marae for learners. This aspect of developing local relationships with Iwi, and Maori organisations will be a focus for continuing development. 7. Approach to meeting the needs of Pacific PeoplesFramework Solutions Ltd strives to create a learning environment that values and supports the needs of all learners. Pacific Island learners do not make up a great number of the present learner population (6.6%) because several Sites of Framework Solutions Ltd are located in areas with very few Pacific Peoples (e.g. Timaru, New Plymouth, Napier). If Pacific learners wanted to study at these Sites, we would source support from the local community wherever possible. A pilot project to assist 12 Samoans immigrate to New Zealand with guaranteed employment in the Fishing industry has been a huge success and we expect to bring in a further 40-50 in the next 3 years. This has been a major collaborative effort between the Immigration Department, the Seafood ITO and Framework Solutions Ltd Timaru site the Timaru Fishing School. Part of our approach to meeting the needs of Pacific People involves our open entry policy, respect for people of all ethnic backgrounds and culture, self-paced learning, one-on-one tutorial assistance, and delivery targeted at a range of learning styles. In Auckland where there are more Pacific People, the percentage of Pacific learners is 24%. We have had until recently some Pacific tutors in Auckland and Hamilton. We are open to recruiting appropriately skilled Pacific tutors. Framework Solutions Ltd sites in Auckland will be actively trying to develop supportive relationships with community groups and inviting advice on assisting Pacific learners to achieve their goals. 8. Approach to meeting the educational needs of learnersFramework Solutions Ltd recognises that learners have a very diverse and broad range of educational needs, interests, vocational and personal objectives. Framework Solutions Ltd Sites are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment that meets different learning needs. Each site is committed to seeing learners achieve and takes into account the educational needs of the learners in its area. All sites have a trial period of study whereby a learner may ascertain that the course is suitable for their needs. During this induction period learners are assessed for any individual needs that they may have. Literacy and numeracy skills are assessed. Any special needs are noted and discussion takes place as to whether the course is suitable for the learner and if so, what will enable that learner to undertake the course. Sites with access to targeted funding have an emphasis on the development of adequate literacy and numeracy skills. These Sites are located at Rotorua Auckland and Timaru. Both of these sites have literacy and numeracy tutors giving one-on-one tutorials for learners with these needs. This is carried out in a supportive and encouraging environment with the specific focus on the identified needs of each learner. These programmes are very successful in helping learners achieve better foundation skills to enable success in other areas of study. Non-targeted funded Sites share the same concern for literacy and numeracy skills. One Auckland Site has a qualified tutor in this area who gives voluntary time to assist learners. Most computing Sites are not directly involved in literacy and numeracy, but where needs are identified, assist learners by referring them to suitable organisations where they may obtain the skills needed. Each Site recognises that learners learn in different ways. Some Sites have all learners complete a formal evaluation of learner learning styles. Other Sites use less formal methods but all are committed to a learner-centred approach. Each Site coaches learners in the induction period in study methods and ways of learning. Sites involved in computer training ensure that learners know how to use micro pauses and set up their computer systems for optimal protection against overuse syndrome issues. Computer sites also provide telephone assistance for learners and four sites have some roving tutors able to visit learners in their homes to facilitate learning (home visits). Each site has staff available for assistance in learning strategies, learner allowances, loans and basic financial planning, some personal health issues, understanding course-related tasks, objectives and methods, and technical skills. Where necessary for personal issues of health and finance, a learner will be advised where referral agencies are located and if needed assisted in making contact. All sites provide learners with a list of welfare agencies and learner support services in the area. Some pastoral care is provided on site where staff have the appropriate skill and experience. Sites involved in seafood processing and fishing, sports event management and fitness, and outdoor recreation assistant leadership have a more structured classroom learning environment because of the nature of the courses. Individual needs though are considered and taken into account through individual learning goals set for these learners, for example, fitness goals. Learner participation and achievement in these outdoor recreation and sports programmes is encouraged by the role modelling and encouragement of the tutors. An example of this occurs in the outdoor recreation assistant leadership course when a learner feels the task is too difficult. A tutor takes them aside and talks through the fear and the feeling of inadequacy and explains about the safety and risk management process in place and most often the learner is able to try the activity and be successful. Computing Sites have a more flexible learning environment with self-paced study programmes under the guidance of tutors. Workbooks are a feature of this programme. Other learning aids include interactive CD ROMs and instruction from tutors. Learners gave feedback that they would appreciate extended hours for study and each computing Site has instigated evening sessions. One Hamilton site is also open for learners in the weekend. This flexibility helps meet the needs of learners with family and other commitments. It does however require that follow up occurs to see that learners attend regularly to be able to complete their courses. A booking system is used and attendance rolls are kept and. These are monitored at the site and the Academic Manager also consults with each Site Director regarding learner attendance and progress. Weekly progress reports are sent to the head office in Wellington, where they are analysed and feedback is given when necessary. Learners have hands-on learning at all sites. They are the given the option to say when they feel ready for assessment. Sometimes a tutor will suggest to the learner that he/she is ready for assessment, but the choice is always the learner's. Learners are always given full details of what is required for assessment and know appeal and reassessment procedures. Learners in sports and outdoor recreation sites know and understand the concept of participant's choice. Their safety is paramount. Learner participation and achievement in computing sites is encouraged through varying means. At the Christchurch Site, learners are encouraged by seeing a certificate of their progress appear on the classroom wall at defined stages. They are also given a copy of this local certificate but for many learners the public recognition of achievement is a very motivating force and a special moment for the learner. One Hamilton site places the names of learners who gain competency in a particular standard into a monthly draw for a digital camera or similar award. This is a very popular award. Other sites are also considering a similar award scheme to encourage learner participation and achievement. Framework Solutions Ltd sites believe that the best learner participation and achievement comes through self-motivation and seeks to develop that in learners. Tutors assist learners to set their own learning goals and to work out what they need to reach the goal. Time management skills are also taught. 9. Approach to ensuring that the organisation develops and supports a staff profile that reflects it mission and special characterFramework Solutions Ltd sites are committed to having quality staff to enable quality training opportunities focusing on helping and encouraging learners and staff reach their goals, develop their potential and become life-long learners. The Head Office site retains the CVs of all staff assessing learners. Tutoring staff are required to hold unit standard 4098 "Use standards to assess candidate performance" or be working towards it. Each site is also required to have one staff member with unit standard 11551 "Moderate assessment", or be working towards it. Staff also need competency at least one level higher than the level they tutor. Local sites have in the past appointed their own staff according to their needs as defined by the Site Directors. In future the Academic Manager will be working with sites more closely in the appointment of staff, seeking to develop with each site the recruitment method and policy that will enable that site to function at an optimum level. Discussion will occur with each site Director and management team to identify the optimum staffing level, the skill base, qualities and characteristics needed for each position and a recruitment process. This flexibility ensures that the local Director continues to have a major input into this process. Framework Solutions Ltd takes seriously the responsibilities of having suitable staff and of on-going professional development. Framework Solutions Ltd offer all staff training for the National Certificate in Adult Education and Training. This is offered in a flexible manner in short manageable block courses to enable staff to attend this training. On-going professional development for all tutoring staff is a key feature and is encouraged for other positions. Professional development plans and records are kept at each site, and for tutoring staff, copies are also retained at the head office. The Academic Manager is working with site Directors and staff in assisting with this on-going training and mentoring. This role will be enhanced in the future. Framework Solutions Ltd now has a CEO with 20 years experience in senior management from which he is able to provide support to site managers in areas such as human resources, finance, and marketing. Framework Solutions Ltd Sites are committed to being good employers. There is an equal employment opportunities (EEO) policy in place which is adhered to by all Sites. In the future this policy will be monitored more and further developed. All staff has employment agreements and job descriptions. Regular (six monthly) performance reviews are held and key performance indicators used as a basis of review. Staff members have the opportunity to discuss what training they feel they need to fulfil their task more competently. The on-going professional development is reviewed and aligned with the role of the staff member. Peer reviews, and learner evaluations are also discussed at this time. Any changes to the job description or key performance indicators are noted and agreed to by all parties. Rewarding good performance has largely been through salary increases but more flexibility is being considered. The Academic Manager will help to share ideas that have been successful at Sites with the other Sites. Most Sites have informal ways of rewarding good performance and showing their appreciation of staff through methods such as meals, picnics or outings, gym membership, flowers, tickets to a concert etc. Most Sites have small numbers of staff and so this informality is an appropriate way to encourage staff. 10. Governance and management structure and principlesFramework Solutions Ltd is a limited liability company with two shareholding entities. Each is represented by an Executive Director to form the Board of Framework Solutions Ltd. The Board is enhanced with the appointment of up to 2 non Executive members. Framework Solutions Ltd daily management is undertaken by the CEO who has an Academic Manager and together they liaise with each site Director and staff concerning training, course design, resources, staffing, quality management, learner concerns, liaising with TEC, NZQA and MOE, and mentoring. Management decisions are made by the CEO who is accountable to the Board of Directors who ratify these or, as necessary, consider proposals from the CEO. Site Directors are advised of the dates of Board Meetings and invited to submit agenda items and issues that need to be discussed. Minutes of these meetings are forwarded to all sites within a week of the meeting. All site Directors are invited to the AGM. A regular newsletter is designed to keep staff at all sites informed about what is happening in the Framework Solutions Ltd network. After wide consultation an annual business plan and budget is developed by the Board and monitored throughout the year. An annual review takes place and a SWOT analysis is done. Continuous self-review takes place at both and Board and site levels. The Academic Manager is involved with site Directors and staff for a self-analysis of the Quality Management System, programme, learner outcomes and learner concerns for each Site. Each site is consulted through a variety of ways for major strategic and policy matters. These include email drafts of policies for circulation amongst staff (and learner consultation if desired), telephone conversations, and visits by Directors and the academic manager. Feedback and input are sought for these policies. After consultation the final policy is approved and circulated. Each Site holds meetings for its staff and deals with day-to-day running of the Site and future development (in consultation with the CEO of Framework Solutions Ltd). At present learners have input into management through their tutors, Site Directors and other staff and have direct access to the Academic Manager of Framework Solutions Ltd. Comments on course and programme evaluation forms are looked at by each Site management team, areas for improvement are noted and action discussed. The Academic Manager relates with learners on each site during her visits. Sites are encouraged to appoint a learner representative and some have set this up. Some sites, such as Auckland's adaptive technology course, Rotorua, and the Auckland Outdoor Recreation Assistant Leadership Site have small numbers of learners and there is constant interaction between tutors, staff, learners and site Directors and a lot of opportunity for informal feedback. The Rotorua Site has one-on-one sessions with all learners each week. Formal learner representation for some sites is problematical as learners attend at different hours, have varying course lengths, and use self-paced learning. Fixed class sites do not have this same difficulty in getting the learner body together and generally have smaller numbers of learners. Learner representation at each site is an area that we will be considering in the future. Framework Solutions Ltd Sites are diversely funded, with some sites receiving Student Component Funding, some Targeted Funding, one receiving Strategic Priority Funding and the rest are self-funded through learner fees. Some income is also generated through consultancy and other client based training.
11. Consultation undertaken in preparation of the CharterFramework Solutions Ltd Charter was redeveloped after clarification about its multi-sites and subcontracting arrangements with NZQA and TEC. This process meant that the Charter for this year only had to be slightly modified based on a letter from TEC Wellington Area Manager. Framework Solutions Ltd has published its new draft Charter on its website, and invited comment. All Framework Solutions Ltd Sites were emailed a copy of the draft. The feedback was appreciated and some minor changes were made to the Charter as a result.
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