The Learning Hub
Self-development can come in different forms and we all learn in different ways – some of us prefer to go to a class, some prefer to read on our own, some of us want informal courses and resources we can ‘pick up/put down’. In The Learning Hub you will find a range of courses & resources, including Ofqual regulated qualifications – all with a focus on Professional & Personal Development, Wellbeing, Counselling and Practitioner training.
With so many different types of training available, it can be difficult to understand the difference and choose the right type of course or qualifcation. Often, the financial investment means that choosing the right course is even more important – most of us can’t afford to waste money on the wrong course! I’ve summarised some of the main differences below but if you have any questions, please feel free to drop me a message using the contact form below:
RQF Qualifications – These are formal qualifications awarded by organisations such as Focus Awards. They are listed on the ‘Regulated Qualifications Framework’ (RQF). Training Providers can offer these qualifications but have to adhere to the Awarding organisations Quality Assurance processes so they can meet strict standards for assessment, quality assurance and grading. These qualifications are valuable if you want to complete formal qualifications for your career.
CPD courses – These are courses which have been granted a quality assurance mark by a recognised CPD Certification Service (such as the CPD ) but they do not hold regulatory status in the same way as the RQF qualifications. CPD accreditation confirms that the course meets the standards set by the CPD Accreditation service, and learning subject / time can be logged toward professional development hours (if you are required to demonstrate this as part of your job role). CPD courses are valuable for personal use too because they provide evidence of structured, quality assured learning that you have chosen to complete.
Non-accredited courses – These are courses that have been created by Providers but have not gone through any external quality assurance checks with an Awarding Organisations or CPD Accreditation service. They can still be extremely useful courses if they extend your knowledge and develop the skills you are looking for. You will still receive Certificates of Completion (if they are offered as part of the course by the Provider) and they can be really valuable if you are learning and developing a new skill or exploring a new topic, for example.
Endorsed Courses – These are courses that have been quality approved by an Awarding Organisation – like those mentioned in the RQF section, such as Focus Awards, but are not listed on the RQF Framework. This is often because the Training Provider has created a specific course and wants to offer the course exclusively but with the voluntarily added quality assurance stamp that an Awarding Organisation provides.
Sometimes a ‘quick read’ is all you need to help you on your way. In our Free Resources section you’ll find our latest articles, activities and our ‘Top Tips’ – all written by experts – to help you learn more about topics such as stress management, work-life balance, choosing a qualification, study tips, career planning……
All of my free resources are downloadable – all we ask is that if you share them, please include our copyright details.
If you would like to contribute to the our resources section, please feel free to get in touch and tell us about your idea: