By Sheila Roberts
CUPE International is proud to announce that Sheila Roberts, Chief Operating Officer, has been elected as Chair of ASPECT. She has been elected by the ASPECT members to serve for the next two years. This blog looks at why ASPECT is important in the current Covid environment and plans for the next period. First though we will confirm what ASPECT is as this may not be familiar to everyone.
What is ASPECT?
ASPECT is the Trade Association for Accredited Training Organisations that uphold higher quality standards than needed for accreditation. To be accepted as a member organisations need to sign up to the ASPECT quality standards. The other role of ASPECT is to liaise with the accreditation bodies to ensure members are updated and raise issues which are common. ASPECT was formed in 2011 by Accredited Training Organisations which wanted to demonstrate they were providing high quality services and treat each client requirements appropriately rather than as a commodity.
Why is ASPECT Important During Covid?
ASPECT member organisations have needed to pivot their approaches and practices to maintain services and standards during Covid. The opportunities presented by virtual delivery during Covid is a critical time for the ASPECT organisations to reassure their clients of their commitment to uphold the standards. Whilst some organisations combine courses to have large numbers of delegates online, ASPECT Organisations do not feel this is appropriate. Members will continue to support clients with the appropriate balance of input, exercises, discussions and answering questions raised.
The ASPECT members have set up systems and tools to ensure that our clients continue to benefit from their Training and Consulting. The members also recognised that the standards need to be maintained and so have discussed how to ensure this happens. The six monthly survey of ASPECT members helps regular collaboration with APM and APMG as Accreditation Organisations.
ASPECT Plans for the Next Period
The technology for new things is so often a challenge. ASPECT Organisations have liaised to benefit from each other’s experience and have now set up a monthly forum to continue to do so and understand what works in which environments. ASPECT is also working to explore how organisations which have security reasons to prevent access to online systems for training or exams through their firewalls can still be provided with training and exams. In addition there are working groups set up to identify standards specific to virtual delivery and provide access to workshops to share trainer good practice. Members will keep adapting to the developing situation, collaborating with Accreditation Organisations and sharing good practice to ensure standards are maintained for our clients.
Quote from the ASPECT Chair
When asked how she feels about her appointment, Sheila said ‘It is an honour that my peers, who are also competitors, have asked me to represent them at such a critical time for the industry. It is a great challenge but one which I know will benefit members, their clients and the Accreditation Organisations which collaborate with ASPECT.’