The effects of the Introduction of Vocational Qualifications in HE and NHS

This thesis outlines the results of a longitudinal research study undertaken over a 22‐year period between 1996 and 2018. It charts the evolution of National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in terms of both achievements and failures. It concludes that the NVQ system has had a limited impact upon the competitiveness of the British economy and that its value and significance to the skill base of the economy remain unproven. NVQs were implemented in 1986 to raise the skill levels of the workforce and be relevant to the needs of employers, addressing weaknesses in the contemporary system of vocational qualifications and improving the competence of the workforce. This study is focused on the CBET of healthcare professionals for both current and future management roles. NVQs have endured abundant criticism in three areas: content and outcomes. The thesis was organised in two phases: Phase 1 explored the implementation of NVQs from the perspectives of employers, employees and HEIs. Phase 2 sought to assess the reported value of NVQs and the assessment by respondents of the impact on organisations and staff. Using a multi-method approach, the dissertation draws on qualitative and quantitative paradigms, questionnaires, documentary evidence and personal interviews. It shows that NVQs positively affected both employers and candidates. For employers, the greatest effect reported was improved quality of services, increased staff motivation and performance. The findings largely vindicate the decision to introduce management NVQs, particularly where NHS Trust strategy and Human Resource Development systems are congruent. However, some exceptions were found. A minority of the HEIs surveyed remained concerned about issues of quality and measurement and the rigour of assessing knowledge and understanding in the workplace. There is evidence that NVQs are strongly supported by great many employers. Employers’ advocates see NVQs as having made a positive contribution to improving the skills level of their workforce and to healthcare delivery in their organisation, but a significant number see them as unnecessarily costly and bureaucratic to deliver. There is also evidence that NVQs are highly valued by most individual employees participating in the NVQ system as they are seen to enhance career development opportunities, employability and, for some employees 4 who did not possess traditional qualification. NVQs have given them not only a steppingstone into a professional practice, but also confidence and affirmation.