Training provider FAQs
How does the National Skills Academy for Financial Services (NSAFS) training provider network operate?
The NSAFS operates in partnership with a network of over 20 training providers across seven regions of the UK to deliver a range of courses. These are typically further education colleges or specialist training providers.
The training providers work together both in their regions and on a national basis. Each region has a lead training provider who meet centrally with the NSAFS on a regular basis to talk through curriculum matters. In their region, representatives from all regional providers meet to talk about the regional agenda and the lead training provider feeds back from the central meetings.
What are the benefits of becoming a NSAFS training provider?
Being a training provider for NSAFS enables your organisation to expand employer engagement through the work we are doing with industry employers. The NSAFS helps our training provider network to design and adapt a curriculum relevant to industry-identified needs. There are also opportunities for business training and participation in wider financial capability programmes.
How do you become a NSAFS training provider?
We are always looking for ways to strengthen our training offer to financial services employers. If you are a training provider who is interested in working with us please download and complete the Expression of Interest form.
What are the requirements for becoming training provider?
All potential training providers need to show evidence of:
- relationships with financial service employers
- their ability to offer programmes that are needed in their region
- Training Quality Standard Part A
- a minimum OFSTED leadership and management grade two
What qualifications does the NSAFS offer?
The NSAFS offers a wide range of training options. Programmes include:
- new entry routes to employment for young people, including Apprenticeships
- pre-employment training for adults to broaden the recruitment pool
- full-time and work based routes and qualifications, including flexible, part-time and bite-sized learning, designed specifically by and for employers
Who decides which training providers join the NSAFS and what do they offer?
Financial services training providers who want to apply to become part of the NSAFS network can download the Expression of Interest form and guidance on how to complete it (LINK) from this website.
Once an EOI has been received, it is judged on suitability by regional and national NSAFS staff and by an independent third party. Their judgment influences the recommendation to the regional and national board for approval.
Within the framework of the NSAFS curriculum, NSAFS training providers develop a programme offer which meets the requirements of financial services in their region.
What quality assurance measures does the NSAFS have in place?
The NSAFS is subject to quality assurance measures including:
- corporate governance
- external and internal quality assessments
- regulatory oversight where appropriate
The management and continuous assessment of training provider performance as well as the operational performance of the NSAFS is monitored by the Curriculum and Standards Committee on behalf of the National Board. The committee ensures that appropriate policies, procedures and protocols are in place to allow the NSAFS to deliver high quality provision.
Who can I talk to for more information?
To find out more information about joining the NSAFS’s network of training providers, please e-mail info@nsafs.co.uk. Alternatively, contact the appropriate Regional Director (LINK).