Training Service Accreditation
Today more than ever there is a significant emphasis on the need to improve quality and efficiencies within informatics training services across the NHS. The Training Service Accreditation (TSA) scheme was developed with this in mind.
With principles of self-assessment and peer review at its core, the TSA scheme aims to help training services drive forward change and continuous improvement at all stages of their training design and delivery.
TSA has been developed with a national Design Group, made up of NHS training professionals and the Training Quality Improvement (TQI) team. It is based on a peer review process using assessment criteria based on the ETD Standards.
TSA process
The training service will first self assess using the ETD Standards online benchmarking application (ESOBA) and upload supporting evidence. Carrying out a self-assessment using ESOBA is a prerequisite to TSA.
Once the service has reached a minimum level, it can apply to undertake TSA to have its level of achievement validated via an external assessor.
The TSA assessor will review the online self-assessment and supporting evidence. They will submit a preliminary report before arranging a site visit with the training service.
At the site visit, the assessor works with the training service to identify both where the service is doing well and areas where improvements could be made.
Following the visit, the service will receive a final report with recommendations and follow-up actions where necessary and the decision on the level of accreditation.
TSA Assessors
All our assessors are experienced NHS training professionals who have received formal training and development to support them in this role. They bring their excellent working knowledge of NHS training and a great understanding of the context within which services operate, to the accreditation process.
TSA - An assessor's perspective. (PDF, 349.2kB)
Benefits of TSA
During the TSA assessment, the training service will receive feedback and agree action plans with the assessor. This process not only helps the training service make improvements, but also allows them to identify where they are working to the highest standards.
TSA also
- Raises the profile of a training service inside and outside the organisation
- Demonstrates services are working to recognised national training standards
- Provides an indication of performance against other organisations
- Reduces inefficiencies and optimises how a service operates
- Provides proof of the quality training a service is delivering
- Identifies areas of best practice in training delivery
How to find out more
If you are interested in becoming accredited under the TSA scheme, you must first register with ESOBA and complete an online benchmarking assessment.
For any further questions or guidance please email: etdtqi@nhs.net
If you are part of a health informatics service, you may also want to find out more about Health Informatics Service Benchmarking and Accreditation