Support for English, maths and ESOL Employers: Introducing functional skills Module 1a: What functional skills can do for you

Ice breaker: ‘Ideal Isabel’ Follows instructions Writes clearly Numerate Uses initiative Punctual Computer literate Makes sound decisions Solves problems Listens Reliable

Aim To introduce functional skills to employers, and raise awareness of their business benefits

Outcomes By the end of the session participants will be able to: State the main features of functional skills Understand the business benefits of developing a functional workforce Identify practical ways in which they can support employees to develop their functional skills Consider strategies to deal with possible resistance to functional skills Start to develop an action plan to introduce functional skills within their organisations

Job description activity: suggested answers Main duties and responsibilitiesLinks to functional skills Meet and greet visitorsEnglish (speaking, listening and com) Use the switchboard to answer callsEnglish (speaking, listening and com) Pass on messagesEnglish (writing); ICT (if used) Keep a log of visitorsEnglish (writing) Book meetings and maintain diaryICT (databases / spreadsheets) Order stationery and monitor levelsEnglish (writing); ICT; mathematics Maintain systems for mailEnglish (reading) Monitor brochure requests and reorderICT; mathematics Provide info to potential customersEnglish (reading; speaking…) Attend team meetingsEnglish (speaking, listening and com) …any other duties(Depends on duties)

Benefits activity: suggested answers Benefits for employerBenefits for employee (N.B. Many are also direct or indirect benefits to the employer*) Increased productivityPride in work* Greater efficiencyMotivation* Less absenteeismCareer development* Reduced staff turnoverConfidence* Less wastageMore autonomy and variety Fewer complaintsIncreased pay Competitive edgeAble to learn other skills* Good reputationLess stress

Solving problems: suggested answers ScenarioPossible problem(s)Functional skills to be addressed A. Customer services Lost custom – now and future Compensation payouts Poor PR ICT (databases) English (speaking, listening and com) Mathematics B. Local authority Wasted potential Difficulty finding a replacement Cost of recruitment Mathematics C. Hairdressers Poor reputation Lost clients Wasted booking slots English (speaking, listening and com) English (writing) D. Care home Non-compliance with standards Inconsistent / poor care Complaints ICT English (writing)

Solving problems: suggested answers ScenarioPossible problem(s)Functional skill/s to be addressed E. Electronics factory Increase in rejected components Delays in other processes Late delivery of orders English (reading) F. Government agency Absenteeism Missed development opportunity Delay in intro of new system English (writing) G. Restaurant Wasted food Time spent re-weighing Mathematics (converting units, multiplication etc) H. Head office Inefficiency Risk of incorrect orders ICT (spreadsheets). Mathematics (formulae) I. Department store If it’s company policy to honour prices displayed, lost profit Mathematics

Functional skills quiz: answers Question no.Answer 1a) 8.1 million b)15% 2Applied, transferable skills that help people gain the most from life, learning and work English, mathematics and ICT 5Five (Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1, Level 2) 6The awarding organisation (apart from parts of English). 7Ofqual 8When a candidate can select, combine and apply their skills to tackle problems in unfamiliar contexts 9False – if you meet the level requirements, a pass is awarded 10See PPT 6 for examples of benefits for organisation / individual