The Training Quality Standard's Assessment Framework has an underlying model for the delivery of high quality, high impact training and development solutions to employers. This model was developed after extensive research with both providers and employers.

The conceptual model, which is in the figure below, indentifies three critical process loops:

• Flexibility in responding to the individual employer’s business needs
• Relevance in delivering products to meet the needs of a local business sector
• Improvement through strategy, review and development

This model allows providers to explain their approach, activities and performance on their own terms, thus not restricting them in any way. Therefore this model reflects a common sense understanding on how a provider might structure the management of their activities.

From the figure you can see that the improvement process provides a central linking role to the other two processes. The improvement process defines and draws together successful providers’ activities, and allows the providers to refresh their approach in response to ever-changing customer and market needs. Therefore the improvement process challenges providers rather than simply endorsing existing practice, enabling the provider to reach the highest quality provision they are able to achieve.