PDA Leadership and Management of the Work of Others SCQF level 7

The Professional Development Award (PDA) in Leadership and Management of the Work of Others at SCQF level 7 focuses on two of the main areas of managerial competence: providing direction and managing others. The PDA enables candidates to develop and achieve the general competences which underpin all aspects of management.

Candidates who successfully achieve this PDA will possess the skills and competence to provide direction for people in their area of responsibility and enable, inspire, motivate and support them. They will also be able to allocate work on a fair basis, making best use of time and available resources to ensure agreed objectives are met. 

This qualification is available through training providers, colleges and some employers. It has been designed to be delivered in the workplace with candidates generating the required evidence as part of their current management role.

Jointly certificated by SQA and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Use the tabs below to open each section individually. Alternatively you can show all the sections.

The PDA in Leadership and Management of the Work of Others at SCQF level 7 has been developed in partnership with employers and industry so it is fit for purpose. It will help employers meet skills gaps and provide continuing professional development for staff, while learners will gain knowledge and skills needed for progression in the workplace.

Like all SQA Management qualifications, this PDA is jointly certificated with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Candidate support packs are available for the knowledge requirements of the two Units in this qualification.

The unit-based structure aids flexibility with learners generating the required evidence naturally through their current management job role.

This PDA provides progression routes to further study, training and professional qualifications (see Progression).

SQA and CMI have joined forces to help build careers in Management. CMI offers one year free studying membership for those undertaking this PDA. For further information please visit CMI.

The main target audience for the PDA in Leadership and Management of the Work of Others at SCQF level 7 is those currently employed in management posts, usually at first line or middle management levels (ie responsible for a particular section, division or department of an organisation).

The PDA consists of SVQ Units, which are workplace Units. To be eligible for these Units, learners must have current occupational experience in a management role and be able to generate the relevant evidence.

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Candidates do not need to have formal relevant qualifications to enter this PDA but must be in a suitable management job role and be able to generate the relevant evidence in the workplace. 

Candidates can progress to other PDAs in Management covering topics such as the SCQF level 8 PDA in Leadership or Managing Finances. They could also progress to full SVQ in Management at SCQF level 7; or an SVQ in Management at SCQF level 9 (depending on their management job role).

Candidates achieving this PDA are also eligible for studying membership of CMI, which means that they can become part of the professional community of managers and can benefit from development opportunities that this can bring.

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority require to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

Assessment Strategy for PDAs in Leadership and Management.

Candidates gather evidence of their performance through normal workplace activity, in line with the requirements of the PDA. This evidence will be assessed using usual workplace assessment methods, such as use of portfolios/e-portfolios; observation; examining of work products; testimonial evidence from witnesses; personal statements; accreditation of prior learning, etc.

Group Award code: GM74 47 (23 SCQF credit points)

Structure

The PDA in Leadership and Management of the Work of Others at SCQF level 7 consists of 2 mandatory units:

  • Provide Leadership in Your Area of Responsibility
  • Manage People's Performance at Work