PDA Introductory Leadership and Management SCQF level 6

Professional Development Awards (PDAs) extend or broaden professional or vocational skills and are linked to National Occupational Standards.

The PDA in Introductory Leadership and Management at SCQF level 6 covers the fundamental principles of leadership and management. It has been designed for those at the start of their leadership journey — either aspiring leaders or those in their first leadership position.

The PDA has been developed in response employers/centres looking for more flexible provision in management and leadership and is jointly certificated with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

The PDA consists of two units (one mandatory and one optional) so that learners can develop a strong foundation in management and leadership skills and achieve certification in a relatively short period of time.

It is a very flexible award with over 30 optional units to suit the needs of individual learners.

This qualification is available through colleges, training providers and some employers.

The PDA in Introductory Leadership and Management at SCQF level 6 has been developed in response to employers/centres looking for more flexible provision in management and leadership and is jointly certificated with the Chartered Management Institute.

The PDA in Introductory Leadership and Management at SCQF level 6:

  • can be achieved at work or through a college/training provider
  • has no formal entry requirements
  • provides recognition of leadership and managing skills
  • enables progression
  • enhances career prospects

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.

It can also be offered to people who are in training and who wish to gain employment in a leadership/management position.

This PDA provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).

The PDA in Introductory Leadership and Management at SCQF level 6 is aimed at team leaders, first line managers and aspiring managers across the private, public and voluntary sectors.

Access

Access to this award will be at the discretion of the centre. There should be no barriers to entry and the award should be open to all learners who have a reasonable chance of achieving it. It would, however, be beneficial if candidates had good communication skills.

Learners completing the PDA in Introductory Leadership and Management would have the opportunity of progressing to other Leadership and Management PDAs, which could perhaps lead to a full HNC in Management and Leadership or the SVQ in Team Leading or Management.

 

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.

The qualification consists of a mandatory leadership unit and a wide range of optional units.  Candidates will be supported by a qualified assessor and can work through their qualification at their own pace. However, it is likely that assessment plans agreed between assessor and candidate will include target dates for completion of specific parts of each unit.

The individual unit specifications and assessment strategy provide information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.

Qualifications structure

Group award code: GM0L 46

Structure

The PDA in Introductory Leadership and Management at SCQF level 6 consists of one mandatory unit and one optional unit from a wide range of options.