Abbe Level 3 in Property and Caretaking Supervision

ABBE LEVEL 3 IN PROPERTY AND CARETAKING SUPERVISION

The qualification

ThIS NVQ IS offered by ABBE (the Awarding Body for the Built Environment) and was approved by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA)in July 2007.

Who is it aimed at?

This national qualification for property and caretaking supervision, supported by key institutions in the property management sector and cleaning industry, has been developed by a Working Group made up from experienced practitioners in public and private sector organisations with responsibilities for property management and contract caretaking services. Development has included field testing the standards with caretaking supervisors and managers

The award is designed for line supervisors who manage caretaking teams in single and multi-site contexts. The schedule on the following page indicates the scope of the work that may be involved and the range of potential contexts in which a person qualified with this award is likely to be employed.

The award is designed to provide access for those who have progressed to a first line management position from a caretaking role but could also be applicable to those who have moved from another supervisory role into the management of a caretaking team.

The award is suitable for those working within the following industry sectors:

• Schools, Further and Higher Education establishments and halls of residence
• Sheltered/ supervised accommodation wardens
• Local Authority Housing Departments and Housing Associations
• Hospital Trusts
• Local and Central Government premises departments
• Social Services, and private and voluntary organisations residential care facilities
• Local Authority Leisure and Amenity Departments
• Ministry of Defence
• Home Office prisons and secure establishments
• National hotel groups (e.g. Grand Metropolitan)
• Airports (e.g. BAA, regional airports)
• National facilities management companies (e.g. Serco, Procord, Compass, Gardner Merchant, Tarmac)
• National commercial/residential property management companies (e.g. Chestertons)

What is aNational Vocational Qualification (NVQ)?

NVQsare a national system for measuring what competent people in a particular occupation are expected to be able to do. They reflect the skills and knowledge needed to do your job effectively.

An NVQ differs from a ‘traditional’ academic course in that it measures what you can do rather than simply what you know. It does this by assessing how you carry out your job in your workplace and testing whether you have the required underpinning knowledge.

Successful completion of the NVQ will provide your actual or potential future employer, your colleagues and clients with evidence of your competence in the workplace. It will enable your experience to be formally recognised, and it will enhance your employability. It will also provide some – if not all – of the evidence required to apply for membership of an appropriate professional body.

How was thisNVQ developed?

This NVQwas developed by a working group of practitioners, and overseen by a validation group of interested organisations including professional bodies and learning experts. It was finalised after extensive consultation with employers to ensure that it reflected current best practice in the field.

ABBE Level 3 NVQ in Property and Caretaking Supervision - how is it structured?

All the following ‘Core Units’ must be completed:

PS1Assess requirements and plan service provision

PS2Support the efficient use of resources

PS3Co-ordinate provision of equipment for maintenance and caretaking operations

PS4Co-ordinate provision of supplies for maintenance and caretaking operations

PS5Maintain activities to meet requirements

PS6Contribute to the safety, security and maintenance of the site

PS7Lead the work of teams and individuals to achieve their objectives

The award also offers 6 ‘Optional Units’, one of which must be completed to gain the full award:

PS8Manage yourself

PS9Create effective working relationships

PS10Respond to poor performance in your team

PS11Contribute to the selection of personnel for activities

PS12Contribute to the development of teams and individuals

PS13Deal with confrontation and emergencies

Candidates may of course select more than one of the Optional Units if their job role requires it. As each Unit can be separately certificated this can be a useful means of extending the range of the qualification.

There is also one further ‘Additional Unit’ which does not form part of the Qualification, but is available for those candidates who wish to demonstrate their competence in an additional related area.

PS14Develop and maintain positive working relationships with customers

How is an NVQ assessed?

The NVQ is obtained through a mixture of assessment and – if there are gaps in your experience – training. You will register with an accredited assessment centre and be assigned an assessor. The assessor will test your knowledge, understanding and performance in the workplace through a carefully planned programme of evidence-gathering and questioning.

How long will it take?

The NVQ does not have to be completed within a specific time period, and you can organise your study to suit your circumstances. Depending on factors such as your precise role, your personal motivation and the amount of support that you receive from your employer it may be possible to complete the NVQ in as little as 6 months if you are very experienced, or perhaps 12-18 months if you are less experienced.

Are there any entry limits?

You should be currently employed in the relevant job role for the NVQ for which you are enrolling. There are no specific entry requirements. You can study the NVQ regardless of prior qualifications, age, gender or race. However, it will depend on an assessment of the depth and breadth of your experience by your chosen assessment centre.

What will it cost?

Details of fees can be obtained by contacting an assessment centre direct (via the ABBE web site – see below).

How do I register?

You may benefit from discussing your training needs with your line manager or training officer before signing-up to the NVQ. You will need to identify an assessment centre that supports this qualification, serves your area and can best meet your needs. The centre will be able to advise you on the correct procedures and paperwork.

How do I find out more?

Contact ABBE by email at by visiting the web site at The web site provides detailed information on the NVQ and links to ABBE’s network of assessment centres.

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ABBE Level 3 NVQ in Property and Caretaking Supervision

July 2007