Due to the limitation in membership on Standards Generating Bodies as well as the broad functional scope associated with vocational fields and sub-fields it is often not possible to have all the relevant expertise required in terms of membership.

To address the inclusion of additional subject expertise within the context of narrow consultation SGBs have a mandate to co-opt working groups members in order to ensure that due process takes place effectively.

Working groups are not formed through a formal process and working group members are not Gazetted. As such they do not form part of the SGB memberships and services of such individuals are utilized until a specific standard setting and qualifications generating requirement has been met.

Subsequent to the addressing of a specific need within the context of a specific qualification or even unit standard, working groups are generally dissolved.

It is often beneficial to ensure that relevant capacity building and SGB representation on working groups to ensure careful coordination of activities within the larger context of the SGB’s brief and business plan takes place in a cost effective and efficient yet transparent manner.

Working group meetings are sometimes arranged to coincide with SGB meetings but time-frames and urgent finalization of specific standards can also require that Working group meetings take place between formal SGB meetings to move standard setting and qualifications generating processes forward. This again is a personal operational choice and will be determined as per SGB needs.

Working group meetings will require similar record as SGB meetings to ensure that relevant feedback on processes and attendance can be tabled for the record at the following SGB meeting. The keeping of records in this regard will also add valuable information pertaining to the drafting of relevant process reports.

Please note: Those who wish to participate in a working group should contact the Qualifications Specialist Londeka Ndlovu for further details.