APS Learning Quality Framework and Design Standards

Contents

The APS Learning Quality Framework is a principle-based model for assessing, building and distributing learning initiatives. It sets out four design standards - Purposeful, User-centric, Adaptable and Impactful to guide high-quality, effective and innovative learning experiences across the APS.

The framework gives a practical quality lens for design and development. It asks whether the learning need is diagnosed and linked to business need, whether the design is inclusive and relevant, whether it can be shared or scaled efficiently, and whether it supports learning in the flow of work and measures effectiveness or impact.

Why is it important?

The framework is important because APS guidance is explicit that formal workshops and eLearning alone are not enough to support learning at the pace and complexity of change. The LQF helps shift learning design towards more responsive, user-centred and performance-focused solutions. It also strengthens consistency across agencies by providing a shared standard for what good learning looks like.

It is also important because it translates APS strategy into practical design decisions. The published design standards and summary guidelines cover diagnosis of need, data, inclusion, accessibility, self-determined learning, scalability, technology, learning with and through people, workplace application, and evaluation of effectiveness and impact.

The LQF covers:

7 ways the APS Learning Quality Framework enables future learning
the APS Learning and Development Strategy Principles underpinning the APS Learning Quality Framework
the Continuous Learning Model
the four APS Learning Quality Framework Standards
the benefits of the Learning Quality Framework to the APS
the APS Learning Quality Framework as a model
a summary of the design standard guides.

What are the benefits?

Supporting the development of a high performing, future-ready APS workforce.
Providing access to high quality and relevant learning opportunities anywhere, anytime.
Empowering APS managers, leaders and business areas to invest in the development of their people through a range of approaches.
Guiding investment in and sharing of learning experience in the most effective and efficient way.
Translating the APS Learning and Development Strategy into practical tools for application.

Suitable for

Agency L&D teams and learning practitioners.
Business teams and SMEs working with L&D.
Senior leaders and managers investing in capability development.
External providers designing learning for the APS.

General Practices

Good Practice
Diagnose the capability need and link it to business need and organisational strategy. Use data to inform the learning response. Design learning that is inclusive, accessible and available at the point of need. Build for reuse, scalability and efficient maintenance where possible. Include manager, team and workplace application elements. Plan to measure learning effectiveness or impact, or both.

Good Practice

Diagnose the capability need and link it to business need and organisational strategy.
Use data to inform the learning response.
Design learning that is inclusive, accessible and available at the point of need.
Build for reuse, scalability and efficient maintenance where possible.
Include manager, team and workplace application elements.
Plan to measure learning effectiveness or impact, or both.

Practices to avoid
Building learning without clear business need, evidence or evaluation planning. Designing learning that is inaccessible or not relevant to user needs. Creating solutions that cannot be shared, maintained or adapted efficiently. Treating learning as information transfer only, with no application or reinforcement.