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The British Institute for Learning & Development to recognise TAP® qualifications for professional membership

Learning NewsThe Training Foundation

The British Institute for Learning & Development (The BILD) announces a formal partnership agreement with The Training Foundation, owner of the Training Accreditation Programme (TAP®). The parties will collaborate on a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing the professional skills and status of L&D practitioners on a global basis.

Central to this initiative, The BILD becomes the external verification and awarding body for all TAP Certificates and Diplomas and will recognise appropriately qualified applicants for all levels of professional membership of the Institute.

The parties will pursue the key objective of raising the international status of L&D practitioners to that of genuine professionals, meeting the highest standards of practice. Other planned collaborative initiatives include an annual L&D Awards event and L&D Conference. In recognition of the partnership, Adrian Stokes, Director of the TAP Partners Programme, has been co-opted onto the Board of The BILD.

David Apparicio is Chair of the Institute. He commented: "The BILD is delighted to be integrally involved with the TAP® programme, which for 15 years has done more to enhance the quality of learning than any other UK training qualifications. Working together, we are confident that L&D will become seen as a real profession in its own right, and not just an adjunct to HR as some have seen it. We are also looking forward to the Institute, through its international reputation, enabling TAP® to reach an even wider audience in the years ahead."

Nick Mitchell is founder and CEO of The Training Foundation. He commented: "I'm confident that this alignment of TAP® with The BILD will prove to be a watershed event for L&D in the UK and globally. Since the merger of the Institutes for Personnel Management and Training & Development in 1994, a career in learning and development has been seen by many as second-class to one in HR. In a world where the ability to become a learning organisation is the key differentiator for all businesses, this understates the vital role being played by L&D professionals in all strands of the public and private sectors. Our collaboration will enhance The BILD's appeal to all TAP-qualified L&D practitioners who wish to belong to an Institute that is dedicated to serving their professional needs and aspirations."

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