The charity, which is already accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to deliver Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs), is now able to deliver the ILM Level 3 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Leadership and Management.

Cornerstone has built a solid reputation for the quality of its Learning and Development (L&D) programmes and has received multiple awards in recent years for its professional development schemes – most recently being awarded Investors in Young People, Investors in People Gold Standard, while Hilary Bennison, Cornerstone’s Quality and Performance Manager, recently received the prestigious QS Ambassador Award from Quality Scotland.<span “>

Brian O’Hara, Learning and Development Facilitator at Cornerstone, said: “We are delighted to have secured recognition as an ILM approved centre and look forward to continuing to deliver high quality training to our staff across Scotland in both the operations and business support sides of our organisation.

“Achieving ILM approved status has required us to undertake a long assessment process and has involved a lot of work from our team, however the result will undoubtedly prove invaluable and we are proud to be able to add to our already impressive L&D portfolio.”

Earlier this year, Cornerstone began enrolling managers and team leaders on a 52-week ILM approved programme, called Inspiring Team Excellence.

Mr O’Hara added: “Inspiring Team Excellence is part of our drive to ensure we maintain our position as one of the top employers in the country for professional development and, once completed, each participant will receive an ILM qualification and will be eligible to apply for ILM membership.

“This is a hugely worthwhile project, which will require a great deal of dedication for participants to complete, including face-to-face learning, e-learning and self study, but ultimately it will allow them to significantly develop their professional skills and in turn get the most from their teams.”

Cornerstone provides care and support services for adults, young people and children across Scotland who live with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and other support needs.

Since 1980, Cornerstone has grown to support more than 2,000 people each year, delivering services within 17 local authority areas across Scotland. More information on Cornerstone can be found by visiting www.cornerstone.org.uk