International Learning & Development Council

ILDC Global Learning Standards Framework

ILDC Global Learning Standards Framework™ (GLSF™)

The Global Framework for Designing, Delivering & Accrediting Learning & Development Programmes

Advancing Global Learning Standards. Strengthening Professional Capability. Recognizing Programme Excellence.

Framework Overview

The ILDC Global Learning Standards Framework™ (GLSF™) establishes internationally aligned standards for the design, delivery, assessment, governance and continuous improvement of professional learning and development programmes.

Developed through globally informed perspectives, evidence-informed practice, competency-based learning, quality assurance principles, adult learning methodologies, leadership research and evolving workforce expectations, the framework provides organizations with a comprehensive benchmark for creating high-quality learning experiences that strengthen professional capability and organizational performance.

As the official framework underpinning ILDC Programme Accreditation, GLSF™ enables organizations to align their learning programmes with internationally recognized standards while demonstrating quality, credibility, consistency and measurable impact.

The framework is designed for professional education providers, corporate learning academies, universities, training organizations, professional bodies, leadership institutes and organizations committed to delivering learning programmes that meet global standards.

Rather than measuring learning by participation alone, the framework evaluates how effectively programmes develop capability, support professional practice, strengthen leadership and create meaningful outcomes for learners, organizations, and industries.

Framework Philosophy
Learning should create capability, not simply transfer knowledge.

Exceptional learning programmes develop professional competence, strengthen workplace performance, encourage reflective practice, build leadership capability and create measurable value for individuals, organizations, and society.

The ILDC Global Learning Standards Framework™ positions learning as a strategic investment that drives professional excellence, organizational growth and workforce transformation.

Purpose of the Framework

The ILDC Global Learning Standards Framework™ exists to:

  • Establish internationally aligned standards for learning and development programmes.
  • Strengthen programme quality, consistency and professional credibility.
  • Promote competency-based and capability-driven learning.
  • Support meaningful assessment and professional recognition.
  • Improve workforce capability and organizational performance.
  • Encourage innovation, ethical practice, and learner-centred design.
  • Foster continuous quality improvement and educational excellence.
  • Provide the foundation for ILDC Global Programme Accreditation.
The Seven ILDC Global Learning Standards
  • 01Strategic Purpose & Learning Outcomes
  • 02Competency & Capability Development
  • 03Learning Design & Educational Experience
  • 04Applied Learning & Professional Practice
  • 05Assessment, Validation & Professional Recognition
  • 06Faculty Excellence, Governance & Quality Assurance
  • 07Learning Impact & Organizational Value
ILDC GLSF GLOBAL LEARNING STANDARDS 01 Strategic Purpose 02 Competency & Capability 03 Learning Design 04 Applied Learning 05 Assessment & Validation 06 Faculty & Governance 07 Learning Impact
1
Strategic Purpose & Learning Outcomes
Every programme should have a clearly defined purpose, measurable learning outcomes and capability objectives aligned with professional, organizational, and industry needs.
Learning should contribute to meaningful professional growth while supporting organizational priorities and workforce capability.
Key Evaluation Areas
Programme purposeLearning outcomesCapability outcomesTarget audienceStrategic alignmentIndustry relevance
2
Competency & Capability Development
Every programme should be built upon a structured competency framework that develops the knowledge, skills, behaviours, professional judgement, leadership capability and ethical practice required for successful professional performance.
Learning should build lasting capability rather than simply deliver content.
Key Evaluation Areas
Competency frameworkKnowledge developmentTechnical skillsBehavioural capabilityLeadership capabilityFuture readiness
3
Learning Design & Educational Experience
Professional learning should provide engaging, learner-centred, and evidence-informed experiences that encourage participation, collaboration, reflection and practical application.
Learning design should maximize engagement while supporting different learning preferences and professional contexts.
Key Evaluation Areas
Curriculum designLearning methodologyAdult learning principlesExperiential learningLearner engagementAccessibility and inclusion
4
Applied Learning & Professional Practice
Learning should extend beyond theory by enabling participants to confidently apply knowledge and capability within workplace and professional environments.
Practical application should be embedded throughout the learning experience.
Key Evaluation Areas
Workplace applicationPractical projectsCase studiesSimulationsReflective practiceAction learning
5
Assessment, Validation & Professional Recognition
Assessment should validate demonstrated competence, capability, professional judgement and ethical decision-making through authentic evaluation methods.
Recognition should reflect meaningful achievement rather than participation alone.
Key Evaluation Areas
Assessment methodologyCompetency validationEvidence of capabilityAuthentic assessmentLearner progressionProfessional recognition
6
Faculty Excellence, Governance & Quality Assurance
High-quality learning programmes require qualified faculty, effective governance, ethical leadership, quality assurance systems and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Programme quality should be actively monitored, evaluated, and strengthened over time.
Key Evaluation Areas
Faculty capabilityProfessional expertiseGovernanceEthical practiceQuality assuranceContinuous improvement
7
Learning Impact & Organizational Value
The ultimate measure of learning is the value it creates.
Professional learning should strengthen workforce capability, improve professional practice, develop leadership, enhance organizational performance and contribute to long-term success.
Key Evaluation Areas
Capability improvementBehavioural changeLeadership developmentWorkforce capabilityOrganizational performanceLearning impact
The ILDC Learning Standards Lifecycle™

Every ILDC Accredited programme should demonstrate alignment across the complete learning journey.

1
Strategic Purpose
2
Capability Development
3
Learning Design
4
Applied Learning
5
Assessment & Validation
6
Professional Recognition
7
Learning Impact
8
Continuous Improvement
ILDC Learning Standards Assessment Model™

Every programme submitted for ILDC Accreditation is evaluated across seven integrated dimensions.

Assessment Dimension
Evaluation Focus
Purpose
Strategic intent, programme relevance and learning outcomes
Capability
Competencies, skills, behaviours and professional capability developed
Learning Experience
Curriculum quality, instructional design, learner engagement and educational methodology
Professional Practice
Workplace application, experiential learning and capability transfer
Assessment
Competency validation, authentic assessment and learner achievement
Quality
Faculty capability, governance, quality assurance and programme management
Impact
Learner outcomes, workforce capability, organizational performance and continuous improvement
Programme Alignment Matrix

How programmes demonstrate alignment

Organizations seeking ILDC Accreditation should demonstrate how their programme aligns with each of the Seven ILDC Global Learning Standards.

Evidence may include:

01Programme strategy and objectives
02Competency frameworks
03Curriculum structure
04Learning materials
05Assessment methodology
06Faculty profiles
07Quality assurance processes
08Workplace application activities
09Learning analytics
10Programme review and continuous improvement
Application of the Framework

The ILDC Global Learning Standards Framework™ provides the foundation for:

Professional Education Providers
Corporates
Academic & Higher Education Institutions
Leadership Development Programmes
Executive Education
Workforce Capability Programmes
Professional Certification & Credential Pathways
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Organizational Learning & Development Strategies
ILDC Global Programme Accreditation
Framework Outcome

Organizations that align with the ILDC Global Learning Standards Framework™ demonstrate a commitment to internationally aligned learning standards, competency-based education, ethical practice, quality assurance and measurable learning outcomes.

Through this framework, ILDC advances global learning standards, strengthens professional capability, promotes organizational excellence, and provides a trusted benchmark for programme accreditation across professions, institutions and industries worldwide.