The Management Standards Centre has developed this Framework in conjunction with employers from a number of sectors and with institutions from further and higher education, as well as awarding bodies. The Framework was approved by fdf in January 2008.

The Framework is intended to be a key reference point and an aid to those who are designing, delivering and reviewing foundation degrees in Management and Leadership. It reflects best practice in the design of Foundation Degrees across all sectors and in the delivery of leadership and management education and training.

It specifies workplace related knowledge and skills which have been identified by employers as being important to current and future work in the sector. It is also based on national guidelines and requirements from a number of sources including the Quality Assurance Agency and the Higher Education Funding Council for England.