Trainer Qualification & Authorization Framework

Greece Lean Six Sigma (GLSS)

1. Purpose

This framework defines the minimum qualifications, selection criteria, roles, authorities, and responsibilities of Trainers engaged by Greece Lean Six Sigma (GLSS).

Its purpose is to ensure that all trainers:

  • demonstrate verified technical and instructional competence,
  • act with professionalism, ethics, and impartiality,
  • operate in alignment with international education and certification standards, and
  • contribute to sustainable capability development for learners and organisations.

2. Scope

This framework applies to:

  • Internal and external trainers
  • Freelance and associate trainers
  • Lean, Six Sigma, and Lean Six Sigma trainers
  • Operational Excellence, Quality, Leadership, and Project Management trainers
  • Trainers delivering:
    • in-house corporate programs
    • open training programs
    • online and blended learning
    • certificate and certification-related programs

3. Reference Standards & Governance

This framework aligns with:

  • ISO 21001:2018 – Educational Organizations Management Systems
  • ISO 29993:2017 – Learning Services for Non-Formal Education
  • ISO 18404:2015 – Competency Requirements for Lean & Six Sigma
  • ISO/IEC 17024 – Conformity Assessment – Certification of Persons
  • ASTM E2659 – Certificate Programs
  • GLSS Code of Ethics
  • GLSS ESG, Neurodiversity & Accessibility Policies

4. Trainer Categories

4.1 Associate Trainer

A trainer approved to deliver specific topics or levels under defined conditions.

Characteristics:

  • Delivers approved GLSS training material
  • Operates under supervision where required
  • No authority for assessment or certification decisions

4.2 Authorized Trainer

A fully authorized trainer approved for independent course delivery.

Characteristics:

  • Independent delivery of approved programs
  • Participation in instructional feedback and improvement
  • Mandatory compliance with GLSS delivery and quality standards

4.3 Lead Trainer

A senior trainer with extended responsibilities.

Characteristics:

  • Coordination of training teams
  • Mentoring of junior or associate trainers
  • Contribution to curriculum and content review
  • No final authority over certification decisions (role separation maintained)

5. Minimum Trainer Qualifications

5.1 Technical Qualifications

Depending on program level:

Lean / Six Sigma / Lean Six Sigma

  • Yellow / Green Belt programs: Certified Black Belt
  • Black Belt programs: Master Black Belt
  • Competency alignment with ISO 18404

Quality, Operational Excellence, Project Management

  • Recognized certifications or demonstrated professional expertise
  • Clear relevance to training subject matter

5.2 Instructional Competence

Trainers must demonstrate documented ability in:

  • adult learning facilitation
  • experiential and applied learning methods
  • group engagement and interaction
  • structured, clear, and professional communication

5.3 Professional Experience

  • Practical experience in improvement, transformation, or leadership projects
  • Demonstrated application of tools in real operational environments
  • Ability to bridge theory with practical execution

6. Trainer Approval & Authorization Process

The authorization process includes:

  1. Submission of:
    • CV
    • certifications
    • project and delivery experience
  2. Technical and pedagogical interview
  3. Demonstration session (where applicable)
  4. Approval by GLSS Training Governance
  5. Formal written authorization defining:
    • approved subjects
    • delivery levels
    • authorization duration

7. Role Separation & Impartiality

To ensure integrity and impartiality:

  • Trainers do not make final certification decisions
  • Trainers do not assess candidates they directly coach or mentor on projects
  • Certification decisions are taken by an independent function

8. Trainer Obligations

All trainers are required to:

  • comply with the Trainer Code of Ethics & Conduct
  • apply inclusive and neurodiversity-aware teaching practices
  • protect data confidentiality and intellectual property
  • use only approved GLSS training materials
  • participate in evaluation, feedback, and quality reviews

9. Trainer Performance Evaluation

Trainer performance is monitored through:

  • learner feedback and satisfaction data
  • delivery quality observations
  • procedural and policy compliance
  • periodic performance reviews

Non-conformity may result in:

  • corrective action or retraining
  • suspension
  • withdrawal of authorization

10. Validity, Renewal & Withdrawal

Trainer authorization:

  • is granted for a defined period
  • is renewed based on performance and compliance
  • may be withdrawn immediately in cases of:
    • ethical breach
    • conflict of interest
    • serious quality deviation

11. Governance & Responsibility

Oversight of this framework is ensured by:

GLSS Training & Certification Governance Function

Final responsibility rests with:

Victoria Tsolidou
Founder & Managing Director
Greece Lean Six Sigma

Document Control

Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 30.06.2025
Review Cycle: Annual or upon changes to applicable standards