NOS can support individuals in their day-to-day tasks and help establish the link between the aims and objectives of a school, and what is required to achieve these. They can support the design and evaluation of education and training and the design of qualifications. The standards can also be used to manage and develop organisations and individuals, job descriptions, recruitment, individual and team development, career planning and staff appraisal.

National occupational standards can help you to make informed decisions about:

• the coverage and focus of job roles
• how well staff are performing
• the training and development needs of staff
• appropriate qualifications for staff
• matching job roles to the overall aims and objectives of the school

National occupational standards can be used for a range of purposes including:

• skills mix review 
• job design 
• developing job descriptions
• recruitment and selection
• training needs analysis 
• training and development 
• qualifications 

The STL NOS are presented in 69 units. No individual is expected to meet all 69 units; only those related to their role in school.