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Workforce, following decline, means to raise standards (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

flagstaff

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'to raise standards' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'workforce following decline' is the wordplay.
'workforce' becomes 'staff' (both can mean a group of workers).
'following' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'decline' becomes 'flag'.
'staff' after 'flag' is 'FLAGSTAFF'.

'means' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for flagstaff that I've seen before include "supporter of raised standards" , "Arizona community" , "raising standards here?" , "Flying Pole" , "Ceremonial pole" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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