Workforce, following decline, means to raise standards (9)
I believe the answer is:
flagstaff
'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" .)