The document outlines the role of Ofqual as an independent regulator for qualifications in England, focusing on vocational qualifications within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). It highlights the demand for vocational qualifications, the importance of maintaining reliability and comparability across qualifications, and the ongoing efforts to monitor and improve standards. Ofqual's responsibilities include ensuring public confidence, accommodating the needs of learners and employers, and adapting to government policies aimed at enhancing vocational education quality.

1. Awarding Organisation – Performance and Regulation Glass Qualification Authority Clare Gilligan, Head of Awarding Organisation Performance 28 July 2010

2. Introducing Ofqual Vocational qualifications sector Qualifications and Credit Framework Monitoring and reliability What next for vocational qualifications?

3. Introducing Ofqual Independent statutory regulator Non ministerial government department Separate from developmental role Regulator of: Qualifications (general and vocational) in England Vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage Assessments in England

4. Introducing Ofqual Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 5 statutory objectives Standards in qualifications Standards in assessments Public confidence Awareness and understanding Efficiency

5. Introducing Ofqual Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 Other general duties, including having regard to the requirements of: - Learners, pupils and children Industry, commerce, finance, the professions and other employers Must also have regard to “the need to ensure learners have reasonable choice… …not an excessive number of qualifications in similar subject areas of serving similar functions”

6. Demand for vocational qualifications Size of vocational qualification sector Sept 2009 6.1 million other qualification achievements in 2009 10,000 accredited qualifications Great demand Valued by employers and learners Achievement of a vocational qualification Indicates skill/knowledge Increases personal confidence Contributes to business efficiency and success

7. Responding to the demand Together Ofqual and AOs can ensure: Confidence Everyone should have confidence in the qualifications system Shared responsibility for delivery of qualifications Reliability and comparability New for vocational qualifications Qualifications should be comparable over time and between qualifications Outcomes should be reliable Understanding System should be straightforward to understand

8. Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Wider government agenda Significant part of last government’s agenda UK Vocational Reform Programme a major reform of qualification system Sector Skills Councils pivotal role More accessible Easier to understand More relevant to needs of employers and learners Coalition government appears to be pro vocational qualifications

9. Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) QCF Framework is intended to be: Inclusive Responsive Accessible Non bureaucratic

10. Ofqual and the QCF Ofqual regulates awarding organisations to award qualifications Number of organisations fully recognised to operate within the QCF (as at 26 July 2010) 125 Further 37 applications in the process of being reviewed Recognition Process - Procedures on: Develop and submit units of assessment Develop rules of combination Design and development of assessment Delivery of assessment and Centre recognition GQA recognised to operate in the QCF on 28 September 2009

11. QCF – progress so far Accreditation of qualifications Quality and standards Fit for purpose Number of accredited qualifications within the QCF 5006 44 GQA qualifications accredited Number of units within the QCF 24,498 264 GQA units Continued monitoring of performance and outcomes Both awarding organisations and qualifications

12. Our continuing responsibilities Regulation of qualifications in the QCF New framework Evaluation of the QCF arrangements 2009 and 2010 Review of 2,00 QCF units Review of 150 qualifications In depth evaluation of the assessment of shared units in QCF qualifications

13. Monitoring Qualifications National occupational standards (NOS ) and assessment strategy Qualification ‘A’ - with own or shared rules of combination Qualification ‘B’ - with own or shared rules of combination Qualification ‘C’ -with own or shared rules of combination Qualification ‘D’ -with own or shared rules of combination other Shared QCF units submitted by the unit submitting body

14. Our continuing responsibilities Ofqual has five statutory objectives in the ASCL Qualification standards Assessment standards Public confidence Awareness and Economic regulation Standards Strategy To enable Ofqual to monitor standards in 18,500 Vocational qualifications Involvement of employers To ensure fitness for purpose.

15. Once recognised Awarding organisations monitoring Reliability and monitoring Comparability Together provide assurance about the quality of qualifications

16. Monitoring awarding organisations Systems audits to ensure compliance with the relevant frameworks Full review Thematic Fast response Self Evaluation

17. Monitoring Qualifications Reliability Developing regulatory tools for all qualifications Confidence in the system for value of qualifications with employers Ensure assessment is consistent and reliable Ofqual reliability research programme (details on Ofqual website) Developing our approach Focus on reliability of internal assessment

18. Reliability Vocational qualifications and general qualifications Some difference in regulatory requirements Demand for quality is the same Reliability matters to everyone Entry or recruitment Achievement of skill Business reputation

19. Comparability in qualifications Consistency Over time Between levels of qualification Between subjects Between awarding organisations Research Data review Comparability studies

20. Confidence and understanding Open reporting Share understanding Provide market intelligence Confidence through knowledge of the market Complex market Ensure it is fair and effective Qualifications must be trusted Qualifications need to meet the needs of employers and learners Awarding organisations must be trusted Committed to high quality qualifications and assessments Reliable indication of knowledge, skills and understanding Ofqual must be trusted

21. What next for Vocational Qualifications? Government policy Improve quality of vocational education Joint minister for DfE and BIS All regulatory activity reviewed against ASCL Act Ofqual requirements Our regulation will fit across all qualifications AOs to decide what they want to do Needs to meet regulatory requirements