Qualification Development Update 23 April 2015 Laura Holland

CILEx Regulators CILEx regulated by:  Ofqual – regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland  CILEx Regulation (formerly IPS) – ensures CILEx carries out its work in accordance with the principles of good regulation.

Qualifications and Credit Framework Ofqual (then QCDA) introduced the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) in 2008 for vocational qualifications. Rigid design rules for qualifications covering:  Structure  Level  Titling  Credit value

Advantages of the QCF  Allowed learners to accumulate credit across qualifications and through different Awarding Organisations  Same design features made qualifications easy to understand  Shared unit bank would avoid duplication of units with similar content and lead to fewer qualification components in the system

Issues with the QCF The introduction of the QCF also raised issues:  Less flexibility in qualification development  Grading problematic  Unit sharing – quality of shared units; ownership; intellectual property

Review of QCF  Review of QCF late 2013  Consultation on withdrawing the QCF in October 2014 Outcome:  QCF to be withdrawn from summer 2015  Qualifications no longer have to be designed to QCF rules

Implications for England Awarding organisations can now offer different types of qualifications that are no longer subject to the QCF rules. Greater regulator emphasis on validity :  who the qualification is for and why it is needed  Identifying the right knowledge, skills and understanding to meet that need  Choosing assessment that will maintain standards  Seeking feedback to ensure the qualification is meeting the need

Implications for Wales  QCF qualifications still recognised within the Credit and Qualifications Framework Wales (CQFW) and within Apprenticeships  Qualifications Wales to be established by September 2015 to approve qualifications in Wales

CILEx Response CILEx to evaluate current provision and possible new developments. Seeking views from employers, centres, and learners:  Focus groups  Stakeholder surveys  Employer, centre and learner events  Communications  Website

Future Developments Opportunities for new developments:  E-assessment  Qualifications for 16 year olds  Short skill awards  Customised and endorsed provision

SFA Funding Fewer qualifications becoming eligible for public funding Future funding to be based on more locally responsive offer Funding secured for CILEx qualifications at level 3 for 2015/16 New government?