1. EQAVET
1st Annual Forum
Madrid
29-30 April 2010

2. How can and should quality assurance support the implementation of the EQF?
Anita Kremo
DG Education and Culture

3. The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning
To increase the transparency and comparability of qualifications throughout Europe in order to:
promote mobility for learning and work
make lifelong learning a reality for all citizens

4. The European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning
8 EQF levels described in
LEARNING OUTCOMES
32 countries (ET2020) are committed to developing national qualifications frameworks based on learning outcomes and linking them to the EQF

5. An EU meta-framework in action
Implementing the EQF
2010
Member States to relate NQS/F to the EQF
- to ensure that qualifications issued by competent authorities are related, via the NQS, to the EQF
2012
- to designate national coordination points
to coordinate this referencing process
ensuring a transparent methodology
informing and involving stakeholders
Countries may have several competent bodies internally but should speak with one voice to other countries

6. An EU meta-framework in action
Referencing to the EQF
Three EQF referencing reports have been finalised

7. An EU meta-framework in action
Referencing to the EQF 9
Countries referencing by 2009 or fully on schedule 26 17
Countries referencing by 2011 3
Countries referencing after 2011 2
Countries not yet able to estimate

8. An EU meta-framework in action
Ensuring transparency
EQF Advisory Group – developing systematic dialogue on qualifications among a broad range of key actors
Representatives of participating countries (EU, EEA, candidates)
Representatives of European social partners and other stakeholders
Representative of the European Higher Education Area (Council of Europe)
Mike should emphasise that it is the first time when key actors representing such a broad range of stakeholders come together to talk about qualifications. Reprentatives of national authorities representing the LLL spectrum: general education, VET, HE; and also employers organisations, trade unions, students and the Bologna framework.

9. Promoting mutual trust
EQF for LLL – voluntary exercise depending mutual trust between stakeholders
Transparency
and
quality assurance
are essential
Mike should emphasise that it is the first time when key actors representing such a broad range of stakeholders come together to talk about qualifications. Reprentatives of national authorities representing the LLL spectrum: general education, VET, HE; and also employers organisations, trade unions, students and the Bologna framework.

10. Guaranteeing the overall quality and value of single qualifications
Promoting mutual trust – qualifications frameworks and quality assurance
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
Guaranteeing the overall quality and value of single qualifications
Proving that the linking of individual qualifications to a particular national qualifications level is appropriate
Proving that referencing of national qualifications levels to EQF levels is credible

11. Promoting mutual trust – qualifications frameworks and quality assurance
Common principles for quality assurance in VET and HE – Annex III of EQF Recommendation
Criteria and procedures for EQF referencing – explicit on QA

12. Promoting mutual trust – qualifications frameworks and quality assurance
Issues:
NQFs and the learning outcomes approach relatively new phenomena;
thus, implementation is at different stages at national level
Consequently, national QA systems reflect this shift to learning outcomes and NQFs to varying degrees

13. Promoting mutual trust – qualifications frameworks and quality assurance
Cooperation
- on how quality assurance can support the shift to learning outcomes
- between educational sectors
- and countries
How can European cooperation in EQAVET support national QA systems to promote trust towards NQFs, and ultimately the EQF?

14. Thank you for your attention