1. Alistair Shaw Head of International Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)

2. Employability and Employer Engagement
Trusted and Valued Qualifications
Qualification Framework
Employer Engagement at qualification design stage
Employer Representatives on Strategic Committees – Qualifications and Framework
Trusted Certification Process
Need for Framework

3. Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
SCQF Partnership
In 2006 the SCQF Partnership was established as a company to manage the Framework.
Ministers of the Scottish Government;
the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education;
Scotland's Colleges;
Universities Scotland;
Currently there is one co-opted Director representing the interests of employers.

4. Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
The Aims of the SCQF Partnership
maintain the quality and integrity of the Framework
promote and develop the Framework as a way of supporting lifelong learning
develop and maintain relationships with frameworks in the rest of the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.

5. Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) promotes and classifies all lifelong learning in Scotland.
Through the Framework you can find out about all mainstream qualifications in Scotland and plan future learning for all.
The Framework supports everyone in Scotland, including learning providers, learners and employers, by:

6. Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
helping learners to get access to appropriate education and training so they can meet their full potential
helping employers, learners and the general public to understand the full range and level of Scottish qualifications
how qualifications relate to each other and to other forms of learning, and how different types of qualification can contribute to improving the skills of the workforce

8. Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
What are the benefits?
The Framework helps learners and employers better understand the courses and programmes that lead to qualifications
It helps plan learning and develop 'progression routes' to follow
It enables you to make the most of the opportunities to transfer credit points between qualifications thus avoiding repetition of learning
The Framework also provides an extremely important way of recognising different types of learning in a wide range of settings - for example, learning in the workplace or in the community

9. Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
How does it work….
By using 2 measures, the level of a qualification or learning programme and the number of Credit Points awarded
The Framework helps you understand and compare all qualifications across the country
The level of a qualification indicates the level of difficulty and the number of credit points indicates the length of time it takes to complete. One SCQF credit point represents an average of 10 hours of learning time

10. SCQF Levels
They provide a basis for broad comparisons between learning programmes and qualifications achieved in different contexts, such as the workplace and formal classroom study
Over a lifetime, individuals can move between and across SCQF Levels as they undertake new learning and acquire new skills
It should not be assumed that all learners undertaking new studies would start at SCQF Level 1

11. Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
SCQF Forum
To help support the Framework, we have set up the SCQF Forum. The Forum is made up of representatives from the fields of education, employers and communities in Scotland
The Forum provides stakeholder feedback and input to help us ensure that the Framework continues to meet the needs of all learners, employers and other users of Scottish qualifications, within Scotland and in Europe and the rest of the world

12. Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
SCQF Quality Committee
Maintaining the quality and integrity of the Framework is vital for it to be successful
The SCQF Partnership Board established the SCQF Quality Committee to support the quality of the Framework and to provide clear, accurate technical information to all stakeholders
The Committee is composed of experts in quality assurance from a number of educational environments. The Quality Committee advises the SCQF Partnership Board on matters relating to the quality and integrity of the Framework

13. Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework
Communications
The Framework provides the language used to describe all learning in Scotland
Effective communication is at the heart of the Framework
Employers need to understand and trust
Learners need to understand and trust

14. National Occupational Standards and SCQF
NOSS, as nationally recognised standards, can be used in a number of ways.
inform the content of vocational and professional qualifications
inform the content of training programmes
form the basis of company/organisation competency frameworks 
form the basis of a range of vocational qualifications 
inform licences to practice with industries
raise skills levels and improve business productivity
form the basis of all types of human resource management and development including: ·
workforce planning
performance appraisal and development systems
job descriptions
mapping job vacancies and skills shortages/gaps
workplace coaching
reflective practice and continuing professional development 

15. Employer Engagement
Use knowledge and skills of employers to ensure qualifications are fit for purpose
Use employers to agree content and levels of skills
Make use of student placement during learning process
Ensure framework is robust
Engage with employers on your taskforce

16. Ensure High Quality Qualifications for Scotland & Scotland’s learners
SQA
Scottish
Qualifications
Authority
Awarding
Ensure High Quality Qualifications for Scotland & Scotland’s learners
Accreditation

17. SQA – Legislative Context
SQA established by Education (Scotland) Act 1996
Act sets out two main functions
Awarding & Accreditation (regulation)
Accountable to Ministers & Scottish Government with respect to both of its functions

18. Accountability Non Departmental Public Body Scottish Ministers
Sponsorship Department
Learning Community
People of Scotland

19. SQA – Awarding Body Directly responsible to Ministers
No requirement for an additional layer of regulation with respect to National Qualifications
Regulation - Measures taken in the public interest to assure standard & quality of qualifications & assessments
Openness, transparency and accountability
Strong governance
Collegiate approach
Engagement & involvement
External accountability
Advice & guidance on strategic & operational issues

20. Remit - Awarding Set & maintain National Standards
Develop & maintain comprehensive portfolio of qualifications
Develop & deliver Annual National Examinations
Validate SQA qualifications
Approve centres for specific SQA qualifications
Ensure On-going Quality Assurance

21. Remit - Accreditation
Focus is to assure quality qualifications available to support Scotland’s needs
Regulate Awarding Bodies offering regulated qualifications in Scotland
Move from prescriptive model of regulation (350+ criteria) to an enabling model of regulation (25 high level principles)
Supported by a risk based model

22. Contact Information
Scottish Credit Qualification Framework
Scottish Qualification Authority
Alistair Shaw