New commitment to ensure highest standards and to increase confidence revealed

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The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) yesterday outlined its commitment and determination to ensuring the highest standards in regulation, with the publication of a new set of guidelines on self-assessment for awarding bodies.

Designed to meet the government’s requirements that regulations are proportionate, accountable and targeted, the new proposals will aim to increase the performance of awarding bodies, protect the interest of learners and also increase greater public confidence in the qualifications awarded.

Applying to all accredited qualifications across the UK, the revised self assessment tool will encourage awarding bodies to take a greater role in evaluating their own development as well as providing a starting point for monitoring from regulatory authorities.

Based on this information, regulatory authorities will be able to focus their resources and attention more easily on awarding bodies whose need for change and improvement is greater. As a result, awarding bodies will more clearly be able to adopt a new strategy to develop their strengths further, and also address any weaknesses.

QCA, a non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), is playing a pivotal role in providing a world-class education and training framework, whilst helping the UK become the most dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world.

By providing a means for continual quality development and good practice, the guidelines will enable awarding bodies to ensure that the standard, quality and delivery of their qualifications are maintained.

Jason Seebaruth.

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