Have Your Say on the Regulation of Qualifications

The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning (ASCL) Act received Royal Assent on November 12, 2009, establishing Ofqual as an independent statutory body with responsibilities for the regulation of general and vocational qualifications in England. We will also regulate vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland.

Ofqual will be an independent body which will report directly to Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Kathleen Tattersall, Chair of Ofqual, said: "The establishment of Ofqual as an independent organisation represents a significant development in the regulation of qualifications and assessments.

"At this important time for us we need to consult with a wide range of stakeholders about how we can best exercise the powers and duties given to us under the new legislation.

"The results of the consultation will inform our business planning for the future as we work to secure the standards of qualifications and protect learners so that they can be confident their results count."

The consultation document, Regulating For Confidence in Standards, includes information about the new legislation and explains the duties and powers which Ofqual will have and the suggested ways in which these can be exercised. It can be found at www.ofqual.gov.uk/consultation

People have three months to submit their responses. They can do so on-line, via e-mail to consultationresponses@ofqual.gov.uk or by writing to the Regulatory Policy Team, Ofqual, Spring Place, Coventry Business Park, Herald Avenue, Coventry, CV5 6UB.

A second document setting out the proposed transitional regulatory arrangements for regulated qualifications and assessment arrangements from April 1, 2010, when Ofqual will be formally established as an independent body, will seek the views of awarding organisations and other relevant stakeholders.

Ends

Notes to editors

The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act, which gained Royal Assent on Thursday, November 12, 2009, included the provision for Ofqual to be established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities for the regulation of general and vocational qualifications in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland.

More information about the ASCL Act can be found here http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/2280.aspx

For more information contact the Ofqual press office on 0300 303 3342 or 07798 924552. Members of the public should contact the helpdesk on 0300 303 3340.