October 2008

Welcome to the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) update. This e-Newsletter is sent out on the first Friday of each month.

This edition includes information on key developments of the QCF, preparing for QCF implementation, country-specific developments and information on events.

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Key developments

Moving towards implementation
We have produced a full business case for the QCF and the LSC has undertaken a feasibility study and impact assessment of the QCF operating model on behalf of DIUS.  The full business case has been endorsed by the UKVQRP Board and has been submitted, for agreement, to Ministers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  The business case includes an overview of the operating model and systems requirements, and was developed with input from key partners remitted with providing more detailed proposals for delivery.

The implementation of the QCF will be the culmination of nearly four years' work across England, Wales and Northern Ireland involving many supporters in the awarding body and provider communities, as well as thousands of learners. Its introduction will result in the first regulated credit and qualifications framework in the world.

For more information on QCF implementation, please visit our website.

European Qualifications Framework
Implementation of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) in the UK has begun. The results of the exercise to reference the levels of the QCF to the levels of the EQF will be published in March 2009. Prior to this there will be opportunities to submit responses on a proposed referencing of the levels. Timescales for this are listed below and details of how people can respond will appear in next month's e-Newsletter.

The EQF for lifelong learning is a common reference framework which enables European countries to link their qualifications systems to one another. It is a translation device making qualifications more readable and understandable across different countries and systems in Europe. UK ministers signed up to European Parliament recommendations at the end of 2007 to implement the EQF.

Responses to proposed referencing
The timescales for submitting responses on the referencing of UK frameworks to the EQF are:

• Scotland: September - November 2008
• England/Northern Ireland: November 2008 - January 2009
• Wales: January - March 2009.

Information about how to take part in Scotland's consultation on the proposed referencing of levels of the SCQF to the EQF can be found on their website.

Further information on EQF implementation across the UK can be accessed via the QCA, and CCEA's websites, as well as information about the forthcoming opportunities to submit responses on the proposed referencing of levels between the UK frameworks and the EQF.

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Preparing for QCF implementation

Business Change Strategy for the QCF
The Business Change Strategy outlines a proposed approach to capacity building and communications to cover the needs of stakeholders across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Detailed capacity building plans are being drawn up for the production of events, workshops, support materials and the development of an enhanced website. For those staff within awarding organisations and sector skills councils and standards setting bodies who are new to the QCF, general QCF awareness raising workshops are being held throughout October and November. For more information visit the online registration.

Updating the QCF support pack
Updated versions of the guidance materials will be available shortly. In the meantime stakeholders can continue to use the version 2 of the QCF support pack which is currently on our website. The guidance pack provides all the information needed for those operating within the QCF.

IT infrastructure
We are currently reviewing and upgrading the IT infrastructure that was developed and used during the QCF tests and trials phase. This will underpin the accreditation of new units and qualifications, and support new and existing QCF learners to engage with those units and qualifications. These upgrades will start to be in place over the coming months and will enable the QCF to continue to develop until permanent systems are in place. For more information visit the QCF IT section on our website.

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Country-specific – England only

Employer Recognition Programme
We are continuing to work with employers, encouraging them to engage in the national qualifications system. Case studies and other useful materials can be found on our website.

If you would like to become involved in this initiative, please email the Employer Recognition Programme (ERP) team at recognition@qca.org.uk

Foundation Learning Tier developments
The second joint FLT conference, hosted by QCA and the LSC, is to take place on the 11 November. The conference will explore how the Foundation Learning Tier will lead to greater levels of participation, attainment and progression at Entry and Level 1. The audience will include leading policy makers and senior staff from government departments and agencies as well as key representatives of providers and learners.

For more information on the FLT please visit our website.

Next phase of Qualification Reform Support Programme (QRSP) activity
The next phase of the QRSP has begun. Over the coming months, the programme will continue to provide support through a range of activities, recognising the different starting points of providers.

This will include running regional road-shows and workshops, offering customised events for provider networks or groups of providers, facilitating collaborative development groups, and establishing on-line communities to explore issues, share resources and emerging practice.

The website will be regularly updated with the latest developments, quick guides summarising key aspects of the reform, case studies and planning tools and guidance.

The first free events entitled Vocational Qualifications are changing, are you? are planned for:

• London 14 October 2008
• Newcastle 16 October 2008 
• Manchester 22 October 2008.

These events are updated versions of last term’s events, back by popular demand. They are targeted at those who are new to the qualification reforms. These events seek to raise awareness of the reforms and support providers to consider the implications for their organisations. For more information on this event visit the QRSP website news.

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County-specific – Northern Ireland only

The Department for Employment and Learning has commissioned the Learning and Skills Development Agency NI, to take forward a substantial programme of work to raise awareness and prepare the Further Education and Training Sector in Northern Ireland for the changes that the Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme will bring to the sector.

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County-specific – Wales only

Employer Provider Recognition
DCELLS has communicated with fforwm and CBI Cymru on the EPR initiative, and is keeping in touch with QCA colleagues on developments.

Credit Based Curriculum
DCELLS has commissioned an extensive programme of work to commence in October 2008 through to December 2010 to support the implementation of a credit based curriculum within the further education and work based training sector in Wales. The work will focus on seven delivery areas:

• Management Information Systems
• IAG
• Finance
• Curriculum Management and Assessment
• Quality Assurance
• Marketing and Employer Engagement
• Leadership and Management. 

Further details can be obtained by emailing Adrian Sheehan at fforwm.

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QCF in the news

QCA and the V&A's assistant curator training scheme
The news that the Victoria and Albert Museum has had its in-house assistant curator training scheme accredited by QCA was featured in an in-depth piece in Arts Industry magazine. The piece sets out the advantages for an organisation of gaining official recognition for in-house training.

An Employer Leaflet setting out the benefits for employers of gaining official recognition for their training appeared in Personnel Today on Tuesday 23 September. The leaflet is also scheduled to appear in Management Today on the 9 October.

The QCF received an in-depth feature in Professional Manager, the official publication of the Chartered Management Institute, a small piece in Credit Management magazine, the publication of the Institute of Credit Management and a feature in Adults Learning, the publication of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education.

Sir Anthony Greener and the QCF
Former QCA Chairman Sir Anthony Greener provided a platform piece on creating a credit framework in Ufi's Vision 2020 magazine. For more information visit their website.

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Events

QCA sponsors the FAB annual conference 14-15 October, 2008
QCA and Ofqual are pleased to sponsor the FAB annual conference. From QCA, Mary Curnock Cook, Director of Qualifications and Skills will deliver the key note speech on the developments of the QCF implementation and Teresa Bergin, Head of Diplomas will also provide an update on the Diploma. There will also be a workshop on the Employer Recognition Programme facilitated by Samina Khan, acting head of Lifelong Learning and Skills.

QCF at the Association of Colleges conference
The QCF team will be hosting a workshop titled 'changing the vocational landscape for the FE sector - a focus on the QCF' on the 18 November at the AoC annual conference. The QCF is a significant reform in the FE sector and key issues will be addressed in order to provide support for those engaging with this initiative.

November QCF general awareness events
For those who are new to the QCF there will be a repeat of the general awareness events in November. Please see business change and capacity building strategy section to register for these events.

MoD hosts Employer Recognition Programme seminar
The MoD is hosting a seminar on the Employer Recognition Programme on the 23 October. This session is aimed at the uniformed services sector. If you would like to attend please email recognition@qca.org.uk.

National Employer Service Conference
The Employer Recognition Programme will also be hosting a workshop at the NES event on 20 October.

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