Executive summary

In this document we: 1.Explain the context for these proposals in the light of the changes resulting from the 2009 Act that will establish us as an independent regulator. 2.Explain our recommendation as to how the transitional arrangements should be used to minimise the disruption to the system of regulated qualifications and assessment arrangements whilst maintaining effective regulation. 3.Set out why transitional arrangements are required to allow:

• Ofqual to exercise its functions under the 2009 Act in a way that is consistent with its objectives
• Ofqual to protect learners and maintain standards
• existing recognised awarding organisations to continue to be recognised
• new organisations to seek recognition
• existing accredited qualifications to continue to be awarded
• new qualifications to be submitted for accreditation

while the new Ofqual Board develops and implements longer term changes to the regulatory arrangements. 4.Set out the proposed transitional arrangements for:

• regulated qualifications, covering:
  • transitioning recognitions of existing awarding organisations
  • recognition criteria
  • general and other conditions of recognition
  • transitioning existing accreditation of forms of qualifications
  • the accreditation requirement
  • accreditation criteria
  • the register of recognised awarding organisations and regulated qualifications
  • investigation of complaints
  • the power to direct and to withdraw recognition

• regulated assessment arrangements, covering:
  • aspects of the national curriculum assessment arrangements regulatory frameworks.

5.Set out the proposed timeline for the development and publication of the agreed transitional arrangements so that awarding organisations and responsible bodies understand the regulatory arrangements that will be in place from 1 April 2010. 6.Seek the views of awarding organisations, appropriate responsible bodies and others on these proposals.