Kathleen Tattersall, Chair of Ofqual
As Chief Regulator, I am delighted to announce the launch of the consultation into how Ofqual should meet its objectives and exercise its duties and powers. Ofqual is the new independent regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments. Ofqual’s remit in England covers regulated qualifications and assessments taken by learners of all ages, ranging from assessments of pre-school children to qualifications taken by retired people looking to widen their skills. In Northern Ireland our remit covers vocational qualifications. Ofqual aims to ensure that these qualifications and assessments are reliable, fit for purpose and will retain their worth. We want to support and safeguard qualifications which learners, parents, carers, employers and universities can rely on as a true indicator of achievement. As someone who believes in the power of qualifications to change lives, this subject is close to my heart and I understand the value of working closely with our stakeholders to ensure we have the best regulatory model in place.
Ofqual was created in interim form in April 2008. Before this, regulation of qualifications was carried out by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning (ASCL) Act, which will make Ofqual an independent body, has now passed through Parliament. We expect that Ofqual will be established as a statutory independent body in April 2010.
Initially we will use transitional and interim measures to enable us to carry forward established approaches to regulation, while we complete our consultations and introduce our new regulatory model in a managed way.
The Act sets out five clear objectives for Ofqual – to secure the standards of regulated qualifications; to promote standards of regulated assessments; to promote public confidence in qualifications and assessment arrangements; to promote awareness and understanding of regulated qualifications and to secure efficiency and value for money in qualifications. Overall, learners are at the heart of all Ofqual does.
To help ensure we meet the objectives set out in the ASCL Act and provide the best service possible, we are now carrying out a full consultation with our stakeholders. We value your views, which we will use to shape the future of Ofqual and the regulation of the qualifications and assessment systems.
What we are consulting on
We would like your feedback on how we should meet our objectives, fulfil our duties and use our powers. The themes of our consultation are set out in this document. Areas covered include our approach to recognising awarding organisations; how we will monitor awarding organisations and the regulated qualifications they offer; the steps we will take when we identify problems and how we will keep all aspects of statutory national curriculum and early years foundation stage (EYFS) assessment arrangements under review.
Consultation period
The consultation period will last from 11 December 2009 to 8 March 2010. During this time we will be speaking to as many stakeholder groups as possible. Ofqual’s aim is to build up strong relationships with our stakeholders which will last after this consultation has ended.
Next steps
After the close of this consultation we will reflect carefully on the responses we receive. As our initial proposals are developed and refined we will undertake further consultations where appropriate.
Giving your feedback
You can give us your feedback in a number of ways. We would prefer you to respond using the online form www.ofqual.gov.uk/consultation.
We will also accept responses by email sent to: consultationresponses@ofqual.gov.uk or by post to:
Regulatory Policy Team, Spring Place, Coventry Business Park, Herald Avenue, Coventry, CV5 6UB.
The last date for responses is 8 March 2010.
I do hope to hear from as many of you as possible and would welcome comments on any part of our proposals. I hope together we can support and maintain qualifications and assessments of which we can all be proud.
Kathleen Tattersall
