Overview

The Qualifications Reform Support Programme

The Qualification Reform Support Programme (QRSP), delivered by the Learning and Skills Network (LSN), on behalf of QIA, is designed to provide post 16 providers with support to help them prepare for sector qualification reform and the QCF in the context of a demand led system as driven by UK Vocational Qualification Reform Programme (UKVQRP).    

The UK Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme

The UK Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme began in 2005.  The aim of the reform programme is to set up a qualifications system across the UK which:

• better responds to the needs of learners and employers
• increases skills levels and the achievement of qualifications
• improves UK economic performance and competitiveness
• helps every individual to fulfil their potential.

It is led by DIUS and comprises the four nations of the UK and the key stakeholders.  The programme covers the:

• development of Sector Qualifications Strategies, developed by the Sector Skills Councils (SSCs), to give employers a greater say in the design and public funding of vocational qualifications
• development of a clear and easy to understand Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) that gives greater opportunities to recognise learner achievement
• rationalisation of existing qualifications so that learners and employers can more easily identify the best vocational qualifications for their needs
• changes to public funding to support provision which is more responsive to employer and learner needs
• development of a communication strategy to underpin the reforms
• research into the impact of the reforms.

The delivery approach for the implementation for the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), incorporating the Foundation Learning Tier (FLT) at Entry Level and Level 1, is currently being finalised and Ministers in England, Wales and Norther Ireland are expected to give the final go-ahead in autumn 2008. By August 2010, all qualifications will be accredited to the QCF.

Materials

•   Readiness Matrix for Implementation of the VQ Reforms   (222 KB) Downloadable file
  To help prepare you for the UK Vocational Qualification Reform Programme (UK VQRP), we have provided a matrix to identify how change ready your organisation is to meet the challenges of implementing t...
  
•   VQ Reform webpageWeb link
  The VQ Reform section of the DIUS website
  
•   Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)Web link
  Link to the QCF section on QCA website
  
•   Foundation Learning Tier (FLT)Web link
  The QIA Foundation Learning Tier's website and on-line resource. The aim of the site is to help providers prepare for the small scale delivery of Progression Pathways at Entry and Level 1 from autumn...