Support and Resources
The following documents will provide information from the LSC on key aspects of the UK Vocational Qualification Reform Programme.
Latest Briefing Documents
Briefing note on Interim Definition for Full Level 2 Qualifications in the Qualifications and Credit Framework
Published 18 December 2008
This is a briefing note on the new interim definition of the Full Level 2 in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). The interim definition of Full Level 2 supports the implementation of the QCF.
Aligning Public Funding to Key Qualifications identified by Sector Skills Councils / Sector Bodies / Standard Setting BodiesPublished 17 December 2008
This document outlines the first phase of the work that the LSC has undertaken with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) and Sector Skills Councils (SSCs), Sector Bodies (SBs) and some Standard Setting Bodies (SSBs) to develop processes to align public funding with vocational qualifications approved by SSCs / SBs / SSBs and identified by SSCs / SBs / SSBs as priorities for public funding. This document follows on from the 2009/10 Annual Statement of Priorities and signals the changes in public funding that will begin from 1 August 2009 for the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) whilst the wider programme of Vocational Qualification Reform continues to be implemented.
List of Ineligible Qualifications for 2009/10Published 17 December 2008
Vocational Qualifications Reform - Qualifications and Credit Framework: Unit Funding Trials 2008/09 - 2009/10
Adult Learner Responsive Model ArrangementsPublished 5th December 2008
This briefing note provides further details of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) unit funding trials signaled in the LSC Funding Guidance 2008/09 – Principles, Rules and Regulations (paragraphs 268 to 275), which was originally published in April 2008.
Spreadsheet of Eligible Units for the Adult Learner Responsive fundingPublished 5th December 2008
Qualifications and Curriculum Framework (QCF): LSC and the QCFPublished 18 December 2008
This document offers an overview of the LSC's responsibilities for the implementation of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). This includes delivery of the QCF Service Layer (across England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and wider implementation through funding, planning and performance (England only).
Funding GuidanceLSC Funding Guidance 2008/09 - Funding Principles, Rules and Regulations Version 4Final Version Published 4th November 2008 (Originally published 18th April 2008)
This document, LSC Funding Guidance 2008/09 (referred to here as ‘the Guidance’) sets out the Learning and Skills Council’s approach to, and the authoritative guidance for, the funding of LSC provision in 2008/09. It is a technical reference document, and should be used as a handbook for all LSC programme funding. All colleges, schools, providers and other organisations that receive funding from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) for the provision of education and training are required to comply with the Guidance.
Section 4 of the Guidance provides details of qualifications and funding, including changes specific to vocational qualification reform and the foundation learning tier.
Vocational Qualifications Reform - Qualifications and Credit Framework: Unit Funding Trials 2008/09 - 2009/10
Adult Learner Responsive Model ArrangementsPublished 5th December 2008
This briefing note provides further details of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) unit funding trials signaled in the LSC Funding Guidance 2008/09 – Principles, Rules and Regulations (paragraphs 268 to 275), which was originally published in April 2008.
Spreadsheet of Eligible Units for the Adult Learner Responsive fundingPublished 5th December 2008
Supporting Documents
Qualifications and Curriculum Framework (QCF): LSC and the QCFPublished 18 December 2008
This document offers an overview of the LSC's responsibilities for the implementation of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). This includes delivery of the QCF Service Layer (across England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and wider implementation through funding, planning and performance (England only).
Briefing on Qualification and Framework ReformPublished 6th November 2008
This paper provides an overview of two key reforms in qualifications; the UK Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme (including the Qualifications and Credit Framework) and the Foundation Learning Tier programme.
This document has been written for an external audience and will be of interest to LSC funded providers and other key LSC stakeholders.
Single Equality Impact Assessment: Demand-led Funding and the UK Vocational Qualification Reform Programme - Sub Programme 3 (Planning, Funding and Delivery of Provision for Learners)Published 15th July 2008
This Single Equality Impact Assessment (SEIA) encompasses the implementation of demand-led funding in 2008/09 and two elements of UK VQRP Programme 3, namely the reform of funding and performance measures to support the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) and the alignment of public funding to priority vocational qualifications.
The SEIA was was conducted and is published in accordance with the LSC’s Single Equality Scheme and reflects the Council’s statutory duty to prevent discrimination and promote equality and diversity.
Priorities Vocational QualificationsAligning Public Funding to Key Qualifications identified by Sector Skills Councils / Sector Bodies / Standard Setting Bodies
Published 17 December 2008
This document outlines the first phase of the work that the LSC has undertaken with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) and Sector Skills Councils (SSCs), Sector Bodies (SBs) and some Standard Setting Bodies (SSBs) to develop processes to align public funding with vocational qualifications approved by SSCs / SBs / SSBs and identified by SSCs / SBs / SSBs as priorities for public funding. This document follows on from the 2009/10 Annual Statement of Priorities and signals the changes in public funding that will begin from 1 August 2009 for the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) whilst the wider programme of Vocational Qualification Reform continues to be implemented.
List of Ineligible Qualifications for 2009/10
Published 17 December 2008
Aligning Public Funding with Priority Vocational Qualifications in England in 2008/09 - Update
Published 14 February 2008
This document provides an update to the Addendum to Statement of Priorities - Aligning Public Funding with Priority Vocational Qualifications in England in 2008/09, published in December 2007 (see above).
Updated 26 February 2008
This document has been updated to correct the date quoted in paragraph 3 (d). The paragraph should read:
- “From 1 August 2009, the LSC will start to ‘turn-off’ funding for predecessor NQF qualifications and lower priority qualifications. Learners on existing programmes registered before this date will continue to be funded to complete their programmes. Details of the qualifications will be published at the end of summer 2008.”
Addendum to Statement of Priorities - Aligning Public Funding with Priority Vocational Qualifications in England in 2008/09
Published 11 December 2007
This document provides further details and clarification of the process of progressively aligning funding with the vocational qualifications approved by Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) within the context of their sector qualification strategies, as referenced on Page 28 of the Statement of Priorities, Better skills, Better Jobs, Better lives; November 2007. This document is aimed at all regional and LSC partnership teams and key external stakeholders, particularly providers.
Qualification Reform Support Programme
The Quality Improvement Agency has contracted the Learning and Skills Network to provide a support programme for post 16 providers to help them to prepare for sector qualification reform and the Qualifications and Credit Framework in the context of a demand led system. Further information regarding the support programme can be found on the Quality Improvement Agency website.
Full Level 2 in the QCF
Briefing note on Interim Definition for Full Level 2 Qualifications in the Qualifications and Credit Framework
Published 18 December 2008
This is a briefing note on the new interim definition of the Full Level 2 in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). The interim definition of Full Level 2 supports the implementation of the QCF.
Full Level 2 in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (UK VQRP)
Published 15th November 2007
Update on recent changes to the definition of full Level 2 vocational qualifications in the context of the UK Vocational Qualification Reform Programme (UK VQRP) and the development of the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF).
QCF Test and Trials
LSC Statement on Funding Phase 2 of the QCF Test and Trials (2007/08)
Published 5th September 2007 (originally issued June 2007)
A statement clarifying the approach to funding during the QCF Test and Trials in 2007/08.
List of Approved QCF Tests and Trials for Public Funding
Published 5th September 2007 (originally issued June 2007)
This document provides a list of QCF Test and Trials, from the first and second phase, which are eligible for LSC funding.
QCF Test and Trials - Guidance for Providers on Recording the Participation of Learners on the Individualised Learner Record
Published 7th August 2007
A guidance note on completing the Individualised Learner Record (ILR) has been produced for those providers taking part in the first year of phased implementation in 2007/08.
