Qualification development and support processes
If you’re thinking about developing a new qualification, please speak to us. We can help you through the development process and give you the support you need to submit your qualification to Ofqual (the qualification regulators) for accreditation. Read more...
Supporting You
Develop qualifications for the land-based and environmental sector
Why should you speak to us before developing a qualification?
We have developed a process with Awarding Organisations in our sector about the qualifications offered to learners. We have worked hard to build good working relationships with the Awarding Organisations so that qualifications can be developed to fit the needs of our industries.
By getting in touch with us and arranging a meeting it means that all parties can benefit from new qualifications.
How does the support process work?
When you first decide to develop a new qualification, you must contact us and arrange a meeting.
Before you come the meeting, you will need to fill in a qualification rationale form and send it to us.
During the meeting with us, we will discuss:
- Purpose of the new qualification
- Progression opportunities
- Timescales for development and implementation
- Level of ‘scrutiny’ needed for your qualification.
We will continue to talk to you to support you throughout the process until the qualification is ready. After the qualification has been developed, you need to submit it to us for us to provide support. Please remember that the qualification must be submitted by the deadlines outlined in the original meeting.
Once you have submitted your qualification to us, we will review it within 10 working days. Approval may be given straight away but sometimes we may ask for changes to be made and ask you to resubmit. After we provide you with a letter of support to allow you to submit the qualification to Ofqual.
If any changes are made to the qualification from its original submission, they must submit it back to us to review and re-approve.
Qualification support process and supporting documentation
You can find full details of the qualification support process and supporting documentation below:
If you need any more information, please get in touch with our Project Manager for the Sector Qualifications Strategy. Please email us or telephone on 02476 858 424.
Useful documents
Generic assessment strategies for SVQs and residual NVQs on the NQF
This document replaces the existing individual assessment strategies. We have revised it so it takes into account the changes to age discrimination legislation.
Guidance documents on the assessment and evidence requirements for SVQs
This document contains guidance on the assessment and evidence requirements for qualifications (SVQs) based directly on National Occupational Standards. There is one guidance document to cover all National Occupational Standard.
Ofqual
Ofqual is the regulator for qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You can find out more information about them from their website.
Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
SQA is the regulator for qualifications in Scotland. You can find out more information about them from their website.