WIREDGOV

Work to establish a new body to oversee qualifications in Wales has moved a step forward yesterday with the introduction of the Qualifications Wales Bill.

Education Minister, Huw Lewis has previously set out his objective in the Qualified for Life strategy that qualifications achieved in Wales should be nationally and internationally respected and act as a credible passport to future learning and employment.  

Establishing a new body, as recommended by the Review of Qualifications in 2012, is central to achieving this.

The Qualifications Wales Bill will pave the way for the new, independent, expert body which will regulate awarding bodies and non-degree qualifications and oversee the integrity and rigour of the qualifications system in Wales.

The new body, Qualifications Wales is due to established by September 2015.

The Education Minister said:

“This Bill places the interests of learners right at the heart of the education system in Wales and reflects our Government commitment to ensuring that decisions about qualifications are taken in Wales and in the interests of Welsh learners.

“Once established I expect Qualification Wales to become an expert in regulation and assessment and to shape our future qualifications system.

“As an independent regulator it will be able to carry out research and work closely with educators and the business world to determine need.  It will also be able to commission the design and development of new qualifications that are designed to meet the needs of Wales.”

The new body’s two main aims will be to focus on the effectiveness of qualifications and the qualification system in meeting the needs of learners in Wales and to  promote public confidence.

In carrying out its work Qualifications Wales will be required to take into account, amongst other things the needs of the Welsh economy, the Welsh language, the needs of employers and higher and further education providers and the standards and comparability of qualifications within and beyond Wales.  

The Bill does not differentiate between general and vocational qualifications and both fall within the remit of Qualifications Wales.

While the Bill does not establish Qualifications Wales as an awarding body, it is required to keep its role and that of awarding bodies under review.  Longer term (and subject to future legislation) the intention is for Qualifications Wales to take on awarding powers.  

The Education Minister will make an oral statement about the Bill in the National Assembly on Tuesday 2nd December 2014.

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