Consultation on changes to the Conditions of Recognition

As qualifications regulators we are committed to protecting the interests of learners, maintaining standards in qualifications and promoting confidence in the qualifications system. We work closely together, and many of the awarding organisations we regulate are common to us all.

The Conditions of Recognition are the rules we set for the awarding organisations we regulate. Every recognised awarding organisation must make sure it, and all of its regulated qualifications, meet the Conditions. Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Conditions are broadly similar – although there are some differences reflecting our policy and legislative contexts.

Our respective Conditions are well established and awarding organisations, in the main, report to us each year that they are complying with them. During 2018, Qualifications Wales carried out a review of its Conditions, talking to awarding organisations and centres. Ofqual issued a call for evidence on the transparency of qualification fee information. We committed to work together to consider the evidence gathered, while also bringing together our wider views, analysis and perspectives on where changes to the Conditions may be appropriate.

This consultation proposes a number of changes to our Conditions including, in particular, changes aimed at improving the level of transparency and clarity of qualification fees, as well as changes aimed at improving structure and clarity of wording. We have sought to align our proposals as far as possible – and this is reflected in the fact that there are only a very small number of instances in this consultation where we are proposing different requirements.

We would like to thank the stakeholders who have contributed to this collaborative review and look forward to receiving responses to our consultation.

We have made minor amendments to summary tables at pages 12 - 15 (revisions proposed by theme and by regulator) and at page 58 (proposed changes to defined terms). These amendments do not change any of our proposals set out in the consultation document; they ensure the proposals are accurately and completely signposted.