Credit Works continues to provide comprehensive support and customised training and development services on implementation of the QCF.
Support was provided to fast-track SSCs during 07/08. During 08/09 Credit Works is working on behalf of the LSC national office to provide expert support in order to develop the capability and capacity of the SSCs and SSBs to develop QCF units and priority qualifications for public funding for use in their sector and across sectors.
Statement of Priorities - Better Skills, Better Jobs, Better Lives, the Learning and Skills Council’s priorities and key actions for 2008/9 to 2010/11
LSC policy summaries for 08/09
This project builds upon the work to support SSCs and their associated Awarding Bodies (ABs) undertaken through the QCF tests and trials (2006-8); the work undertaken for LSC and QCA to support the development of fast track qualifications by SSCs and their associated ABs; and address recommendations made in the Credit Works report, April 2008.
Full Report
Executive Summary
The 08/09 support programme uses the Credit Works process map to introduce and use the concept, model and method developed through the fast track support programme, to demonstrate how a sector framework of units can be developed to generate all QCF qualifications and respond to a range of demands; from sector as well as government priorities, to demands from employers for recognition of the outcomes of in-company training. This approach worked successfully in 0708 with those fast track SSCs looking for a way to use the QCF strategically and systematically.
As part of the 08/09 support programme the Credit Works website is being developed to provide additional support and resources.
More information on the Credit Works ‘Fast Track’ training and support programme in our recently published report.Full Report
Executive Summary
Conference Report: Developing a framework of QCF units for your sector using standards as a starting point (principle to practice)
The English Speaking Union, London June 5 2008
As promised, outcomes from the Conference organised by QCA have been placed on the Credit Works website within 7 days of the event. This conference report has informal status and is not an official view of those government agencies supporting the event. However the report will help to inform the thinking of those agencies, SSCs, SBs and ABs and we hope it reflects the key points covered and summarises what participants had to say on the day, verbally and in writing.
Some of the more detailed responses from the snapshot survey will be written up and added to the Credit Works website. Views will not be attributed to individuals or organisations but where possible we have identified organisation type.
Conference Presentations with notes:
Introduction and Recommendations
Developing a QCF sector framework
Process Map
Skillfast-UK Presentation
Reflections
Conference participants had different levels of experience of the QCF – and this was reflected in discussion and responses. Participants did not comment immediately in any detail on the Fast Track report recommendations – however points raised through the day reflected the issues identified in the report and (in the main) these are addressed in the report recommendations and suggested action points.
Most of the snapshot survey responses showed that SSCs did have a plan in place for QCF development, that they welcomed support to help them develop a consistent approach, and would like more opportunities to learn from each other wherever possible.
Those participants that had had little involvement in the QCF tests and trials or Fast Track work were understandably the most anxious about full QCF implementation.
Experienced SSCs and ABs with good working relationships said they still needed to learn and focused their concerns on external issues – the future of full level 2 and 3 design principles, how to design/incorporate cross sector units and qualifications, public funding during the transition, alignment with the SCQF. SSCs said they welcomed the fact that the conference tackled the ‘NVQ’ issue and how to address measurement of competence/proficiency in the QCF.
Sector Bodies (that are not SSCs) wanted to know what their role should be in relation to the Fast Track Report recommendations. Credit Works view was that the recommendations could be applied to these SBs too but the report arose from work with SSCs. Clarification on the (relative) status of these SBs is needed as soon as possible – some have an important role to play in cross-sector unit and qual design.
Points on IPR and competition clearly still exercised some ABs. IPR and competition was not an issue in the development of N/SVQs. Our view is that SSCs and ABs can create a framework of units and quals for the QCF using the relationship conventions established for the development of standards and N/SVQs. There needs to be clear terms of reference for SSCs and ABs to do this. The Skillfast-UK example of a framework of units and qualifications shows that this is possible and though each SSC and sector is different there are lessons to be learned on relationship management and qual design that do apply across sectors. Skillfast-UK presentation was well received by participants and there were requests for more input of this kind.
On the Credit Works suggested process map, Participants had less time to discuss the implications than we would have liked. Participants annotated the methodology section and their suggestions are incorporated into the revised version accordingly. The term ‘underpinning knowledge’ used to describe non-process knowledge was problematic. ‘Additional knowledge’ was suggested and for the time being this has been used in the revised PPT 3 linked to this report. The next stage will be to explore use of the process map with fast track SSCs in June and July.
Next steps
A further conference will be scheduled later in the summer, when more information will be available on the implementation of the QCF and key policy areas including Full Level 2. Fast Track SSCs and ABs will continue their work on developing a framework of QCF units and qualifications through their agreed support programme with Credit Works.
Pending the decision from ministers in the summer on the future of the QCF there will be a capacity building programme of events which will support the phased national roll out of the QCF. Details of these events, which will cover those new to the QCF as well as those requiring further support, will be communicated by QCA.
If you would like to keep updated on the developments of the QCF and implementation you can subscribe to the QCF e-newsletter, and other QCA regular email alerts at the QCA website.
Customised support for Fast Track SSCs and their associated ABs
The support programme will continue to offer support on unit and qual development for fast track qualifications, through face to face work on line and telephone support and feedback. A number of customised training days are booked with SSCs to explore how to make use of the process map to prepare and plan for full implementation of the QCF.
Conference Summary
The day explored:
- Where SSCs were up to in their plans and work to develop qualifications for their sector using the QCF (using a snapshot survey)
- The Credit Works ‘Fast Track’ 2008 report and recommendations
- What the Fast Track report recommendations mean for SSCs in developing a single framework of QCF units for their sectors from which they can draw all QCF units and qualifications.
- A presentation and Q&A session with John West and Celia Thornley, Skills Managers at Skillfast-UK on the practicalities of how they went about designing a framework of units and qualifications with ABs – the ups and downs, what worked and maybe what they might do differently in the future. John and Celia are happy to be contacted with any queries.
John_west@skillfast.org.uk
Celia_thornley@skillfast.org.uk
(NOCN Apparel Qualification Structure)
- A process map for developing units and qualifications using standards as a starting point, covering: concepts, a model to use to identify skills and knowledge from standards (and other sources) to develop units of assessment for the QCF, a step by step methodology for developing a sector framework of units and qualifications to match these requirements and an overall rationale for Rules of Combination to support progression and Credit Accumulation and Transfer.
- Information exchange and feedback. Throughout the day, participants spent some time listening to other SSCs in table discussions about their experiences and sharing theirs.
Through the day Credit Works gathered information from participants, using a snapshot survey to help inform what needed to be done to ensure SSCs and their partners were able to deliver what was being proposed; to identify any details that needed to be addressed/ obstacles that need to be removed to help SSCs practical plans work.
- Points made in feedback sessions by participants
- Need to build capacity and capability among SSCs and ABs for what is a very different way of working (see Fast Track Report Recommendations)
- LSC Funding - during the process of transition - needs to be clear and all stakeholders from LSC to finance managers in Colleges need to understand how QCF provision is funded
- Concern about how to go about planning for transfer and transition to the QCF
- Need to see a process in place which addresses the development and use of cross-sector units and qualifications
- Need more understanding on how the process for ‘importing units into NVQs’ will work in the QCF
- 2010 deadline is a challenge for some SSCs
- Need to have consistent technical advice from QCA on QCF
One participant suggested that there may be constraints on designing coherent QCF units to a specified size which measure occupational skills. It may be easier to design QCF units which measure knowledge of a specified size.
Capacity Building for the CQFW
Through 2004 and 2005 Credit Works worked with FAB and ELWa on the development of the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW), building the capacity of awarding bodies to design and operate credit-based programmes and qualifications.
The project developed the capacity of Awarding Bodies to design and operate credit based programmes and qualifications, by developing practical experience and skills in:
- Designing credit-based units
- Assigning credit
- Assigning level
- Assessment and quality assurance for credit
- Award of credit
Credit Works produced a detailed report on its work – which has been influential in the development of the QCF.
Learning from experience - implementing credit: A Comparative Analysis of Awarding Body Credit Practice within the Credit and Qualification Framework for WalesFull Report
Executive Summary demonstrates the practical involvement of a range of awarding bodies in credit for the first time and represents a major development in awarding body practice.
The report also captures a number of areas for further consideration and/or development.
This report and the discussions that arise from its findings will inform the guidance to awarding bodies on the practice of assigning and awarding credit that is the final stage of the FAB/CQFW project.”
(Federation of Awarding Bodies)
From NVQs to GCSEs, this report is essential reading for any organisation or agency interested in the practicalities involved in reforming the qualifications system in the UK.
