The new Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
gives qualification designers more flexibility from October 2015.
The RQF will include academic and vocational qualifications in England and also vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland. Matching qualifications with
employer needs and increasing employer engagement with education and training are high priorities in the UK. This new framework allows awarding organisations
increased freedom and flexibility to develop qualifications that meet specific labour market needs.
Instead of being measured and regulated according to prescriptive rules and structures imposed by government agencies, qualifications are now expected to be
validated and supported directly by employers. Validity is described as the degree to which a qualification measures what needs to be measured by
implementing an assessment procedure. The responsibility for the validity of qualifications are being placed on the awarding organisations who should
make sure that the qualifications are valid from the design phase, through to assessment and review.
The same framework levels and level descriptors remain from the Qualifications and Credit Framework, and the existing qualifications continue to be offered until
they are withdrawn by the awarding organisation. Qualification size must be expressed in terms of Total Qualification Time on the RQF, but requirements
regarding use of credits and units no longer apply.
Ofqual (2015), Regulatory Strategy Statement,
https://www.gov.uk/government/2015-03-30-regulatory-strategy-statement.pdf
Benson, J (2015), Regulating for valid qualifications,
https://ofqual.blog.gov.uk/2015/08/06/regulating-for-valid-vocational-qualifications/
Benson, J (2015), After the QCF: a new qualifications framework,
https://www.gov.uk/government/2015-08-06-ro37-after-the-qcf-a-new-qualifications-framework.pdf
Ofqual (2014), Withdrawing the Regulatory Arrangements for the Qualifications and Credit Framework,
https://www.gov.uk/withdrawing-the-regulatory-arrangements-for-the-qcf.pdf