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The role of SSCs

Sector Qualifications Strategies & Qualifications Strategies

Sector Qualifications Strategies (SQSs) & Qualifications Strategies (QSs) are the mechanisms for ensuring that employers' and learners' needs are met by the vocational qualifications (VQs) that are developed.

The Process

diagram illustrating the process for ensuring that employers' and learners' needs are met by the vocational qualifications (VQs) that are developed.

SQSs and QSs are based on Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) gathered by Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) or Standard Setting Bodies (SSBs). Based on the SQSs / QSs, SSCs or SSBs then work with awarding organisations to develop action plans specifying where there are gaps and new VQs are needed, or existing VQs need revision. Awarding organisations then design the qualifications. By maintaining dialogue with the relevant SSC or SSB, the resultant VQs should meet market needs and therefore to be approved by the relevant SSC.

The process of developing SQSs or QSs is led by the UK Commission for Employment & Skills (UK CES) and is supported by the four nations of the UK. All 25 SSCs and eighteen SSBs are each at various stages of working through the process.