The role of SSCs

SSC 'approval' of VQs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

The employers’ voice on skills is strengthened by making Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) responsible for approving vocational training. This gives SSCs a formal role in defining the content, ensuring consistency, determining which VQs are needed in their sector and removing unnecessary duplication.

Following pilots run by England, Wales and Northern Ireland looking at the processes by which SSCs could approve VQs, a final approach is being developed to streamline the approvals systems.

Future role of SSCs in England

Under the current English government proposals to separate the role of qualifications regulator in England from the remaining functions of the existing QCA, the regulator would retain the power to accredit individual VQs but would not be required to do so, as it is at present. This change would strengthen the role of SSCs in the approval of VQs. An interim regulator, Ofqual was announced on 2 April. See Maintaining high standards and low bureaucracy for details.