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What makes a VQ successful?

As part of an original sub-programme 4 of the UK VQRP, the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) and the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) identified reasons for low take of some VQs with the aim of removing unnecessary VQs from the system. A key outcome from this work has been the development of a Code for Practice to guide the ongoing removal of VQs from the system when they become unnecessary.

As part of this research, FAB and JCQ analysed the factors which contribute to VQs being successful in the market place.

See the FAB website for these and other sub-programme 4 documents.

In summary, the following factors were found to help ensure a successful VQ:

Regulation

  • Statutory requirements or licence to practice rules which are appropriate to the sector and realistic in terms of the demands they make on employers. A more subtle, lighter touch for many sectors.
  • An accreditation process which is streamlined, with inclusive SSCs working collaboratively with awarding bodies and providers to enable endorsement and accreditation.
  • Formal recognition and encouragement within the UK VQRP of employer involvement with awarding bodies to develop tailored programmes.

Design

  • Awards tailored to employer's needs and real capability to deliver. Outside the 14-19 and apprenticeship market, short, flexible, practical assessment, realistic QA costs and demands. Fit with learners/employees work pattern.
  • Qualifications designed primarily around these needs, not to meet funding or framework requirements. Sufficient flexibility of funding and regulations to recognise local market need or strategic priorities rather than working with national straitjackets.
  • Serving skills market demand through awards with a clear contribution to business bottom line or perceived needs. Raise revenue, improve process, reduce costs, show due diligence, meet insurance or industry regulations.
  • Direct involvement in the development process of providers, employers and stakeholders who will actually offer or purchase the qualification, backed by piloting prior to launch to ensure the qualification works for providers, employers and learners.
  • Use of strategic core units as a minimum requirement to achieve take up but links to wider awards and progression as an encouragement for learners or employers.

Capacity

  • Ensuring the capacity and capability of providers to deliver is in place prior to formal launch with sufficient local numbers for economic delivery.

Promotion

  • Sharing of information, consultation and dissemination to a wider group of providers/employers during the development and piloting to raise awareness and build demand.
  • Effective sales and marketing strategy from awarding bodies including field sales staff who understand product and market. Link to purchasing providers/employers.

Support

  • Awards designed to support training pattern of employers in the sector with materials, handbooks, one day courses etc. Option to offer without QA assessment if the industry prefers.