CTC - Candidate Handbook

Awarding Organisations design, develop, deliver and award the recognition of learning outcomes (knowledge, skills and/or competences) of an individual following an assessment and quality assurance process that is valued by employers, learners or stakeholders. Awarding Organisations approve centres and work with them to assure the quality of qualifications awarded. Many awarding bodies in the UK are recognised by Ofqual (for England), CCEA (for Northern Ireland), Welsh Government (for Wales) and/or SQA (for Scotland). In England and Northern Ireland recognised awarding bodies must meet the Conditions of Recognition. In Scotland recognised awarding bodies must meet SQA’s Regulatory Principles and Directives. Awarding Organisations The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England. Ofqual is responsible for ensuring that: Regulated qualifications reliably indicate the knowledge, skills and understanding students have demonstrated. Assessments and exams show what a student has achieved. People have confidence in the qualifications that they regulate. Students and teachers have information on the full range of qualifications that they regulate. Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills which inspects services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. Ofsted is responsible for: Inspecting – maintained schools and academies, some independent schools, and many other educational institutions and programmes outside of higher education. Childcare, adoption and fostering agencies and initial teacher training. Regulating – a range of early years and children’s social care services, making sure they’re suitable for children and potentially vulnerable young people. Reporting – publishing reports of our findings so they can be used to improve the overall quality of education and training. Informing policymakers about the effectiveness of these services. 8 ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES