Exams regulator Ofqual is launching a consultation on proposed changes to the way awarding organisations manage centre assessments.

These changes are intended to ensure that appropriate controls are in place so that standards are consistent, whenever and wherever an assessment is taken.

Ofqual said its rules allow awarding organisations to devolve some responsibility for assessments to schools, colleges and training centres, including through a practice commonly known as “direct claims status”.

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The regulator said that it had “found evidence to show that the variety of approaches currently in place to manage this provide different levels of oversight” and warned that the interchangeable use of “moderation” and “verification” is inconsistent with its rules.

Ofqual is proposing to:

• Clarify its existing definition of moderation, and provide a new, separate definition for verification.
• Require awarding organisations to produce centre assurance strategies that explain how their centre assessment arrangements work.
• Set minimum requirements in certain qualifications.
• Set minimum requirements for awarding organisation verification processes, including a minimum of two monitoring visits and an additional unannounced visit per centre every year.
   

Ofqual chief regulator Sally Collier said the exams regulator has conducted a detailed review of the use of centre assessment and believes that there are risks that can be managed better.

She added: “We know that there are circumstances in which learners and employers can benefit from centre assessment, particularly in terms of the potential speed a qualification can be awarded.  But the controls that awarding organisations have in place with centres must be sufficiently robust for the public to have confidence that assessment standards are being maintained between training providers and over time.”

‘Very clear in proposed approach’

Ailin O’Cathain, head of policy at the Federation of Awarding Bodies, said the organisation will be working closely with its members in the coming weeks to gather their views and feedback on the proposals.

She added: “It will be important to view the proposals in relation to the validity of qualifications, which is something our members are committed to. It will also be important to focus on the manageability of the proposed requirements. We will need to ensure they add value without placing a disproportionate burden on awarding organisations or the centres we work with.”

Mark Dawe, chief executive of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, said the differences between verification and moderation are critical, particularly in terms of the timely confirmation of apprentices’ and students’ achievements.

He added: “Ofqual has been very clear in their proposed approach and the potential issues. As well as the regulatory approach, assessment organisations will need to commit to process speeds, whatever form of assessment is used.” 

The consultation closes on 20 May 2019.