Lifelong Learning UK Sector Qualification Strategy action plan Final, October 2008
Lifelong learning UK Sector Qualifications Strategy action plan - Final, October 2008
Scope The lifelong learning sector relates to all staff engaged in promoting and enabling lifelong learning in a postcompulsory setting, and young people who undertake roles in the sector from the age of 16. The sector covers five key constituency groups: • Community learning and development (CLD) covering adult and community learning/community based adult learning, community development, community education, development education, youth work, family learning and work with parents • Further education (FE) - embracing FE colleges, Scotland’s Colleges, specialist institutions, sixth form colleges in England and post-16 learning provision in Wales • Higher education (HE) - including universities and colleges of HE
The strategic aims for the Sector Qualification Strategy are as follows. Through the development of up to date and future proofed national occupational and professional standards we aim to: 1.
Explore the options for ‘professionalising’ all parts of the lifelong learning workforce
2.
Develop an integrated continuing and professional development framework and model for the lifelong learning sector where appropriate
3.
Develop a ‘skills for learning professionals’ qualifications framework
4.
Promote collaborative working across the lifelong learning sector to recognise and disseminate good practice
5.
Articulate and support the development of sector wide career pathways
6.
Provide labour market intelligence (LMI) to address specific shortages in the lifelong learning sector, and to promote succession planning
7.
Promote a UK wide leadership and management strategy
8.
Develop the business case and resources to support the use of technology in the sector, particularly relating to information learning technology (ILT)
9.
Ensure qualification design and review engages with the UK Vocational Qualification Reform Programme (UKVQRP)
• Libraries, archives and information services (LAIS) • Work based learning (WBL) - both publicly-funded and private sector training organisations concerned with the delivery of applied (vocational) training, which is primarily work based. The size of the workforce is estimated to be between 800,000 and 1,200,000 individuals, with significant numbers of volunteers in the community learning and development constituency. The Sector Qualifications Strategy (SQS) complements and builds on the Sector Skills Agreement (SSA) and is designed to ensure that individuals working within Lifelong Learning UK’s (LLUK) footprint have access to qualifications that not only encourage development and progression, but also recognise and reflect the skills and knowledge achieved at all stages in an individual’s career. A fundamental aspect of the work of this sector is identifying workforce capacity for lifelong learning and hence its impact on social cohesion and economic development. The priorities and aims in this document are also based on a commitment to facilitate, support, and promote equality and diversity within the sector.
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(For the expanded versions please see 6.1 of the sector qualifications strategy)
Lifelong learning UK Sector Qualifications Strategy action plan - Final, October 2008
Methodology
Summary of outcomes
This Action Plan had been developed based on the four national Sector Skills Agreements (SSAs), the Sector Qualification Strategy (SQS) and the LLUK business plan. Section 5 of each national SSA identified key themes and skills to be addressed to ensure the sector workforce can develop to meet the challenges of the future. The SSAs offered a series of ‘solutions’ which are generically common to all nations, but tailored to the specific needs of each nation. These are reflected in the strategic aims outlined above.
LLUK’s overarching aim is to support the four nations to bring greater cohesion to the sector and the outcomes of the Action Plan are designed to achieve this cohesion. However the outcomes identified in this Action Plan address HE and LAIS constituencies separately from the other three constituencies in LLUK’s footprint to reflect their specific needs identified through consultation.
Consultation around this action plan took place to engage representatives from different constituency groups within the lifelong learning sector, including the different strands of CLD and the three strategic priorities for CLD in Scotland. Approaches included face-to-face, one-to-one, and small group consultations, individual questionnaires as well as work with constituency and nation panels. Relevant awarding bodies were invited to take part in a forum where they were offered individual consultations with standards and qualifications experts. The analysis of the feedback from the consultations was considered in relation to the achievement of the strategic aims and the LLUK business plan. These approaches ensured regional and national employer and stakeholder engagement took place so that the Action Plan represents both regional and national perspectives. An internal project steering group with a wide range of relevant expertise confirmed the robustness of the action plan.
Non qualification outcomes: • A qualifications framework for the lifelong learning sector workforce that is both employer driven and framed in a UK and European context. • An effective and appropriate working relationship with HE representative organisations to enable realisation of the LLUK role and remit. • Policy documents relating to approaches to National Occupational Standards (NOS) and qualifications development and quality assurance. • An evidence based information resource that illustrates career paths within and between all sectors of LLUK’s footprint. • To outline the common areas of expertise associated with career paths across different occupations, including cross cutting areas such as leadership and management, e-enabled workforce and equality and diversity.
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Lifelong learning UK Sector Qualifications Strategy action plan - Final, October 2008
Qualification outcomes A range of appropriate qualifications for different roles and a support service to promote relevant and necessary development to ensure qualification currency. As part of identifying appropriate qualifications for different roles we will work with partners to review qualifications and recommend that they are either discontinued or transferred to the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) and that all qualifications articulate across the UK national qualifications frameworks. We have identified all existing qualifications in our footprint and the current position in terms of their review. For detailed qualification outcomes see the attached spreadsheets.
Partner engagement and working arrangements The governance structure of LLUK ensures employer and stakeholder involvement in all key areas of work, including the development of the SQS. The governance structure includes the LLUK Council, and country committees for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. There are also five UK wide advisory panels representing the five constituencies – CLD, FE, HE, LAIS and WBL. Further information, including council membership can be found at: http://www.lluk.org/3111.htm. LLUK works closely with national/devolved government departments to address its responsibilities in partnerships with other Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) and professional bodies in the development of qualification related initiatives that cut across SSC footprints (e.g. work with the Children’s Workforce Development Council and Children’s Workforce Network partners on the development of the Integrated Qualifications Framework). LLUK also engages employers and stakeholders in a variety of one-to-one meetings, project steering groups, conferences and think tanks. LLUK depends heavily on the commitment and expertise of employers, employees and stakeholders in the sector and acknowledges the value of their contribution. LLUK is currently developing a more coherent, comprehensive and future proofing employer/stakeholder engagement strategy.
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Lifelong learning UK Sector Qualifications Strategy action plan - Final, October 2008
In England, LLUK has been fortunate in establishing ways of working through leading the FE workforce reforms which have required development of collaborative working to develop qualifications to populate the QCF and to align this work to that carried out by HEIs ensuring consistency and parity. This specific development activity in relation to the UK vocational reform programme, and the lessons learned will inform future collaborative initiatives. In Scotland, members of the Standards and Qualifications team have established a dialogue with representatives of SQA awarding body and regulator, to ensure that any future development will be informed and influenced by four nation involvement, and that as unit and credit based qualifications are developed, these will be informed by established practices of the Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF), and will articulate across the different UK nations qualifications frameworks and with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). LLUK will build on relationships with awarding institutions to maintain existing and to establish new appropriate discussion forums in relation to future qualification developments. The forums will have clear terms of reference and will be open to all awarding institutions and professional bodies across the UK who offer, or would like to offer qualifications within the lifelong learning sector.
An initial meeting of an Awarding Body Forum has taken place specifically to consult on the SQS and inform the Action Plan. Areas for exploration in relation to this process include: the relationship of regulators; the facilitation of collaborative working in the development of shared units of assessment to operate within the QCF and/or SCQF; the establishment of policies and protocols for qualification development based on early dialogue and sound business cases within a quality assuranced framework; and collaboration towards rationalisation of qualifications, as required of SSCs through the Leitch report (2007), Skills for Scotland: A Lifelong Skills Strategy (2007): Skills that Work for Wales (2008): and Success Through Skills: The Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland - A programme of Implementation (2006). LLUK established an awarding body working group in February 2006, and an HE working group in June 2006, to develop new unit and credit based qualifications for teachers in the sector in England, and new UK wide qualifications for Learning Support practitioners. The awarding body working group has continued as a standing group; it is well attended by representatives of up to 16 different awarding bodies and meets every six to eight weeks to discuss and feedback on developments, concerns and issues relating to the transition of qualifications from the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to the QCF. LLUK intends to set up specific awarding body forums for the LAIS and CLD constituencies, with four nation representation, in preparation for development of new unit and credit based qualifications in these areas.
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Lifelong learning UK Sector Qualifications Strategy action plan - Final, October 2008
LLUK works closely with the qualifications regulatory bodies in the four nations in relation to strategic issues and particular NOS and qualification developments. All regulatory bodies were invited to contribute to the consultation process on this Action Plan, and will continue to be involved as the plan is reviewed and progressed. LLUK will continue to work with all relevant stakeholder agencies across the UK to identify comprehensive lists of qualifications, and to develop a strategy for ensuring appropriate review, rationalisation and development. These lists will also be made available to funding bodies as appropriate as the basis for providing figures on uptake to inform their decision making processes.
Risks and assumptions The following assumptions have been made in the development of LLUK’s SQS Action Plan: • That the SQS remains a live document and subject to review and amendment; • That the QCF continues to develop as planned across England, Wales and Northern Ireland; • That development activities continue to develop the SCQF and to credit rate qualifications; • That the LLUK footprint remains as currently constituted; • That LLUK is relicensed; • That resources are available to fulfil the actions detailed in the Action Plan; • That the skills agenda remains a government priority across the four nations. The following risks associated with the delivery of this SQS Action Plan have been identified and articulated in the table below. LLUK will monitor and manage risk on an ongoing basis throughout the implementation of the Action Plan, and report back to the Director of Standards, Planning and Performance.
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Lifelong learning UK Sector Qualifications Strategy action plan - Final, October 2008
Risk
Proposed control; to reduce the risk
LLUK will not be able to secure funding to support delivery of the activities outlined in the Action Plan
Bids for funding are well constructed and justifiable, based on sound evidence and clearly expressed outcomes
Governments’ policies regarding the funding of qualifications and other associated areas will change
LLUK remains close to policy makers, regulators and funders in all four nations to both influence and understand changes in policy direction in order to plan alternative strategies
LLUK will experience challenges in securing the right balance of employer and other stakeholder engagement
Sector engagement strategies will continue to be developed in all four nations with a particular focus on employer engagement in relation to qualifications
LLUK will not have the human resource capacity and capability to lead on and deliver the Action Plan
LLUK has been reviewed through a business transformation process and a fit-for-purpose organisational structure has been implemented, which is designed to be proactive and geared to attracting and retaining well qualified and motivated staff
Awarding institutions will not have the capacity, capability or business case to carry out plans/ expected work to the timescales indicated
Close working relationships will be maintained through Awarding Institutions Forums and a relationships management strategy at four nations’ level.
Competing priorities will impact on proposed delivery
Executive sign-up via engagement of LLUK Leadership Team through approval of business plans
Challenging timescales threaten the transition of qualifications from the NQF to the QCF in the required period, and take focus away from SCQF
Close working with key stakeholders to manage expectations and robust internal working partnerships to ensure delivery to timescales
Monitoring arrangements LLUK will ensure that monitoring arrangements for the SQS Action Plan comply with the LLUK performance monitoring and measurement strategy currently being refreshed. LLUK will monitor progress against the Action Plan on a regular and continuous basis, with annual reviews to ensure that
the plan remains fit for purpose and aligned to the SSA. Stakeholders will be included in this monitoring through the Country Committees and Constituency Panels and the Awarding Institution Forums. Formal monitoring will take place quarterly as part of the core business of LLUK.
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Lifelong learning UK Sector Qualifications Strategy action plan - Final, October 2008
Non-qualification outcomes Strategic outcome 1 A qualification framework for the lifelong learning sector workforce that is both employer driven and framed in a UK and European context:
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Country
Constituency Action
Outcomes
Partners involved
Output due by Status
UK wide
All
To develop and implement robust and effective consultation processes to develop a comprehensive stakeholder and employer engagement strategy that builds on the alliances and forums already established with stakeholders. To prioritise employer engagement in consultations to ensure that consultation processes are inclusive and acknowledge diversity.
An employer and stakeholder engagement strategy
Employers Stakeholders Colleagues across the organisation
April 2009
In progress
All
To ensure articulation between UK systems and the European Qualification Framework, including activity to aid transfer of qualifications across nations; To commission and engage in appropriate research projects, including those with a European dimension, where relevant to sector transferability.
Scoping and reporting on how LLUK can contribute and respond to the European agenda1.
Regulatory authorities Awarding bodies Employers Stakeholders SCQF partnership Standards Verification UK (SVUK) IFL
2010
In progress
England Wales and Northern Ireland
All
To manage the implementation process of the Qualifications and Credit Framework across the LLUK footprint ensuring articulation with the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) and the Northern Ireland system.
Production of clear and comprehensive procedures and protocols.
Awarding bodies Relevant stakeholders UKVQRP group/s
September 2009
In progress
Scotland
All
To ensure developments of unit and credit based qualifications are credit rated for the SCQF, as appropriate.
Production of principles Awarding bodies for qualification Relevant Stakeholders development on a Scottish Government 4 nation basis Involvement of SQA and other relevant representatives from Scotland from the inception of developments Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
September 2009
January 2009
Forms part of LLUK Project 4: “Informing practice in the FE Sector�.
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Lifelong learning UK Sector Qualifications Strategy action plan - Final, October 2008
Strategic outcome 2 An effective and appropriate working relationship with all HE representative organisations to enable realisation of the LLUK role and remit: Country
Constituency Action
Outcomes
UK wide
HE
An established dialogue and clarification of LLUK’s role with regard to HE.
England
To develop a forum of representative organisations, which operates to agreed terms of reference;
Partners involved
Output due by Status
Higher Education March 2009 Academy (HEA) University Council for the Education of Teachers (UCET) To explore the need for the A partnership through Leadership foundation development of qualifications at the establishment of Universities UK HE levels, including a qualification working arrangements Universities Scotland July 2009 for teacher educators. with HE representative HEIs organisations Other stakeholders To explore links with Quality QAA subject benching Assurance Agency (QAA) marking groups benchmarking and other relevant professional bodies to ensure effective progression routes from FE to HE.
In progress
To explore the desirability for Foundation Degrees for the different constituencies within the LLUK footprint.
In progress
Foundation Degree Forward
September 2009
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Lifelong learning UK Sector Qualifications Strategy action plan - Final, October 2008
Strategic outcome 3 An evidence based information resource that illustrates career paths into, through, between and out of FE, CLD and WBL constituencies: Country
Constituency Action
Outcomes
Partners involved
Output due by Status
UK wide
FE WBL CLD
To scope the potential for development of appropriate resources.
Circulate the scoping report.
March 2009
To work with partners to agree mechanisms for teachers moving between the FE sector and schools
Report and guidance on orientation to school teaching.
Professional bodies Stakeholders Employers Training and Development Agency (TDA) Employee representatives Trade Unions Career Guidance Learndirect Scotland
England
September 2009
To commence from December 2008
Strategic outcome 4 An evidence based information resource that illustrates career paths into, through and out of the LAIS constituency:
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Country
Constituency Action
Outcomes
Partners involved
Output due by Status
UK wide
LAIS
Circulate the scoping report.
Professional bodies Stakeholders Employers Employee representatives Trade Unions Career Guidance
June 2009
To scope the potential for development of appropriate resources.
To commence from December 2008
Lifelong learning UK Sector Qualifications Strategy action plan - Final, October 2008
Strategic outcome 5 To outline the common areas of expertise associated with career paths across different occupations, including leadership and management, and e-enabled workforce related areas: Country
Constituency Action
Outcomes
Partners involved
Output due by Status
UK wide
ALL
To develop transitional arrangements for development of unit and credit based qualifications, which includes development of functional maps and role scoping.
Functional maps, reports on roles within the lifelong learning sector.
Professional bodies Stakeholders Employers Awarding bodies
July 2009 October 2009
To commission research projects to confirm and/ or establish role descriptors2.
Report on roles in the FE system in England.
England
UK Wide
FE
2010 and ongoing
September 2009
To develop a strategic National NOS Plan. Occupational Standards (NOS) Plan which will drive the review, development and updating of NOS as required by employers.
January 2009
To draw the common areas of expertise out of the standards and make connections across the occupations and footprint to allow for transfer and progression.
Report and recommendations for navigational tool.
September 2010
To review the impact of the Leadership and Management sector specific guidance and applications notes relating to the generic Management Standards Centre (MSC) standards and to use findings to consider future developments in this area.
Report on the effectiveness of the use of the contextualized MSC NOS and recommendations based on findings.
Forms part of LLUK project 1: “Defining roles in the FE Workforce�
2
In progress
Leadership foundation September for HE 2009 SkillsActive LSIS MSC Inspection organisations Constituency representatives
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Lifelong learning UK Sector Qualifications Strategy action plan - Final, October 2008
Strategic outcome 6 A range of appropriate qualifications for different roles and to support relevant and necessary development to ensure their continued currency: Country
Constituency Action
Outcomes
UK Wide
All
Professional bodies Stakeholders A clear and transparent Employers review and approval Awarding bodies process for Employee qualifications representatives Trade Unions
To develop a system for managing and monitoring qualification development and review projects to ensure LLUK’s work is coherent, integrated and balanced across the footprint. To develop a process to ensure continued currency of qualifications and associated information.
England
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Partners involved
Output due by Status March 2009
In progress
March 2009
To identify external regulatory requirements and/or external quality assurance arrangements that affect different roles.
Ensuring quality in qualification development (currency).
January 2009 ongoing
To identify the range of relevant standards for the sector, and relate these to qualification development.
Transitional plan from NQF to QCF and LLUK business plan.
December 2008
To develop appropriate qualification specifications to inform qualifications development for the QCF and SCQF.
Framework articulation as stated in Strategic Outcome 1.
March 2009 ongoing
To develop and publish strategy Strategy for Scotland and processes for working with owned by employers Scotland stakeholders in relation and stakeholders. to qualifications development and the SCQF.
March 2009
To develop and publish strategy and processes for moving qualifications from the NQF to the QCF.
March 2009
Transition action plan, with a suggested model for development.
In progress
Lifelong learning UK Sector Qualifications Strategy action plan - Final, October 2008
Country
Constituency Action
Outcomes
Partners involved
Output due by Status
To work with relevant bodies to develop rules of combination (QCF only) to ensure transferability across LLUK qualifications and other sector frameworks.
Publication of rules of combination, updated quarterly Framework articulation as stated in Strategic Outcome 1
December 2008 ongoing
To work with relevant bodies to advise on flexible methods of delivery and assessment, including Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL), to ensure access to qualifications.
Policy paper on Principles of Assessment Assessment strategies
December 2008
To explore the requirements, using existing information where available, for apprenticeship frameworks for all ages across the UK and all constituencies
Establishment of an internal and external (Modern) Apprenticeship advisory group Development of Frameworks for Scotland which articulate with the rest of the UK.
September 2008 (Internal) March 2009 (External)
To work with awarding bodies and other relevant stakeholders to develop appropriate assessment strategies to reflect the needs of the sector.
Evidence based policy paper on Principles of Assessment
February 2009 ongoing
Ongoing
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Lifelong learning UK Sector Qualifications Strategy action plan - Final, October 2008
Country
Constituency Action
Outcomes
Partners involved
Output due by Status
England Wales Northern Ireland
FE HE WBL LAIS
Areas and gaps identified for development of new unit nad credit based qualifications.
Stakeholders, including awarding institution representatives Employers.
Evaluations to be completed in August 2008 and August 2009 ongoing
To explore the need for units of assessment (QCF) to represent specific target audiences or contexts and to develop these as bespoke qualifications and/or optional units within the LLUK qualifications framework.
Ongoing revision of rules of combinations to ensure transferability across the LLUK footprint. Development of up to date and fit for purpose qualifications which are demand-led
Completed in England Recommendations for a teacher qualifications framework for Wales are with Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) and discussions are in progress in NI. NI Family Learning qualifications submitted to QCF June 2008.
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England Wales
FE HE WBL
To contextualise units of assessment for teachers of 14-19 Diplomas and 14-19 learning pathways pilots.
Development of appropriate bespoke provision for this specialist area.
Awarding and provider institutions.
Pilot commencing September 2008
The bespoke qualification has been submitted into the QCF and will be piloted with selected awarding institutions from September 2008
UK wide
All
To explore qualification requirements, using existing information where available, for the sector workforce to become e-enabled and to develop qualifications as appropriate.
Agreements and development of a proposed way forward for appropriate bespoke provision in this area and the need for development of supporting tools and materials.
British Educational Communications and Technological Agency (BECTA) Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) Awarding Bodies
September 2009
In progress
Lifelong learning UK Sector Qualifications Strategy action plan - Final, October 2008
Country
Constituency Action
Outcomes
UK wide
ALL
A framework for Awarding bodies accredited professional Cross sector development stakeholders opportunities.
September 2007 ongoing
This will build on ongoing work to accredit qualifications for experienced teachers in England within the QCF
Unit and credit based Open College qualifications for 14-19. Network (OCN) Wales WAG University of Glamorgan
March 2009
To commence from September 2008
To develop a framework for continuing and professional development across the LLUK footprint.
Partners involved
Output due by Status
To explore the need for and develop accredited provision for professional development beyond initial training.
Wales
FE
To work with relevant agencies on the development of unit and credit based qualifications for 14-19 learning coaches
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