Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (c. 22)

Part 7 E+W+N.I. The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation

Chapter 1 E+W+N.I. Establishment, objectives and general duties

Objectives and general duties E+W+N.I.

128 Objectives E+W+N.I.

(1) Ofqual's objectives are—

(a) the qualifications standards objective,

(b) the assessments standards objective,

(c) the public confidence objective,

(d) the awareness objective, and

(e) the efficiency objective.

[F1 (2) The qualifications standards objective is to secure that—

(a) regulated qualifications give a reliable indication of knowledge, skills and understanding, and

(b) regulated qualifications indicate —

(i) a consistent level of attainment (including over time) between comparable regulated qualifications, and

(ii) a consistent level of attainment (but not over time) between regulated qualifications and comparable qualifications (including those awarded outside the United Kingdom) which are not qualifications to which this Part applies.]

(3) The assessments standards objective is to promote the development and implementation of regulated assessment arrangements which—

(a) give a reliable indication of achievement, and

(b) indicate a consistent level of attainment (including over time) between comparable assessments.

(4) The public confidence objective is to promote public confidence in regulated qualifications and regulated assessment arrangements.

(5) The awareness objective is to promote awareness and understanding of—

(a) the range of regulated qualifications available,

(b) the benefits of regulated qualifications to learners, employers and institutions within the higher education sector, and

(c) the benefits of recognition under section 132 to bodies awarding or authenticating qualifications to which this Part applies.

(6) The efficiency objective is to secure that regulated qualifications are provided efficiently and in particular that any relevant sums payable to a body awarding or authenticating a qualification in respect of which the body is recognised under section 132 represent value for money.

(7) For the purposes of subsection (6) a sum is relevant if it is payable in respect of the award or authentication of the qualification in question.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 128(2) substituted (1.2.2012) by Education Act 2011 (c. 21), ss. 22, 82(3); S.I. 2012/84, art. 3

Commencement Information

I1 S. 128 in force at 1.4.2010 by S.I. 2010/1151, art. 2, Sch. 1