Government Skills

Qualifications – development and approval

In England, Northern Ireland and Wales a new qualification framework has been introduced for creating and accrediting qualifications – the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF).

The QCF will give a wider range of learners the opportunity to get the qualifications they need, in a way that suits them. QCF qualifications are designed with the help of employers so learners can be assured that they are gaining skills that employers are looking for.

The QCF:

• recognises smaller steps of learning and enables learners to build up qualifications bit by bit
• helps learners achieve skills and qualifications that meet industry needs
• enables work-based training to be nationally recognised

More information is in the QCF quick guide

In Scotland, the SCQF still applies. More information on the types of qualifications on offer through the SCQF [external website]

Government Skills QCF Approvals Process

As part of Government Skills' role as the skills body for central government, it is responsible for the approval of qualification development for central government employers and the armed services.

Government Skills has produced an approvals process for Awarding Organisations or/and employers looking to develop qualifications within the central government sector. The process has been produced in line with UKCES and Alliance of Sector Skills Councils guidance.

The process emphasises early dialogue. Awarding Organisations or/and employers looking to gain support to develop a qualification should email Government Skills.