The Apprenticeship, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 established Ofqual (the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) as an independent regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments. However, did you know that it is the Welsh Government who is responsible for regulating qualifications that are delivered in Wales?
The Welsh Government regulates qualifications (other than university degrees) examinations and assessments in Wales on behalf of the Welsh Ministers.
We have statutory functions under Part V of the Education Act 1997, and they include such things as making sure that the awarding organisations that offer qualifications are suitably resourced to do so; that the qualifications themselves are fit for purpose; and that standards in qualifications are maintained over time.
We work collaboratively with our fellow regulators in England (Ofqual) and Northern Ireland (CCEA – Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment) to ensure a consistent and coherent approach to regulation across the three countries.
The Qualifications and Learning Division, within the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), carry out the day to day operations of this area of work and can be contacted via info.quals@wales.gsi.gov.uk
For additional information on our regulatory functions, please go to http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/qualificationsinwales/?lang=en
