What is an awarding body?
The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) states:
An awarding body is an organisation that awards qualifications to learners and is responsible for the following key functions:
One function of the regulators is to recognise awarding bodies as capable of operating within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This involves considering awarding bodies’ systems, procedures and resources in relation to the qualifications they intend to offer. Awarding bodies must also demonstrate that they have robust and appropriate management arrangements, and policies and procedures that will support and protect learners who take their qualifications. Although every awarding body recognised by QCA, DCELLS and CCEA varies in size and structure, learners and centres can be confident that each has met the regulatory criteria on all of the above areas" end quote.
For more information use the buttons on the right hand column or the links at the bottom of this page to find a brief introduction to the awarding bodies AD Services (Scotand) Ltd work with to deliver NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) and SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications).
BTEC
BTEC Firsts and Nationals are applied and practical in approach and provide the essential skills and knowledge for those entering a range of occupations in the sector studied. BTEC First Diplomas provides a basis for students wishing to embark on further study at higher levels (such as BTEC National or NVQ) or a career in a specific skill area. BTEC Nationals focus on a specific occupational area. They provide skills and knowledge to enable progression onto BTEC HNDs, degrees or the workplace.
A revised suite of BTEC Firsts and Nationals are now available for centres in the UK to follow. If you would like to know more about these new BTEC qualifications please contact your regional office.
Useful Websites
CfA (Council for Administration)
The CfA (Council for Administration) is the leading authority in Business & Administration skills in the UK. Over the last decade, we have defined the role of the business administrator and identified key skills that are essential for success in today's business environment.
A recent study revealed that 97% of all employers state that business administration is critical to the effective function of their business and 40% say they find it difficult to recruit suitably trained administration staff. The CfA aims to bridge the gap between what business needs and what the labour market can provide.
The CfA is focused on the improvement of Business & Administration Skills. We design and promote vocational qualifications such as NVQs, SVQs, Apprenticeships, E2E programmes and Foundation Degrees.
The demand for Business & Administration skills means that CfA qualifications are among the most popular courses in the UK. 15.5% of all further education learners in the UK study Business & Administration qualifications.
Web link: www.cfa.uk.com
EAL (EMTA Awards Ltd)
Industry Awarding Body for Engineering and Technology
EMTA Awards Limited (EAL) is a leading UK awarding body for National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and their Scottish equivalents (SVQs).
Established with the sole purpose of helping the industry invest in its future through vocational qualifications, and as a sister company to SEMTA (Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies) EAL has unrivalled expertise in meeting the qualification needs of the engineering and technology sector. Building on its reputation for high quality awards, it has broadened its range of NVQs and SVQs, enabling people in many other sectors and occupational areas to benefit from its experience. All EAL surpluses are reinvested in the industry.
Management Standards Centre (MSC)
Upgrading the skills of managers is fundamental to the government's aim to raise UK productivity and competitiveness. The MSC was responsible for developing a new set of National Occupational Standards (NOS) for management and leadership in May 2004. They describe the level of performance expected in employment for a range of management and leadership functions/activities.
As an employer led organisation which champions management and leadership the MSC is working with the Skills for Business Network to identify and address the skills gaps and shortages on a sector by sector basis thereby contributing to the profitability of the UK.
Our Vision
To create a UK partnership of employers and other key stakeholders to lead the professional development of all those working in the field of management and leadership.
Our Mission
To fulfil the needs of employers by developing a skilled management workforce through promoting our nationally recognised set of standards and qualifications which have full employer relevance and 'ownership'.
OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA)
OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations) is a leading UK awarding body, committed to providing qualifications that engage learners of all ages at school, college, in work or through part-time learning programmes to achieve their full potential.
We offer a wide range of General and Vocational qualifications that equip learners with the knowledge and skills they need for their future.
We work with a range of education providers including schools, colleges, workplaces and other institutions in the public and private sector. Over 13,000 Centres choose our A Levels, GCSEs and vocational qualifications including OCR Nationals, NVQs and Basic Skills.
We develop our qualifications in close consultation with teachers, industry leaders and government to ensure they are relevant for learners today and meet requirements set by QCA.
We support providers to deliver our qualifications and ensure our customers have access to professional training, support materials, publications, telephone contact with OCR advisors and online access to guidance at our websites
SEMTA
The Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering & Manufacturing Technologies
Every business depends on the skills and abilities of its people to drive its productivity, growth and success.
Industry owned and led, Semta aims to increase the impact of skilled people throughout the science, engineering and manufacturing technologies sectors.
We work with the employers in our sectors to ascertain their current and future skills needs and to provide short and long term skills solutions, whether that be training and skills development, or campaigning with government and other organisations that can change things for the better. Through our labour market intelligence and insights from employers across our sectors, we identify change needed in education and skills policy and practice and engage with key industry partners and partners in the education and training sector to help increase productivity at all levels in the workforce.
Sector Skills Alliance Scotland (SSAScot.)
Sector Skills Alliance Scotland (SSAScot.) was formed in January 2003, in the place of the Scottish Council of National Training Organisations (SCONTO). SSAScot endeavours to achieve its vision of being a leading authority on lifelong learning issues in Scotland, through providing a forum for the exchange of information on skills issues and to promote awareness and understanding of Sector Skills Councils and Sector Skills Bodies.
SSAScot works both within the Skills for Business Network, with the Sector Skills Bodies and between the network and the wider stakeholder arena. It facilitates the work of both the Sector Skills Councils and Sector Skills Bodies in Scotland by:
Promoting communication and the sharing of good practice;
Acting as a conduit by bringing individuals, stakeholders and organisations together; and,
Encouraging and fostering the exchange of information.
In its facilitation role SSAScot supports and organises events and conferences, provides guidance and advice to Sector Skills Councils, Sector Skills Bodies and key stakeholders and is a resource for information generally on skills issues.
In its communication role SSAScot provides formal and informal communication channels between the Sector Skills Councils, the Sector Skills Bodies, the SSDA and stakeholders in the wider lifelong learning arena. SSAScot organises seminars, conferences and meetings and issues periodical bulletins in a variety of formats, including the weekly 'e-intelligence' bulletins and the three-times yearly 'MA Bulletin' magazine.
Web link: www.ssascot.org.uk
SQA (Scottish Qualifications Authority)
SQA is an executive non-departmental public body (NDPB) sponsored by the Scottish Government Education Department. It is the national body in Scotland responsible for the development, accreditation, assessment and certification of qualifications other than degrees.
SQA functions are set out in the Education (Scotland) Act 1996 as amended by the Scottish Qualifications Act 2002
The overall aim of the SQA is to manage the qualifications system below degree level to allow students to fulfil their potential to participate in the economy, society and communities of Scotland.
QCA (Qualifications Curriculum Authority)
QCA are a public body, sponsored by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF)
QCA maintain and develop the national curriculum and associated assessments, tests and examinations as well as accrediting qualifications in colleges and at work. QCA also regulate awarding bodies and exams to ensure they are fit for purpose.