Regulating for confidence in standards

Ofqual has launched a consultation which seeks views from all stakeholders on how its duties and powers should be exercised in the future. The consultation also includes information about the context of the legislation and explains the objectives set out for the regulator and how Ofqual proposes to use these.

These events are for those organisations or individuals who would like more information about the consultation proposals or the legislation before they respond to the consultation. They are also designed to give a better understanding of Ofqual's consultation proposals and the transition from the old regulatory world to the new.

The sessions will run from 12pm – 2pm or 4pm – 6pm on:

■ Monday 1st February, Grand Connaught Rooms, Central London

■ Monday 8th February, Bristol Marriott City Centre Hotel, Bristol

■ Tuesday 9th February, Burlington Hotel, Birmingham

■ Thursday 11th February, Queens Hotel, Leeds

Kathleen Tattersall, Chair of Ofqual, said: "The establishment of Ofqual as an independent organisation represents a significant development in the regulation of qualifications and assessments.

"As such it is important for us to consult with a wide range of stakeholders and I would like to encourage as many of them as possible to attend these events and use these opportunities to give us their views and feedback.

"The results of the consultation will inform Ofqual's business planning for the future as we work to secure the standards of qualifications and protect learners so that they can be confident their results count."

We anticipate that these events will be very popular for more information or to reserve a place please send your details to email ingrsvp@ofqual.gov.uk.

The consultation document, Regulating For Confidence in Standards, includes information about the new legislation and explains the duties and powers which Ofqual will have and the suggested ways in which these can be exercised. It can be found at www.ofqual.gov.uk/consultation

People have three months to submit their responses, the closing date is March 8, 2010. They can do so on-line, via e-mail to consultationresponses@ofqual.gov.uk or by writing to the Regulatory Policy Team, Ofqual, Spring Place, Coventry Business Park, Herald Avenue, Coventry, CV5 6UB.

Notes to editors

1. The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act, which gained Royal Assent on Thursday, November 12, 2009, included the provision for Ofqual to be established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities for the regulation of general and vocational qualifications in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland.

2. More information about the ASCL Act can be found here http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/2280.aspx

3. For more information contact the Ofqual press office on 0300 303 3342 or if out of hours the duty officer on 07798 924552. Members of the public should contact the helpdesk on 0300 303 3340.