On October 1 2007 ILM started phase one of its new Quality Assurance strategy – which aims to ensure the integrity of all ILM programmes including; VRQs, S/NVQs, specialist options, Endorsed and Development programmes, across all its centres.
The new QA process brings closer alignment between ILM and the other City & Guilds groups, and in a wider context between the largest awarding bodies in the UK. It came about in response to a drive from the QCA and the Joint Council for Qualifications to reduce bureaucracy for centres.
Phase one is due to be completed in spring 2008, phase two – enhancement – from March/April onwards.
Key facts
The main focus of the new QA approach is a shift of responsibility; centres will undertake more internal verification which is then confirmed by their ILM External Verifier (EV). The level of EV involvement is determined by the ‘Qualification Quality Rating - Tariff’. Centres are awarded a QQR – Tariff for each active qualification they deliver. This will determine the minimum level of internal quality assurance they have to undertake, the amount of EV sampling and the certification status for each qualification.
There are seven categories in the rating system, based on the QCA Code of Practice and Tariff of Sanctions (November 2006).
- None – No EV signature required: Direct Claims Status – no action plan
- 01 – No EV signature required: Direct Claims Status – with action plan
- 02 – EV signature required
- 3a – Suspend registrations
- 3b – Suspend certification
- 04 – Withdraw qualification approval
- 05 – Withdraw centre approval
The initial/default QQR tariff for centres as of 1 October 2007 is 02. EVs will make the decisions to change the QQR as annual centre reviews, remote monitoring or routine visits are carried out
In addition to a QQR Tariff, centres are given a ‘Centre Support Status’ from ILM – this is a descriptor of the EV activity pattern in terms of verification. There are three levels of status:
- Low centre support status
- Moderate centre support status
- Enhanced centre support status
Again, Centre Support Status is determined at the annual centre review, it is recommended by the EV and confirmed by the Quality Manager. Each centre will default to Moderate from 1 October 2007
Benefits
The QA process has been developed as good practice in response to customer feedback and will deliver the following benefits:
- Direct claim status to enhance the speed of delivery of certificates
- Reduction in the volume of paper generated
- Each customer treated as an individual centre/ provider with the appropriate level of support and monitoring (not the same level for all customers)
- More responsible role for the External Verifiers (EVs) with a consistent approach