The regulatory framework for the Diploma
Last updated on: 11/03/2008
This page provides an overview of the regulatory framework and explains the regulatory aims for the Diploma and supporting arrangements.
The regulatory framework for the Diploma
The regulatory framework for the Diploma covers the regulation of overarching arrangements for the Diploma, how the different constituent qualifications combine for the award of the Diploma, and the regulation of principal learning and project qualifications.
Regulatory aims for the Diploma
The overall purpose of regulating the Diploma is to develop, secure and maintain public confidence in the new qualification. It is only through public confidence that learners and their sponsors can be confident that the qualification will be accepted and of real use in learner progression. This means that the regulation of the Diploma must be designed to meet the following aims:
- Standards
The standard of the Diploma must be clearly and transparently established, and the standard of contributing qualifications must be maintained. - Comparability
There must be comparability between the qualifications offered by the different component awarding bodies at each level and line of learning. - Meeting the needs of learners
There must be flexibility and choice of provision so that centres and consortia are able to meet learners' needs. Diploma awarding bodies and component awarding bodies must be able to meet market need, and, if they are entering and leaving the market, must ensure that learners' provision is not disrupted. - Diversity and equality
There must be fair and equal access to the Diploma and constituent qualifications for a diverse range of learners. - Value for money
The investment in the Diploma should provide value for money for government, awarding bodies, centres/consortia and learners.
Supporting arrangements
The regulatory framework for the Diploma is underpinned by supporting arrangements for the operation of the Diploma, including Ofqual agreed procedures for awarding and grading. These arrangements are available to download from the Operating as an awarding body within the Diploma page.