Government Minister speaks out in support of awarding bodies
27-Nov-2003
On the eve of the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) first ever National conference, the Right Honourable Alan Johnson MP, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education voiced his support for FAB and its members.
He said: "Awarding Bodies play a crucial role in the delivery of the Government’s agenda. With this type of collaboration and expertise facilitated by the Federation of Awarding Bodies, I feel confident that we will develop a qualifications system that addresses the needs of all."
John McNamara, Chairman of FAB, welcomed the Ministers words of support saying: "It is very important to us that we have the support of the Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education and through the Federation, we are working together to constantly improve the vocational qualifications system. We are also working in partnership with the QCA, SSDA and LSC to drive forward the root and branch reforms of the qualifications framework that the Government has asked for."
The Minster's support follows criticisms levelled at awarding bodies earlier this month by David Sherlock, Chief Inspector of the Adult Learning Inspectorate, which reports on the standard of learning offered to young trainees and adults in England.
Mr Sherlock claimed the wide range of vocational qualifications and large number of awarding bodies offering them was confusing for candidates.
However, as he prepared to chair FAB’s inaugural conference Qualifications that work, John McNamara responded swiftly saying: "Mr Sherlock has challenged the government to insist on simplifications of the sector, criticising the number and variety of vocational and occupational qualifications. I would argue that having a neat system of a small number of qualifications that are rigid in design does not meet the needs and requirements of employers and learners. We live in a complex world where there is a high demand for a training and educational system that can suit each and every industry."
In defence of FAB’s members, John argued: "Awarding bodies can design and deliver qualifications on demand from their customers, yet they need to be allowed to do this without having to face unnecessary bureaucracy from well-meaning, but ill-informed government quangos."
The Right Honourable Alan Johnson MP will be making the keynote address at tomorrow's conference which will provide an important opportunity to review progress on making qualifications more responsive, relevant and flexible, as well as considering the impact of the Government’s National Skills Strategy.
| Contact | For further details on the FAB Conference, it’s speakers and agenda, please contact Claire King on 01276 417825 or visit www.awarding.org. |
