Centre Handbook
Version: March 2016
Version 2.0 – April 2014
Page 1 of 41
Contents
Contents ..................................................................................................................... 2
Welcome to Gateway Qualifications ........................................................................... 3
What You Need to Do – Quick Overview ................................................................ 4
Gateway Qualifications’ Commitment ..................................................................... 5
Who We Are............................................................................................................ 6
Your Responsibility to Us ........................................................................................ 7
Centre and Learner Fees ........................................................................................ 9
Becoming a Gateway Qualifications Recognised Centre ......................................... 10
Introduction to Centre Recognition ........................................................................ 10
Overview of the Centre Recognition Process........................................................ 11
Choosing Qualifications ............................................................................................ 12
Deciding What to Deliver....................................................................................... 12
An Overview of What is on Offer ........................................................................... 12
Course Approval for Unit Delivery ......................................................................... 14
The Estimated Learner Plan ................................................................................. 14
Introduction to Units .............................................................................................. 15
Assessment Definitions ......................................................................................... 16
Registering Learners ................................................................................................ 17
Register Cohorts and Learners ............................................................................. 17
Recommendation for the Award of Credit Form (RAC) ......................................... 17
Issuing Certificates ................................................................................................ 18
Replacement Certificates ...................................................................................... 18
Extension of learning agreements; resits/referrals; withdrawals; deferrals and
transfers ................................................................................................................ 19
Exemptions, Equivalents, and Recognition of Prior Learning ................................ 20
Quality Assurance .................................................................................................... 21
Monitoring quality standards ................................................................................. 21
Assessment practice ............................................................................................. 22
Controlled assessment.......................................................................................... 23
External assessment ............................................................................................. 23
E-Learning ............................................................................................................ 24
Internal Quality Assurance .................................................................................... 25
Direct claims status ............................................................................................... 26
External Centre Monitoring ................................................................................... 28
External Quality Assurance ................................................................................... 29
Standardisation ..................................................................................................... 30
Retaining Learners’ Evidence ............................................................................... 30
Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations .......................................... 32
Malpractice and Maladministration ........................................................................ 32
Conflicts of Interest ............................................................................................... 33
Glossary of Key Terms ............................................................................................. 35
Organisations Involved ............................................................................................. 39
Page 2 of 41
Welcome to Gateway Qualifications
Thank you for taking the time to read this Centre Handbook. For those of you who do
not know us, Gateway Qualifications is a not for profit awarding organisation,
recognised by Ofqual and QAA with a clear focus on customer service. I hope that
we will have a long and successful association.
A guidance and reference tool
This handbook has been put together to act as a reference tool for existing Gateway
Qualifications recognised centres and to give new centres an insight into how best to
work with us.
Offering you high quality qualifications
Gateway Qualifications has been designing qualifications and accredited courses for
over 30 years. Our mission is to offer a range of innovative, flexible and dynamic
qualifications that are valued and meaningful.
Flexible qualifications for a variety of learners
Our qualifications have been developed so that you can use them flexibly with a wide
range of learners and in many contexts. They range from small awards to larger
diplomas, but all use the same credit-based format. This helps you to plan learner
progression within your curriculum offer.
The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) promotes this approach to teaching
and learning, bringing credit-based learning into the mainstream.
We are here to help
I hope this handbook will answer your questions as they arise. However, if you have
any additional questions, please do contact us for support and guidance.
Carol Snape
Chief Executive
Gateway Qualifications
Welcome to Gateway Qualifications
Page 3 of 41
What You Need to Do – Quick Overview
The sections of this handbook take you step by step through the process of what you
need to do in order to deliver qualifications offered by Gateway Qualifications. At the
end, you will find a glossary of terminology.
Becoming a recognised centre
To offer Gateway Qualifications provision, you must first become a recognised
centre. This involves supplying us with details about your centre and the sectors in
which you work, and agreeing to abide by our terms and conditions.
Choosing qualifications
Once your organisation has gained Gateway Qualifications centre recognition, you
may deliver those qualifications for which you have been approved. You can also
apply, at any time, to run additional qualifications. You will have access to a named
Development contact to support you in developing your qualification offer.
Learner Registration and Certification
Each year we ask you to confirm which qualifications you will be running, and the
approximate number of learners you wish to register on each. Then at the start of
each course you will need to register learners by name with Gateway Qualifications.
When learners have completed the course, you must notify us of the results, so that
achievements can be verified and certificates can be issued.
Quality Assurance
It is essential for Gateway Qualifications recognised centres to have quality
assurance systems in place. This ensures that the qualifications it runs comply with
standards and that the results and outcomes can be verified. The Quality Assurance
section explains the Gateway Qualifications quality assurance system. We will
appoint a named Gateway Qualifications External Quality Assurer to help you
through the process.
Welcome to Gateway Qualifications
Page 4 of 41
Gateway Qualifications’ Commitment
We aim to provide you with the best possible service, to enable you to cater for the
needs of all your learners. We will do this by ensuring our service is
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Prompt.
Efficient.
Responsive.
Supportive.
Professional.
General Support
We will endeavour at all times to:
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Respond to all telephone and e-mail enquiries the same working day.
Ensure a respectful, friendly and supportive attitude at all times to everyone
visiting and associated with the company, in whatever capacity.
Acknowledge a complaint within two working days.
Listen to and respond positively in respect of feedback and suggestion.
Ensure that the staff and associates of the company are appropriately
qualified.
You can contact us by
Telephone: 01206 911211
Email:
enquiries@gatewayqualifications.org.uk
Web:
www.gatewayqualifications.org.uk
Fax:
01206 873956
Post: Gateway Qualifications, Gateway Qualifications, Gateway House, 3 Tollgate
Business Park, COLCHESTER, CO3 8AB.
Voicemail:
Available outside of normal office hours.
Online support
Support, guidance and registration facilities are provided online at
www.gatewayqualifications.org.uk
Welcome to Gateway Qualifications
Page 5 of 41
Who We Are
These are the departments that you will come into contact with here at Gateway
Qualifications.
Development
The Development team consists of our Development Officers and Development
Managers. Development Officers are office based and are usually contactable
between the hours of 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday. Our Development
Managers are out on the road and have work mobile numbers which you can call. If
you are not able to reach them, please leave a message and they will call you back.
The Development team is here to help with any queries you may have relating to
choosing a qualification or unit, designing your course and applying for approval to
deliver. They are also here to help you if you are thinking about becoming a
recognised centre: they can offer advice and guide you through the process.
Customer Service (Registration and Awards)
The Customer Service team are here to help you with any queries you may have
relating to the registration of learners, certificate claims or replacement certificates.
The team consists of our Customer Service Officers, Customer Service Administrator
and the Customer Service Manager. They are contactable between the hours of
8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
Quality Assurance
The Quality team consists of the Quality System Support Officer, External Quality
Assurers and the Quality and Assessment Manager. The External Quality Assurers
can be contacted through the Quality System Support Officer. The Quaility team are
contactable between the hours of 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday
Finance
The Finance team consists of our Accounts Officer and our Director of Finance and
Operations. It is most likely that our Accounts Officer will be able to assist you with
any queries you have but in their absence then you could speak to the Director of
Finance and Operations. Contact the finance department with any queries relating to
invoices or other finance related matters. They are available Monday to Friday
8.30am to 4.30pm.
Welcome to Gateway Qualifications
Page 6 of 41
Your Responsibility to Us
When you complete your Centre Recognition Application you will be asked to provide
us with details of contacts within your organisation. This is to ensure that we contact
the right person. We will send these contacts emails and call them from time to time
with updates or to ask them questions so it is very important that these are kept up to
date.
In a large centre, it is likely that several different people will carry out these roles.
However, we understand that in a smaller organisation, one individual may undertake
a number of different roles.
It is your responsibility to update your centre’s contacts.
Key Roles
Head of
Organisation:
The head of the organisation, e.g. Chief Executive. He or she:
 Signs the centre recognition application form.
 Will act as the overall point of accountability for the
delivery of qualifications.
Centre Contact:
This person will be the key contact between Gateway
Qualifications and the centre. He or she:
 Will commit resources for your centre.
 Will be the conduit for all correspondence between the
centre and Gateway Qualifications, being responsible
for disseminating information within your organisation
appropriately.
Curriculum
Development
Contact:
The person with overall responsibility for curriculum planning
and development within your centre. This person:
 Ensures qualifications submitted to Gateway
Qualifications for approval have been through an
internal approval process.
Welcome to Gateway Qualifications
Page 7 of 41
Quality Assurance
Contact:
This person is responsible for:
 Maintaining internal quality systems including
internalquality assurance, standardisation, response to
quality assurance reports and annual reviews.
 Ensuring the training and updating of staff involved with
internal quality systems.
 Ensuring the regulations for qualifications are met e.g.
security of external/internal assessments.
 Liaising with Gateway Qualifications External Quality
Assurers.
 Ensuring the centre is represented at standardisation
events and that samples of learners’ work are made
available for standardisation.
Administration
Contact:
Key responsibilities include:
 Ensuring accurate and prompt completion of
administrative forms/processes relating to the
registration and awarding of learners.
 Submitting learner registrations within specified time
frames.
 Liaising with Gateway Qualifications staff and
forwarding necessary learner registration documents to
tutors and other staff.
 Maintaining accurate records of all course and learner
registrations.
 Receiving certificates from Gateway Qualifications and
ensuring the prompt distribution of certificates to
learners.
 Updating the annual estimated learner plan.
Finance Contact:
Key responsibilities include:
 Ensuring timely payment of invoices.
 Liaising with Gateway Qualifications finance staff.
Terms and Conditions
When you become a recognised centre with Gateway Qualifications you sign up to
our terms and conditions, to assure us that you will do certain things. You can find full
details of these terms and conditions within the Centre Recognition Application.
Welcome to Gateway Qualifications
Page 8 of 41
Centre and Learner Fees
Gateway Qualifications charges fees based on two elements - an annual centre fee
and an individual learner fee for registration and certification of accreditation.
Annual Centre Fee – This is an annual fee, payable on the 1st August each year,
banded according to the volume of learners in the previous year. New centres will be
charged at band A and will be invoiced at the point of recognition.
Learner fees – Learner fees are based on the intended achievement of a learner.
The fee is levied at the point of registration of learners.
Fees are reviewed annually and are available in the Fees and Charges section of our
website.
Welcome to Gateway Qualifications
Page 9 of 41
Becoming a Gateway Qualifications Recognised Centre
Introduction to Centre Recognition
Gateway Qualifications centre recognition is an agreement made between the centre
and Gateway Qualifications, specifying the minimum requirements the centre must
commit to in relation to curriculum, administration and quality. The centre recognition
agreement:
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Provides information about the centre, its structure and contacts.
Forms the basis of - and details the arrangements for - the review of Gateway
Qualifications provision within the centre.
Locates responsibility for the overall planning and delivery of Gateway
Qualifications provision at the appropriate level within the centre.
Gateway Qualifications will assign a Development Officer to the organisation who will
provide support during the centre recognition process and on-going curriculum and
development support.
The criteria for approval include, but are not limited to, the following
 Fit with our mission and purpose.
 Appropriate systems and processes in place.
 Appropriate staffing available.
 Previous experience of working with awarding organisations.
 Suitable resources.
 Financial viability.
Once approved, Gateway Qualifications sends the following to newly-recognised
centres:
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Confirmation of centre recognition.
Confirmation of customer service team.
Centre recognition invoice.
Centre recognition certificate (upon payment of invoice).
As part of the Gateway Qualifications quality assurance process, recognised centres
are monitored annually by External Quality Assurers who report on internal quality
assurance systems. The External Quality Assurers annual visit is a necessary
condition for continued Gateway Qualifications recognition.
Becoming a Gateway Qualifications Recognised Centre
Page 10 of 41
Overview of the Centre Recognition Process
In order to offer qualifications developed by Gateway Qualifications, an organisation
must be appointed as a recognised centre with Gateway Qualifications.
If you wish to become a Gateway Qualifications recognised centre, please contact us
by telephone, email or via the website. A Development Officer will then be in touch
with you to discuss the following
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Centre recognition requirements.
The range of existing qualifications and units your centre would be able to
access.
Gateway Qualifications quality assurance requirements.
If you decide you would like to become a Gateway Qualifications recognised centre,
you will need to:
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
Complete and sign a centre recognition application.
Agree quality assurance arrangements.
You only have to complete the centre recognition application once, unless the
centre’s circumstances change or Gateway Qualifications withdraws centre
recognition status. Gateway Qualifications has the authority to apply sanctions or
withdraw centre recognition status if your centre fails to comply with the terms and
conditions set out in the centre recognition application form.
Gateway Qualifications will review the documentation provided against the centre
recognition terms and conditions. If appropriate, we will confirm centre recognition
and the centre will be invoiced the annual centre fee.
Becoming a Gateway Qualifications Recognised Centre
Page 11 of 41
Choosing Qualifications
Deciding What to Deliver
In this section, you will find guidance on how to choose the qualifications you wish to
deliver. It includes an introduction to the types of qualifications available and
Gateway Qualifications forms related to the qualifications you would like to offer.
An Overview of What is on Offer
Qualifications explained
All of our qualifications are compiled by combining a number of small elements of
learning, which are called units or units of assessment, which build into a coherent
qualification.
Each unit has a specified credit size, expressed in learning hours (please refer to
section ‘Introduction to Units’ for more details). The number of units used, and hence
the size of the qualification, can vary significantly, depending on the rules of
combination, the number of credits to be achieved and the needs of the particular
curriculum area, sector or learner’s circumstances.
Gateway Qualifications provision spans a range of levels, based on national level
descriptors, from entry level through to level eight.
Your choice of qualifications
Once you have gained Centre Recognition you will be able to design your
qualification offer. This can be done in a variety of ways:
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By using our wide range of qualifications accredited by Ofqual.
By using individual units from different qualifications offered by Gateway
Qualifications.
By discussing the potential to develop your own programme into a
qualification.
As a recognised centre, you will decide which qualifications you wish to offer. Your
offer will be developed through discussion with your Development Officer or
Development Manager and will focus on the specific needs of your learners.
Choosing Qualifications
Page 12 of 41
Approval to run your chosen qualifications
Centres must request approval from Gateway Qualifications for the qualifications
they wish to run by submitting a Qualification Approval form.
The information contained on the Qualification Approval form provides the basis of
the estimated learner plan, which is a summary document sent annually (normally in
early summer) to the recognised centre for checking and allowing for planning for the
following academic year.
What is a coherent qualification offer?
As a Gateway Qualifications recognised centre you will have considerable flexibility
in using qualifications in ways which are meaningful to your particular learners’
needs, by using units as your building blocks. This flexibility applies to all of our
qualifications. It is essential, therefore, that in using this flexibility you ensure that the
resulting course or qualification is ‘coherent’.
In order for a qualification to be considered coherent, the following elements should
be addressed:
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How does the qualification meet the needs of the target group?
What entry requirements/skills are required to ensure that a learner will
benefit from the qualification?
What are the likely progression routes for learners and are these as
wide as possible?
What is the volume of learning and does this relate to the guided
learning hours being proposed?
Is it at the appropriate level(s)?
Do the units combine in a meaningful way and do the learning
outcomes relate to one another?
Are the rules of combination (that is the rules by which the particular
Qualification allows units to be combined) being adhered to? (Rules of
combination for each Qualification are outlined in the specific
Qualification Specification, available on the Gateway Qualifications
website.)
Can any units previously achieved be used to enable progression
towards full achievement of the qualification?
In order to address the considerations above, Gateway Qualifications requires
recognised centres, as part of their quality assurance system, to have in place a
robust system for internal qualification approval. In this context, a robust system
means that the centre can demonstrate that there is a process in place which
answers all of the above questions.
Choosing Qualifications
Page 13 of 41
Course Approval for Unit Delivery
We recognise that sometimes Centres may not wish to offer full qualifications and
instead may wish to offer units as stand-alone unit delivery.
In these cases you would not apply for qualification approval but would instead
complete a Course Approval form.
If you then wish to make any changes to your course at any time you can do so by
completing a Course Amendment form.
The Estimated Learner Plan
Centres are expected to inform us annually of their intentions for the following year.
We will contact you, normally in the Spring/Summer, and ask you to indicate the
estimated numbers of learners you expect to register on each qualification you are
approved to run. These numbers are only an estimate for planning purpose and you
will not be charged based on this estimate. You will continue to be invoiced for
learner registrations in the usual way when those registrations are submitted.
Choosing Qualifications
Page 14 of 41
Introduction to Units
What is a unit?
A unit gives details of what a learner is expected to know, understand, or be able to
do on completion of a period of learning (the learning outcomes) and the criteria that
will be used to judge whether these outcomes have been achieved (assessment
criteria).
Each unit must include the following five key features (these are known as the unit
specifications):
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Title
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Learning outcomes: a coherent set of measurable achievements.
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Assessment criteria: these enable a judgement to be made about whether or
not, and how well, a learner has achieved the learning outcomes.

Level: Qualifications range from Entry Level to Level 8

Credit value: the number of credits ascribed to a unit. This identifies the
number of credits a learner is awarded upon successful achievement of the
unit. One credit is awarded for the learning outcomes which a learner, on
average, might reasonably be expected to achieve in a notional 10 hours of
learning.
A unit does not contain everything that is taught, but outlines the key achievements
that the learner is expected to leave with at the end of the learning process. These
achievements, the results of the learning, must be demonstrated through
assessment.
Choosing Qualifications
Page 15 of 41
Assessment Definitions
Assessment is the process through which a learner’s skills and knowledge are
reviewed in order to evaluate what they have learned.
For tutors/trainers, assessment:
 Provides objective information which enables them to give learners
constructive feedback on their progress.
 Provides information which allows them to respond to individual learners’
needs.
 Helps evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a course.
 Demonstrates that a course has clear learning goals which are being met
effectively.
For learners, assessment:
 Acknowledges achievement, thereby increasing motivation and a sense of
achievement.
 Helps them develop skills of self-assessment.
 Provides a profile of what they have learned.
Further guidance can be found within the Assessment Definitions document and in
the Assessment Practice section.
Choosing Qualifications
Page 16 of 41
Registering Learners
Register Cohorts and Learners
Learner Registration
Centres should register learners within specified deadlines to ensure that they can
download the necessary documentation and that the award of credit for learners can
be completed quickly and efficiently.
Learners are registered by the Administration Contact using the Gateway
Qualifications Online Registration and Awards System. A username, password and
guidance for using the online system are sent to the Administration Contact upon
centre recognition and if the contact changes.
For short courses (less than 15 weeks long), Centres are required to register learners
with 25 working days from the course start date. For all other courses, learners must
be registered within 60 working days of the start date. A late registration fee will be
charged for learners received after the specified deadlines.
Following registration of learners online Centres will receive an invoice, which will be
sent to the Finance contact.
Amending Registrations
Learners can be marked as withdrawn on the Gateway Qualifications Online
Registration and Awards System.
Any additional or late learners must be registered onto a new cohort.
Recommendation for the Award of Credit Form (RAC)
Further information on the assessment and quality assurance processes leading up
to the RAC can be found in Quality Assurance.
The RAC contains details of the units and learners for each course run that the
Centre has registered.
Registering Learners
Page 17 of 41
Issuing Certificates
Gateway Qualifications will issue unit transcript certificates for learners who have
successfully completed unit(s) within 5 working days for on-line awarding and 10
working days of receipt of completed recommendation for award of credit
forms. These will show the course title, unit title, credit value and level of units
achieved by the learner.
If a learner has achieved a Gateway Qualifications qualification, they will receive a
full qualification certificate in addition to the unit transcript.
All certificates will be sent to Centres via a secure route (courier, recorded delivery or
by hand), for the attention of the Administration Contact.
Replacement Certificates
Replacement certificates are any certificates where a name has been misspelt or the
certificate has been lost or damaged. Requests for replacement certificates need to
be made by Centres using the replacement certificate (RC) form.
If there is an inaccuracy in the units shown on the certificate this is not a replacement
certificate and Gateway Qualifications must be notified immediately. Appropriate
steps will then be taken to correct the error.
The charges for replacement certificates are set out in the Gateway Qualifications
fees and charges. In cases where the error is on the part of Gateway Qualifications,
the certificate will be replaced as a priority and without charge.
For security reasons, all replacement certificates will be marked ‘REISSUE’.
Registering Learners
Page 18 of 41
Extension of learning agreements; resits/referrals;
withdrawals; deferrals and transfers
In order to maintain up to date records, Gateway Qualifications needs to know about
changes to any learning agreements made after registration.
Extension of learning agreements
When a course is extended rendering the original end date invalid, please notify
Gateway Qualifications in writing giving the new end date for the course. Please use
registrations@gatewayqualifications.org.uk.
Resits/Referrals and Deferrals
When a learner’s achievement is not complete when the RAC is submitted to
Gateway Qualifications, a claim can be made at a later date. A copy of the RAC can
be obtained via the online system. The RAC should then be submitted in the usual
way but accompanied by an explanation for the delay, signed by the Gateway
Qualifications approved Internal Quality Assurer.
Withdrawals
Learners can be withdrawn from our system once registered by logging in to the
online system and marking them as such or by drawing a line clearly through the
learner’s name, on the RAC.
Transfers
Transfers normally take place between qualifications within one centre during the
concurrent runs of the two qualifications. Where a learner transfers from one course
to another, this should be notified to Gateway Qualifications in writing. The
registration will be treated as a new registration and a registration fee will be charged
for the new course. The refund of the initial fee will be at the discretion of the Director
of Finance and Operations.
In circumstances not satisfactorily covered above or other circumstances considered
exceptional the Centre may write to the Gateway Qualifications Director of Finance
and Operations regarding a learner. The Director of Finance and Operations will
have the final decision in the matter.
Registering Learners
Page 19 of 41
Exemptions, Equivalents, and Recognition of Prior
Learning
A feature of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is the facility to enable
learners to claim for unit certification who can demonstrate that they meet the unit
assessment criteria. Recognition of prior learning is an assessment method leading
to the award of credit. The process involves considering if a learner can meet the
specified assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge, understanding or
skills that they possess already as a consequence of which they do not need to
undertake a course of learning.
Centres are encouraged to recognise the previous achievements and experiences,
both formal, e.g. through accredited units or qualifications, or informal, e.g. through
continuous learning. This involves the recognition of achievement from a range of
activities that will have been assessed through any valid method of assessment.
When using the process of the recognition of prior learning, it is essential that the
assessment requirements of a specific unit or, more exceptionally, a qualification
have been met. The evidence of learning provided must be sufficient, reliable,
authentic and valid.
In doing so, learners will avoid the need for the duplication of learning and
assessment. Claims must be made in one of the following ways as set out below.
Claims will be made by the following methods
Exemption – is where a claim is made for non-QCF unit(s) achievement deemed to
be of equivalent value.
Equivalent – is where a claim is made for QCF unit(s) achievement from a different
Qualification that is deemed to be of equivalent value.
Recognition of Prior Learning – is where a claim is made when a learner can
demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit through
knowledge, understanding or skills they possess and do not need to develop through
a course of learning.
It is the responsibility of the recognised centre to identify and verify such claims at the
point of learner registration, using the learner Registration Exemption/ Equivalents
form.
Centres must also have a process to assess claims before submitting these to
Gateway Qualifications.
Registering Learners
Page 20 of 41
Quality Assurance
Monitoring quality standards
Recognised centres delivering Gateway Qualifications provision must have quality
management systems in place to underpin that delivery. Systems will vary between
centres according to what is appropriate in the particular situation. Practices that
work in a large centre will not necessarily work in a small one. Also, an employerbased provider may have different requirements from a college. Whatever the
situation, Gateway Qualifications has two key requirements:
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There must be an appropriate system in place.
There must be evidence that it is implemented effectively.
‘Quality management system’ is an umbrella term that includes a number of key
aspects of the way that a centre is run. Within the context of Gateway Qualifications
delivery, this will include:
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Assessment practice.
Internal quality assurance systems.
Direct claims status.
Standardisation.
The quality management system of a recognised centre must deliver the following
outcomes:
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A team of well-informed committed and supported Tutor/Assessors,
sufficient in number for the planned provision.
Adequate resources to support learners’ study.
Guidance and support for learners and provision for individual needs.
Equal opportunities in practice that help to maximise the participation of
learners.
Assessment procedures which are inclusive and offer participation, equity
and reliable standardisation.
Systems which provide efficient recording and evaluation.
Real progression routes for learners, and preparation for work and/or
further study including confidence-building and basic/functional skills
achievements.
In this section, we give details of the various stages of our quality assurance cycle.
Quality Assurance
Page 21 of 41
Assessment practice
Assessment is the process of making judgements about the extent to which a
learner’s work meets the assessment criteria for a unit or part of a unit.
In undertaking assessment, the process must be fair, inclusive and adhere to the five
principles of assessment, denoted as VACSR:
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Valid.
Authentic.
Current
Sufficient.
Reliable.
An internal assessment approach is used for the majority of Gateway Qualifications
units and qualifications using the method of assessment of a learner producing a
portfolio of evidence. Where different methods of assessment are to be used these
will be set out within the unit or qualification specification.
A portfolio of evidence is a formal record of evidence (manual or electronic) produced
by learners, towards a unit or qualification.
Assessors are encouraged to use a variety of types of assessment/activities within
the learning process. Further guidance on types of assessment is contained within
the Gateway Qualifications’ assessment definitions document.
Recognised centres need to develop an assessment strategy that is appropriate to:

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The aims of the course.
The needs of the target group.
The level of the course.
Once the assessment strategy has been defined, the types of assessment activities
can be identified.
To ensure learners are given equal access and opportunity to demonstrate their
achievements, Gateway Qualifications has identified circumstances where
reasonable adjustment and special adjustments can be made. Centres should refer
to the Gateway Qualifications Reasonable Adjustment and Special Considerations
policy and centre guidance.
It is essential that assessors record the outcomes of the assessment activity. This will
enable learners’ progress to be monitored and form the basis of internal quality
assurance activities. Centres should refer to the Gateway Qualifications assessment
practice guidance when developing and reviewing approaches to assessment
recording.
Quality Assurance
Page 22 of 41
The following documents will help in the process of assessment:
 Assessment Practice
 Assessment Recording and Tracking forms and guidance
Gateway Qualifications encourages Assessors to hold or be working towards a
recognised assessing qualification. The following are examples of qualifications:
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D32/33 qualification.
A1 qualification.
Level 3 Award in Understanding the Principles and Practices of Assessment
(QCF) or equivalent.
Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (QCF).
Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment (QCF).
Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (QCF).
Controlled assessment
A controlled assessment is a form of internal assessment in which control levels are
set for each stage of the assessment process by Gateway Qualifications and will
include:



Task setting.
Task taking.
Task marking.
Certain qualifications will use controlled assessments to assess whether a learner
has met the assessment criteria requirements. Details of when a controlled
assessment is required will be set out within the individual qualification specification.
Centres should refer to specific guidance on the requirements for the use of Gateway
Qualifications controlled assessments.
External assessment
An external assessment will involve the assessment being set and marked by
Gateway Qualifications.
When our qualifications require learners to undertake an external assessment the
requirements for external assessment are set down in the individual qualification
specification. Where necessary, Gateway Qualifications will make you aware of the
need for external assessment.
Centres should refer to specific guidance on the requirements for the use of Gateway
Qualifications external assessments.
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E-Learning
The use of and speed of change of electronic technology as a support tool in the
education and skills sector will continue to increase. Centres may consider using elearning technology to support the learning and quality assurance processes. In
developing an e-learning approach, Centres attention is drawn to the Ofqual and web
site which provide information on the development, implementation and use of e
portfolios.
It is good practice when developing and implementing an e-portfolio system to use
the Ofqual e-portfolio checklist from E-assessment-Guide to effective practice. The
checklist provides a good template for on-going self-assessment. In addition the
Gateway Qualifications guidance document Centre Guidance for E-Portfolios should
also be referred to and provides Centres an overview of the areas to consider when
developing, implementing or operating an e-portfolio system.
It is also important to have an understanding of the key terms within this area, for
example.
e-learning - in the business world, refers to the strategies that use a company
network to deliver training courses to employees. In the education sector, e-learning
is used to define a specific mode to deliver qualification content and activities or
programme of study online;
e-assessment - in its broadest sense, e-assessment is the use of information
technology for any assessment-related activity. This definition embraces a wide
range of student activity ranging from the use of a word processor to on-screen
testing. Due to its obvious similarity to e-learning, the term e-assessment is
becoming widely used as a generic term to describe the use of computers within the
assessment process;
e-portfolio - is a collection of electronic evidence assembled and managed by a
user, usually on the Web. Such electronic evidence may include inputted text,
electronic files, images, multimedia, blog entries, and hyperlinks. Some e-portfolio
applications permit varying degrees of audience access, so the same portfolio might
be used for multiple purposes. The use of virtual learning environments (VLEs) has
led to an increased activity in the creation of e-portfolios for a variety of reasons.
Quality Assurance
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Internal Quality Assurance
Internal quality assurance is the process by which a centre regularly samples and
evaluates its assessment practices and decisions, and acts on the findings to ensure
consistency and fairness. It involves two key processes – internal quality assurance
and standardisation – and is carried out by one or more internal quality assurers.
The internal quality assurance system developed by centres will depend on the size
and extent of the qualifications delivered. Centres will need to set out their internal
quality assurance systems within a centre internal quality assurance plan.
The role of the internal quality assurer is to ensure that:






Assessment is appropriate, consistent, fair and transparent and does not
unintentionally discriminate against any learner.
Tutors/assessors receive on-going advice and support, for example in
designing assessment activities.
Learners clearly understand assessment requirements and are given
opportunities to achieve against the assessment criteria.
Learners’ work is presented in a manner that enables effective internal quality
assurance to take place.
Evidence of learner achievement is clearly mapped to the assessment criteria.
Recommendations for the Award of Credit are valid, reliable and consistent.
Internal quality assurance arrangements must include as a minimum:









An identified individual responsible for co-ordinating the internal quality
assurance process.
A planned structure for internal quality assurance that incorporates all of a
centre’s Gateway Qualifications provision.
An agreed and published annual timetable for internal quality assurance,
including internal quality assurance meetings.
Clear and documented roles and responsibilities for all those involved.
A forum for discussion of borderline cases and good practice in assessment.
Sampling of assessed work.
Standardisation of assessed work.
Full and clear records of the internal quality assurance process, including
action plans.
Regular evaluation of the process and outcomes.
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An internal quality assurer therefore has a central role in the operation of the centre’s
quality system. A centre may have one or more internal quality assurers, according to
the size and variety of its provision. All must have experience relevant to the area(s)
for which they quality assure. They should also have an understanding of quality
assurance and improvement, and the centre must ensure that they develop their
practice in this field.
To ensure the integrity of the internal quality assurance process, Internal Quality
Assurers must not verify work that they have assessed.
Gateway Qualifications External Quality Assurers will review the operation of a
centre’s internal quality assurance system through centre quality monitoring visits.
Once a course has been internally quality assured, there are two possible paths to
the Recommendation for the Award of Credit.
1. Direct Claim Status, where the Centre has an Approved Internal Quality
Assurer (AIQA).
2. An External Quality Assurer signs off the Recommendation for the
Achievement of Credit.
Direct Claims Status and Approved Internal Quality Assurer
Status
Centres wishing to make direct claims for certification need to establish that they
have suitable staff and a robust and effective system of internal quality assurance.
This is undertaken through centre recognition and subsequent quality review visits to
the centre. The Centre’s External Quality Assurer therefore lies at the heart of these
processes and has the responsibility of proposing applications from nominees for
Approved Internal Quality Assurance status and approving centres to move to direct
claims status.
For direct claims status Centres need to have established internal quality assurance
systems. These must be fit for purpose and have been applied effectively for a
minimum of one complete cycle of programme delivery, learner registration and
certification.
At times more than one cycle may be required to demonstrate all aspects of internal
quality assurance are in place. For example, where delivery is over a very short
period or small numbers of staff are involved. The External Quality Assurer needs to
be satisfied systems are robust before approving direct claims status, borderline
cases may be referred to the Director of Quality.
Centres will need suitable staff in place to support internal quality assurance and sign
off. Centres should be encouraged to identify Approved Internal Quality Assurance
nominee(s) early and they should apply to Gateway Qualifications using the
appropriate form (Application for Approved Internal Quality Assurance Status). They
will then be advised on the best route to gaining approval (e.g. training requirement
or endorsement).
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Quality and Assessment Manager will be responsible for both the endorsement of
Approved Internal Quality Assurance nominees and the confirmation of direct claims
status to the Centre.
Some aspects of these processes may be covered at centre recognition and all
aspects of internal quality assurance are part of centre quality review; Approved
Internal Quality Assurer status and direct claims therefore align well with these.
Gateway Qualifications will accept individuals approved for direct claims status by
another Awarding Organisation and have proof of this approval will be given on this
basis followed by an External Quality Assurer visit within 4 months after the Centre
becomes active.
The following examples are acceptable qualifications for an Approved Internal Quality
Assurer to hold (although Gateway Qualifications will consider other internal
verification qualifications upon submission):






D34 qualification.
V1 qualification.
NOCN Internal Verifier Award.
NOCN Internal Verification of Credit Based Learning: Continuing
Professional Development for Practitioners Award.
Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes
and Practice (QCF).
Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of
Assessment Processes and Practice (QCF).
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External Centre Monitoring
Gateway Qualifications will allocate a named External Quality Assurer to your Centre.
This person is responsible for ensuring that your internal quality assurance systems
meet the requirements set out by Gateway Qualifications.
Quality monitoring of a new centre
As part of the centre recognition approval process, the External Quality Assurer will
contact your centre to arrange an initial visit. The focus of this visit will be to identify
any areas that do not meet the requirements of centre recognition.
During the visit, the External Quality Assurer will identify any areas where further
work is needed and agree actions that need to be undertaken. The actions will be
sent to your centre’s Quality Assurance contact.
Quality monitoring of recognised centres
External Quality Assurer will arrange on-going quality monitoring visits to all
recognised centres. These visits will:





Monitor the centre’s compliance with the centre recognition terms and
conditions by reviewing course documentation and meeting managers and
centre staff.
Identify any staff development needs.
Ensure that all procedures are being complied with, through an audit trail, and
make sure that the award of credit/Qualifications to learners is secure.
Authorise Approved Internal Quality Assurers to sign off the Recommendation
for the Award of Credit as appropriate.
Review the practice of Approved Internal Quality Assurers to ensure that the
award of credit is secure.
After the monitoring visit, the External Quality Assurer will produce a centre quality
monitoring report setting out agreed action points with deadlines; the External Quality
Assurer will monitor the centre’s progress in addressing the action points. A copy will
be sent to the centre for reference.
The frequency of the quality monitoring visits will be determined by the number and
type of actions agreed by the centre and the Quality Reviewer.
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External Quality Assurance
In all cases, the award of credit being claimed for each learner must be clearly shown
on the Recommendation for the Award of Credit form, which is signed by the
tutor/assessor.
The recommendation of the award of credit must then be authorised before it is
submitted to Gateway Qualifications for the award of credit to be issued.
Centres with Approved Internal Quality Assurers
As set out within the direct claims section, recognised centres that have Approved
Internal Quality Assurers are able to authorise the recommendation for the award of
credit and send this directly to Gateway Qualifications for certification.
Centres without Approved Internal Quality Assurers
If a centre does not have Approved Internal Quality Assurers, Gateway Qualifications
will arrange for an external quality assurance visit to authorise the recommendation
for the award of credit. This will normally be the Gateway Qualifications External
Quality Assurer allocated to the centre.
In some cases our qualifications will be required to be signed off by an External
Quality Assurer. Gateway Qualifications will advise centres directly when this is a
requirement set down in the qualification specifications.
When recognised centres have completed the process of assessment and internal
quality assurance of a course, they should contact the Quality Support contact to
arrange an external quality assurance visit.
At the visit the External Quality Assurer will carry out the following checks:




Ensure that the course is operating in accordance with the centre’s recognition
criteria.
Meet with learners to get their feedback (where possible).
Sample assessed work to review assessment and internal quality assurance
judgements.
Review the arrangements for internal quality assurance.
When the visit is complete, the External Quality Assurer will either confirm to the
centre that the recommendation for the award of credit can be authorised, or identify
the actions that need to be taken to enable it to be authorised.
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As part of the annual centre fee, centres are entitled to up to two visits annually from
External Quality Assurers for centre quality monitoring and external quality assurance
of the Award of Credit process. You can find details of the Gateway Qualifications
charging structure within the fees and charging section of our website.
Standardisation
Standardisation is the process by which centres ensure that the assessment criteria
for a Qualification, unit or part of a unit are applied consistently by Assessors and
Internal Quality Assurers. As part of a centre’s quality system, standardisation events
should be held on an on-going basis.
Centre standardisation should be facilitated by the centre’s Quality Assurance
contact and should include all the centre’s Tutors, Assessors and Internal Quality
Assurers. To be effective, the standardisation event will need to include the following
activities:




Assessed work from the current year for all Tutors/Assessors.
The full range of the centre’s provision must be covered.
Samples must be made available for standardisation, by Gateway
Qualifications, if required.
A report must be written identifying the outcomes and actions from the
standardisation event, and this must be made available to your External
Quality Assurer during the centre quality monitoring visit.
Gateway Qualifications will facilitate regional standardisation events - the dates of
which will be published in advance on an annual basis. Quality Reviewers are
responsible for identifying samples from centres to be included in regional
standardisation events. Centres are expected to participate in these events and to
contribute to them.
Retaining Learners’ Evidence
The retention of learners’ work by Recognised Centres will assist the development of
consistency of Centre quality management systems.
The regulatory arrangements places the emphasis on awarding organisations to
retain samples of learners’ work to ensure year on year monitoring of standards in
respect of nationally accredited qualifications.
Gateway Qualifications achieves this through the annual cycle of standardisation for
regulated qualifications supported by the on-going quality monitoring and external
quality assurance processes.
Centres will need to retain samples of learners’ work, as part of their internal quality
management process:
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
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
To ensure year on year monitoring of standards of assessment.
Used in the induction of new assessors.
The development of existing assessors.
To provide understanding of the requirements at different levels.
To be incorporated into Centre standardisation of assessment meetings.
The result will be a representative sample of learners’ work which is retained in the
year following certification. It is recommended that the sample of retained learners
work be kept for a rolling three year period.
In developing the strategy for retaining learners’ work the following factors will need
to be incorporated:




Samples retained from the range of programmes delivered within the Centre.
Samples retained at the levels delivered within the Centre.
Samples retained to include all assessors.
Samples retained to include the assessment methodologies used.
Samples should show examples of top, middle and bottom within a level.
The factors that will constrain the size of the retained sample


Availability of storage space.
The frequency of change of assessors.
A justification of why the sample is retained should be clearly referenced, with the
sample to include:

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

Unit of assessment.
Assessment task.
Learner’s work.
Tutor feedback.
Learner Records
Recognised Centres are required to retain records for a period of three years, from
the end of the year that they relate to.

Retaining Learner Evidence.
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Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations
Assessment should be a fair test of learners’ knowledge and what they are able to
do, however for some learners the usual format of assessment may not be suitable.
Gateway Qualifications ensures that its qualifications and assessments do not bar
learners from taking its qualifications.
We recognise that reasonable adjustments and/or special consideration may be
required at the time of assessment where learners:



Have a permanent disability or specific learning needs.
Have a temporary disability, medical condition or learning needs.
Are indisposed at the time of the assessment.
The provision for reasonable adjustments and special consideration arrangements is
made to ensure that learners receive recognition of their achievement so long as the
equity, validity and reliability of the assessments can be assured. Such
arrangements are not concessions to make assessment easier for learners, nor
advantages to give learners a head start.
There are two ways in which access to fair assessment can be maintained:


Through reasonable adjustments and
Through special consideration.
Gateway Qualifications’ approach to reasonable adjustments and special
consideration is set out in the Reasonable Adjustments and Special Consideration
Policy. Appendix 1 of the policy sets out when reasonable adjustments are permitted
and when centres need to seek permission in applying reasonable adjustment.
Malpractice and Maladministration
Malpractice and maladministration will have a negative effect on the integrity of
qualifications offered by Gateway Qualifications. As a result both Centres and
Gateway Qualifications are required by Ofqual to have policies and processes in
place to prevent, investigate and deal with suspected and/or actual cases of
malpractice and maladministration.
Centres’ responsibilities – in respect of maladministration and malpractice will
include:



Be aware of Gateway Qualifications’ Malpractice and Maladministration Policy.
Have in place arrangements for preventing and investigating malpractice and
maladministration.
Report to Gateway Qualifications suspected or actual cases of malpractice
and maladministration.
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External Quality Assurers will review the centres arrangements as part of the quality
monitoring visits.
Gateway Qualifications’ responsibilities – in respect of maladministration and
malpractice will include:




All staff are aware of Gateway Qualifications’ Malpractice and
Maladministration Policy.
Undertake investigations into suspected cases of malpractice and
maladministration fairly and consistently.
Provide centres with guidance on how to prevent, investigate and deal with
suspected malpractice and maladministration.
Report cases of malpractice and maladministration to Ofqual promptly.
Centres are referred to the following documents, relating to Malpractice and
Maladministration.


Gateway Qualifications Malpractice and Ma ladministration Policy.
Gateway Qualifications Centre Guidance Malpractice and Maladministration.
Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest is a situation in which an individual, or organisation, has
competing interests or loyalties and this may lead to acting contrary to interests of
Gateway Qualifications and/or Centres.
Conflicts of interest may arise in a variety of different situations associated with the
development, delivery and award of qualifications, for example (this list is not
exhaustive):

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

Where an individual has personal interests that conflict with their professional
association with Gateway Qualifications.
Where an individual is marking assessments of a learner who is a friend or
relative.
Where an individual is working with a business outside of the recognised
Centre that is in direct competition with them.
Where an individual participates in the evaluation of a learner or colleague
who is a friend or relative.
It is the responsibility of Gateway Qualifications’ recognised Centres to declare any
conflicts of interest to Gateway Qualifications. Declarations of any conflict of interest
may be submitted using this email address:
conflictsofinterest@gatewayqualifications.org.uk
If a Conflict of Interest within a recognised Centre is discovered by Gateway
Qualifications or its representatives which has not been disclosed, Gateway
Qualifications will consider this as maladministration or, in some cases, malpractice
Quality Assurance
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by the Centre and apply the appropriate sanctions, as per the Malpractice and
Maladministration Policy.
If you are not sure what to declare, or whether/when your declaration needs to be
updated, please err on the side of caution. If you would like to discuss this issue,
please contact Gateway Qualifications for guidance. For further information please
refer to the Conflict of Interest policy.
Quality Assurance
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Glossary of Key Terms
The following terms might crop up in our communications with you:
Term
Accreditation
Appeal
Approved Internal
Quality Assurer
Assessment
Assessment criteria
(AC)
Assessment evidence
Assessor
Awarding
Organisation
Benchmark
assessment
Centre Recognition
Certification
Glossary of Key Terms
Description
Confirmation that learners’ evidence meets the assessment
criteria.
An appeal is a procedure through which an awarding
organisation/centre may be challenged on the outcome of an
enquiry about results or, where appropriate, other procedural
decisions affecting an individual candidate.
The named individual able to authorise the recommendation
for the award of credit for a Recognised Centre.
The process of making judgements about the extent to which
a learner’s work meets the assessment criteria for a unit or
part of a unit. Formative assessment provides feedback to
learners to help improve their performance/achievement.
Summative assessment takes place at the end of a defined
period of learning.
The requirements that learners need to meet in order to
achieve success for a unit or part of a unit.
Proof that the learner has achieved or is working towards the
achievement of assessment criteria. Satisfactory evidence
for all assessment criteria enables the Internal and External
Quality Assurer to confirm the award of credit.
The person who assesses a learner’s work.
An organisation or consortium that awards qualifications. An
awarding organisation must meet the criteria laid down by
the regulatory authorities e.g. Ofqual.
Provides a set of tasks that should be used to assess the
unit. Tasks can be designed by the centre, but they must use
the benchmark assessments as a guide and cover all the
assessment criteria.
A process through which a centre wishing to offer
accreditation is confirmed as being able to maintain the
required quality and consistency of assessment and comply
with other expectations of the awarding organisation.
The procedure by which Gateway Qualifications recognises
the award of credit to learners and issues certificates and
credit transfers.
Page 35 of 41
Controlled
assessment
A controlled assessment is a form of internal assessment in
which control levels are set for each stage of the
assessment process by Gateway Qualifications and will
include:
 Task setting.
 Task taking.
 Task marking.
Credit
An award made to a learner in recognition of the
achievement of the designated learning outcomes in a unit.
Credit accumulation
The process of putting together a combination of credits to
meet the achievement requirements of a qualification.
Credit transfer
The process of using credit or credits awarded in the context
of one qualification towards the achievement requirements of
another qualification.
Credit target
The achievement aim for learners taking a course.
Credit value
The measurement of notional time that a learner, on
average, will take to achieve the learning outcomes in the
unit. Credit value is calculated in terms of total learning time
and can be made up of contact and self-study time. One
credit = 10 notional hours of learning.
Direct Claims Status
Provides a Recognised Centre with the ability to claim
certification from Gateway Qualifications. This status is
conferred on Recognised Centres that have Approved
Internal Quality Assurer and operate robust internal quality
assurance systems.
E learning
In the education sector, e-learning is used to define a
specific mode to deliver course content and activities or
programme of study online.
Equivalent unit/s
A unit / units from a different qualification submitted by
another recognised organisation that is/are deemed to be of
equivalent value and so can count towards a qualification in
place of designated mandatory or optional unit/s from it.
Evidence portfolio
This is usually a file or folder in which evidence is presented
for assessment. An index should be included showing where
each evidence requirement has been met.
Exemption
The facility for a learner to claim exemption from some of the
achievement requirements of a QCF qualification, using
evidence certificated, non-QCF achievement deemed to be
of equivalent value.
External assessment
A form of independent assessment where assessment tasks
are set (externally to the centre), and a learner’s work is
assessed by the awarding body. This can either be
internally or externally marked, depending on the
qualification assessment specification.
Guided learning hours The number of hours of teacher-supervised or directed study
(GLH)
time required to teach a qualification or unit of a qualification.
Information, advice
Service provided to all individuals on appropriate job roles,
and guidance (IAG)
career paths and development opportunities.
Glossary of Key Terms
Page 36 of 41
Intended credit value
(ICV)
Internal assessment
Internal Quality
Assurer (IQA)
Level
Level descriptors
Learning outcomes
Malpractice
Mandatory units
Optional units
Policy
Procedure
Quality systems
Qualifications and
Credit Framework
(QCF)
Qualification
Specifications
Recommendation for
the Award of Credit
(RAC)
Recognised Centre
Glossary of Key Terms
The total number of credits a learner would be awarded for
full achievement of a particular course.
Assessment tasks carried out within a centre being internally
set and marked.
An individual appointed by the centre to ensure accurate and
consistent standards of assessment between assessors
operating within a centre.
An indication of the relative demand, complexity and/or
depth of achievement and/or the autonomy of the learner in
demonstrating achievement.
A set of statements that enable achievements to be located
at a particular level in the framework.
These express the knowledge, skills and understanding that
learners are expected to acquire.
Malpractice is defined as any deliberate activity, neglect,
default or other practice that compromises the integrity of the
assessment process, and/or the validity of certificates.
Malpractice may include a range of issues from the failure to
maintain appropriate records or systems to the deliberate
falsification of records in order to claim certificates.
Failure to deal with identified issues may in itself constitute
malpractice.
Units through which credit must be achieved in order to meet
the requirements for the qualification.
Units that learners may select in order to achieve credits that
meet the requirements of the qualification.
A policy provides the principles and systems on which
procedures can be built, it is fixed and concise. A policy
reflects philosophy, values and fundamental aims. A policy
tends to be established and agreed at managerial level.
A set of step by step instructions to enable a task or job to
be completed.
An umbrella term that includes the key aspects of the way in
which a centre is operated.
Defined by Ofqual. A way of recognising skills and
qualifications by awarding credit for qualifications and units
(small steps of learning). It enables people to gain
qualifications at their own pace along flexible routes.
Published by Gateway Qualifications, these set out the
delivery and quality assurance arrangements for
qualifications.
The Gateway Qualifications process by which centres
indicate the achievement of their learners.
The process through which a centre wishing to offer
accreditation is confirmed as being able to maintain the
required quality and consistency of assessment and comply
with other expectations of the awarding body.
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Regulatory authorities
United Kingdom
Provider Reference
Number (UKPRN)
Non-departmental public bodies that regulate awarding
bodies and exams to ensure they are fit for purpose e.g.
Ofqual.
A method of assessment that considers whether a learner
can meet the assessment requirements for a unit through
knowledge, understanding or skills they already possess and
do not need to develop through a course of learning.
A description of the credit accumulation requirements for the
achievement of a named qualification.
A process to ensure that the assessment criteria for a
qualification, unit or part of a unit are applied consistently by
assessors and IQAs. Standardisation is carried out within
centres as well as across centres.
A coherent and explicit set of learning outcomes and
assessment, with a title, credit value and level.
Gateway Qualifications assigned unique code for a unit.
Must be relevant, clear and unambiguous, and reflect the
content of the unit.
A reference allocated to a learning provider by the UK
Register of Learning Providers, following checking against
an external source. See www.ukrlp.co.uk for more detail
Glossary of Key Terms
Page 38 of 41
Recognition of Prior
Learning (RPL)
Rules of combination
Standardisation
Unit
Unit Code
Unit Title
Organisations Involved
Terms
Education Funding
Agency (EFA)
Description
The Education Funding Agency is the Education
Department’s delivery agency for funding and compliance.
Office of the
Qualifications and
Examinations
Regulator (Ofqual)
UK Register of
Learning Providers
(UKRLP)
Responsible for maintaining standards, improving confidence
and distributing information about qualifications and
examinations. Regulates general and vocational
qualifications in England and vocational qualifications in
Northern Ireland.
Ofqual website
Established in 2009, as a successor to the Learning and
Skills Council. It is an agency of the Department for Business,
Innovation and Skills whose job is to fund and regulate adult
further education and skills training in England. Skills Funding
Agency website
Employer-led, independent organisations that cover a specific
sector across the UK. Its four key goals are to: reduce skills
gaps and shortages; improve productivity, business and
public service performance; increase opportunities to boost
the skills and productivity of everyone in the sector's
workforce; and improve learning supply, including
apprenticeships, Higher Education and National Occupational
Standards (NOS).
The 'one-stop' portal used by government departments,
agencies, learners and employers to share key information
about learning providers. www.ukrlp.co.uk/
Glossary of Key Terms
Page 39 of 41
Skills Funding
Agency (SFA)
Sector Skills
Councils (SSCs)
Disclaimer
Although care has been taken in preparing the information published in this
document, Gateway Qualifications cannot be held responsible for any errors or
omissions and accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage howsoever
arising. Gateway Qualifications reserves the right to make changes to processes and
procedures as necessary and to alter any content at any time with due notice. The
most up to date version of this document will be made available on our website
www.gatewayqualifications.org.uk.
Notes
This document does not apply to Access to HE provision.
Page 40 of 41
Gateway Qualifications
Gateway House,
3 Tollgate Business Park,
COLCHESTER,
CO3 8AB
01206 911211
enquiries@gatewayqualifications.org.uk
www.gatewayqualifications.org.uk