SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE 2 DECEMBER 2014 Minutes of the one hundred and thirty-eighth meeting of the Accreditation Committee held on Tuesday 2 December 2014. Members *Ms C Wilkinson (Convenor) *Mr M Hunter Mr S Brodie *Ms V Mann *Ms K Adams *Dr J Brown Mr D Abernethy *Mr R Stewart Mr P Campbell Dr K Thomson Dr J Rees Observers Mr G Houston *Mr R O Hare *Ms K Breslin Officers *Mr G Brown *Ms L Leitch *Mr A Crone *Ms L McCansh *Mr S Markwick * indicates present 138 ORDER OF BUSINESS The Convenor informed Members of the format of the meeting. The Convenor asked Members to declare whether they had any conflicts of interest in the papers. No conflicts of interest were recorded. 138 WELCOME Welcome was extended to Members. The Convenor welcomed Mr Raymond O Hare, SQA Board and Ms Karen Breslin, Accreditation Administrator, SQA Accreditation. 138 APOLOGIES Apologies were received from Mr G Houston, Dr J Rees, Mr S Brodie, Mr P Campbell, Mr D Abernethy and Mr K Thomson. The Convenor advised those present that the Committee was not quorate and agreed that the meeting would continue but that it would be necessary to seek a view from those not present in order to homologate those decisions requiring approval. 138/1 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING The minutes of the one hundred and thirty-seventh meeting of the Accreditation Committee were approved as a correct record. SQA Accreditation 1 of 10 Accreditation Committee
138/2 MATTERS ARISING Members discussed using telephone conference or video conference for those Members that are unable to attend meetings (this is permitted via the Standing Orders). It was felt by those present that Members submit apologies because of other commitments. It was also noted that December can be a busy month and therefore it was suggested moving the December meeting to early/mid-january. This was agreed by those in attendance but views from those not present would be required. 138/3 SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY ANNUAL AUDIT MEETING REPORTS (STA, WCSM, EQL, SafeCert Awards and ASQ) Mr Brown introduced paper AC138/3 and provided an update on the annual audit visit reports for the above awarding bodies. Members were informed that Safety Training Awards (STA) had closed out one of the issues within their action plan. Equestrian Qualifications GB Limited (EQL) had closed out one of the outstanding issues. Members were informed that the other issue that was outstanding had been given an extension till 31 December 2014. It was highlighted to Members that appendix 1 did not fully capture those awarding bodies that were given extensions to close out their issues. Action: Members in attendance approved the audit reports but views from those not present would be required in order to ratify the decision. Appendix 1 to include a column for extension dates for the next Accreditation Committee. 138/4 AWARDING BODY CENTRE/PROVIDER REPORTS (Pearson, CIH, 1 ST 4Sport, CMI and VTCT) Mr Brown introduced paper AC138/4 and provided an update on the above awarding bodies centre/provider monitoring reports. Members were informed that there were no issues. It was highlighted to Members that appendix 1 did not fully capture those awarding bodies that were given extensions to close out their issues. Action: Members in attendance approved the centre/provider reports but views from those not present would be required in order to ratify the decision. Appendix 1 to include a column for extension dates for the next Accreditation Committee. 138/5 OPERATIONAL PLAN 2015-2016 Mr Brown introduced paper AC138/5 and updated Members on the Operational Plan and objectives for 2015-2016 Members were informed that there are eight Strategic Goals, SQA Accreditation are working towards Strategic Goals 4, 5, 6 and 8. SQA Accreditation 2 of 10 Accreditation Committee
Mr Brown gave Members an update with regards to each Strategic Goal. - Maintain effective regulatory requirements o The new Quality Enhancement Ratings (QER) will be introduced at Q1 and will be reviewed at the end of the year. o Self-Assessment will be reviewed next year. Awarding bodies were allowed to submit their self-assessment to fall into their own cycle. o Evaluation of the data trends analysis and how it is working. - Conduct a review of SVQs o This is subject to funding being available from Scottish Government (SG). - Operate an effective Awarding Body Approval process o Revised process to weed out those not suitable to be an approved awarding body at the earliest stage. o The use of SQA approved awarding body logo is monitored, if any providers are identified using the logo they will be approached and asked to stop using them. Finance check along with checking the organisation is based in UK and active in Scotland. - Audit and monitor Awarding Bodies and providers o This is business as usual - Approve qualifications, NOS and, where required, SCQF credit rating o Work with awarding bodies and sector skills councils with regards to assistance with submissions and National Occupational Standards (NOS) that the SSC provide - Implement the transition to using only SCQF level in SVQ titles o Still waiting for a response from some of the larger awarding bodies o Also contacting employers and candidates to make them aware o Need time for any issues with regards to awarding bodies databases - Understand and respond to customer and stakeholder feedback o Review and implement an action in Q2-Q3 - Develop appropriate IT business solutions to assist/enhance the work of the Unit o Database for approved qualification structures and accredited qualifications o Audit database to be re-introduced o What is it the customers would like (include this is the Stakeholders survey) - Increase profile of SQA Accreditation with stakeholders o Increase the number of submissions - Strengthen relationships with other regulators and stakeholders o Looking at SSSC and Care Scotland Action: Members in attendance approved the Operational Plan for the Accreditation function for the period April 2015 to March 2016 but views from those not present would be required in order to ratify the decision. SQA Accreditation 3 of 10 Accreditation Committee
138/6 QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REPORT Mr Brown introduced paper AC138/6 and provided Members with an update on the Quarterly Performance Report. Members were informed that a few areas were sitting at amber. Information for QER is being gathered and this will benefit us next year. Members discussed in some detail the Data Sharing Agreements (DSA) with relevant stakeholders. Members were informed that these remained unsigned. If any issues arise with any awarding bodies or providers it would not be possible to inform the relevant regulator of the actual issue while the DSA is unsigned. Members were updated with regard to the dashboard, there were not many accreditation decisions made at the Accreditation Coordination Group (ACG) this was due to qualifications being reviewed. Due to this there were more extensions to qualifications approved. One new awarding body was approved at ACG between July/September, English Speaking Board; this brings the total of approved awarding bodies to 42. Eight audit/provider monitoring reports were approved at ACG and one exceeded the target turnaround time of 30 days. Action: Members discussed the Quarterly Performance Report. 138/7 UNIVERSAL SERVICES 2014-2015 Mr Crone introduced paper AC138/7 and updated Members on the Universal Services. Members were informed that SQA Accreditation and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) continue to monitor and report on the delivery status of Universal Services funded projects. It was highlighted to Members that on the face of it things look good. UK wide performance and completion of Scottish projects are comparable and slightly ahead of target. At the end of October - as shown on appendix 1 - close to 23% of outputs were completed. The current expectation for the end of November is 30% (against target of just under 27%) For Scotland against a target of 17% almost 22% of projects were completed at the end of October. Update as per the end of November is that now 29% of projects (54 of 187) have been completed. Members were informed that there are significant concerns with the ongoing challenges, and increasing issues with SSCs that could adversely affect the successful completion of some of their projects to schedule this year. Members were informed that although year to date performance looks favourable this has been distorted by the early completion of a number of projects. A total of 13, equating to 24% of UK outputs, have not been delivered on time and 2, or 6%, of Scottish outputs are late. SQA Accreditation 4 of 10 Accreditation Committee
One delayed qualification was approved at ACG last week and it is expected that the other qualification this month although it may be January before it is submitted to ACG. Generally speaking however qualifications are not the main concern. Members were informed that the need to highlight the potential high demand with the volume of Modern Apprenticeship frameworks due for completion in February 2015 22, or 71% of the total for the whole year are due to be approved that month. There are two additional Modern Apprenticeship Group (MAG) meetings in February, so three in total, however it really is in the best interests of all concerned to get the frameworks in earlier. This concern has been highlighted to UKCES and to SSCs and a formal communication encouraging SSCs to make their submissions as soon as possible is to be issued from the MAG secretariat this week. On a positive note two frameworks due in February have already been sent to the MAG sub group. Unfortunately there were a number of quality issues so it is not expected for these to be included in December s MAG meeting but should hopefully be presented in January. It was highlighted to Members our major concern - and one that is growing - is the capacity and capabilities within SSCs. It appears we are now at a point in time where we are seeing a direct correlation between the reduction of SSC resources and the reduction in quality of work from SSCs. The primary issues being experienced currently are the considerable time and effort generally required with the quality assurance of National Occupational Standards (NOS) and the potential impact on associated qualifications. Currently there are some NOS projects that are unlikely to be completed to quality on time, and not by the end of the operating year. With the financial hit on SSCs it is likely that there will be some adverse reactions from SSCs. Accreditation Managers continue to work closely with their respective SSCs and have done so from the start of the operating year. We consistently offer and deliver best practice training and guidance. Unfortunately this year we have not reaped the rewards of the proactive time and effort put in. That is not to say that poor quality products are being produced. The Accreditation Managers in their quality assurance role are ensuring that only appropriate products are approved but there is an additional cost in time and effort in doing so. Quality is being instilled in an increasing number of cases by the input of SQA Accreditation. With regards to NOS, we are therefore ensuring the quality for the benefit of the 4 Nations. Members were informed that SQA Accreditation was having to regularly repeat the same message to some SSC staff regarding the principles of NOS. This is becoming tiring for some members of the team and there are concerns that in providing so much feedback and doing so much correction that there is a risk that the Accreditation Managers could be close to quality assuring their own work. SQA Accreditation 5 of 10 Accreditation Committee
The Accreditation section is the key resource in quality assuring NOS given that this is not carried out by any of the other UK Nations. As a consequence of this the Accreditation Managers increasingly appear to be the predominant source of experience and knowledge regarding NOS for the UK. In essence, the Accreditation section is providing a UK wide quality assurance service and perhaps there needs to be some consideration around what our remit and responsibilities have become and need to be. UKCES is reviewing the NOS strategy and has a number of projects underway which are considering what High Level NOS could look like. The Head of Service has fed his concerns to Scottish Government regarding the potential move to less prescriptive NOS and the consequences this could have for SVQs and MAs. Action: Members discussed the Universal Services 2014 2015 paper, expressed their concerns and the need to keep a close watch on this area. 138/8 ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE AND ACCREDITATION COORDINATION GROUP STANDING ORDERS Mr Brown introduced paper AC138/8 and informed Members that he was content with both sets of Standing Orders. Following discussion Members agreed that no amendments were required the Standing Orders. Action: Members discussed the Standing Orders. 138/9 SQA ACCREDITATION S EQUALITY OUTCOMES Mr Brown introduced paper AC138/9 and informed Members that equality outcomes had been continually monitored since their publication, this is done quarterly at the Equality Steering Group. It was highlighted to Members that four of the outcomes had been completed whilst the other four remain ongoing. Members have asked for the development and training of new staff to be updated. Members requested that this document is submitted to the Accreditation Committee on a yearly basis. Action: Members discussed the contents of the SQA Accreditation s Equality Outcomes. Mr Brown was asked to update the actions and progress with regards to new staff development and training. Equality outcomes document to be submitted yearly to the Accreditation Committee. SQA Accreditation 6 of 10 Accreditation Committee
138/10 SECTOR ANALYSIS Ms McCansh introduced paper AC138/10 and provided Members with an overview of the paper. Members had asked at the Accreditation Committee meeting in September 2014 if the quarterly statistics report could be used by different stakeholder groups. Ms McCansh informed Members that this was a time consuming piece of work and found it difficult to pull together. The paper produced presents a proposal for going forward. It was proposed to Members that any analysis focuses on one sector at a time and linkages are created with Skills Development Scotland (SDS) to ensure a thorough understanding of the sector and qualifications relating to it. Ms McCansh would like to present an exemplar trend analysis for an individual sector at the next Accreditation Committee meeting in March 2015. It could then be determined if this is a valuable activity to be undertaken. Members agreed that this would be acceptable. However, Members felt that there needed to be a further discussion once an exemplar analysis had been produced to ensure that this provided a useful resource for the Accreditation function and potentially for a wider audience. Action: Members discussed the contents of the Sector Analysis paper. Members agreed that an exemplar trend analysis for a single sector to be presented at the Accreditation Committee in March 2015 but views from those not present would be required in order to ratify the decision. 138/11 DRAFT STAKEHOLDER SURVEY 2014-2015 Ms McCansh introduced paper AC138/11 and provided Members with an overview of the Stakeholders Survey. Members are not usually presented with the survey for comment however it was felt that it would be beneficial for Members to have sight of the survey prior to publication. Members were informed that some of the questions within the survey were core questions so that a comparison over time could be carried out. These questions have been in the previous three surveys and therefore provide the opportunity to identify and track areas of improvement and change. Members were informed that the survey was targeted at approved awarding bodies, Sector Skills Councils and training providers. The survey is also published on the SQA Accreditation website. Members asked if the survey would be sent out to those organisations that have contacted us with regards to becoming an approved awarding body but not come forward. This will be taken into consideration before the survey is finalised. Action: Members discussed the contents of the Stakeholders Survey paper. SQA Accreditation 7 of 10 Accreditation Committee
138/12 ISO 9001 REPORT Mr Brown introduced paper AC138/12 and informed Members that the auditor had spent the majority of the day with the accreditation and regulation sections. There were no non-compliances recorded, however there was one Opportunity for improvement noted. This relates to self-assessment activity that was introduced this year. The auditor had recognised that there are work instructions in place but no process map, the reason for this was as it was in the pilot stage. A process map will be place for the auditor s return in March 2015. Action: Members discussed the contents of the ISO 9001 paper. 138/13 SQA ACCREDITATION RISK REGISTER Mr Brown introduced paper AC138/13 and informed Members that the Risk Register is presented to the Managers and Team meeting on a monthly basis. Members were informed that a new risk had been included (Ref 14DR (9). This is in relation to the fact that the funding bids from Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) and the wish list from each of the nations will initially be considered by the NOS Governance Group. Members were informed that additional meetings had been set up for Modern Apprenticeship frameworks that have still to be submitted to the Modern Apprenticeship Group. Members have asked that this paper is presented to the Accreditation Committee on a quarterly basis. Action: Members discussed the contents of the SQA Accreditation Risk Register paper. In the light of the increased risks members have asked for this paper to be submitted on a quarterly basis. 138/14 ACCREDITATION STATISTICAL INFORMATION Ms McCansh introduced paper AC138/14; Members were asked if they felt that they needed to see this paper every quarter. There has been no significant changes in any of the trends found within this report since the last Accreditation Committee meeting. The report is published quarterly on the SQA Accreditation website. Those Members in attendance agreed that the report should be submitted annually and by exception if there are any major changes. It was agreed that those Members not in attendance today would be asked their opinion by email. Action: Members discussed the Accreditation Statistical Information paper. Members agreed that this report would now be submitted to the Accreditation Committee annually and by exception if there are any major changes. Members not in attendance to confirm they accept the statistical report will be submitted annually. SQA Accreditation 8 of 10 Accreditation Committee
138/15 SVQ REVIEW RESEARCH PROPOSAL Ms McCansh introduced paper AC 138/15 and informed Members that this also sits within the Operational Plan. This paper will be submitted to Scottish Government with a request for funding to carry out the research in 2015 2016. Members had some discussion around the following wording Does the investment in SVQs meet the needs and expectations of Scotland, Scotland s employers and individuals. It was agreed that this would be looked at again before the paper is presented to Scottish Government. Members were informed that a full review had not carried out in the last 20 years for SVQs. Many of these SVQs fall with a Modern Apprenticeship (MA). There is healthy uptake for many of the SVQs but we have also seen some sectors moving away from SVQs. It is felt that a research of SVQs should be carried out to demonstrate that SVQs continue to deliver for Scotland and Scotland s employers and individuals. The research with focus on the SVQs to determine their suitability and relevance to the stakeholders. This review will only be carried out if Scottish Government increase the grant-in-aid for this work to be completed. Action: Members discussed the SVQ Review Research Proposal paper and endorsed the content and commended staff on the work undertaken. 138/16 CARBON FOOTPRINT Mr Brown introduced paper AC138/16 and informed Members that the data available was now until the end of September 2014. Members were informed that there was less traveling being done this year compared to last year. More discussions were taking place by telekits or phone calls. Members were informed that there might be an increase if stakeholders change and the Accreditation Managers need to have more engagement. Action: Members discussed the Carbon Footprint paper. 138/17 ACCREDITATION DECISION LIST REPORT Ms Leitch introduced paper AC138/14, bringing Members attention to those qualifications that has been accredited from 1 August 2014 until 31 October 2014. This paper provides a summary of decisions made by the Accreditation Coordination Group (ACG) between these dates. Action: Members noted the contents of the paper. 138/18 AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE BOARD It was agreed with Members that the Convenor would take the following items to the Board: Concerns with NOS linked to Universal Services Level of external engagement SQA Accreditation 9 of 10 Accreditation Committee
138/19 ANY OTHER BUSINESS Members were informed that Ms Adams would be resigning from the Accreditation Committee. The Convenor thanked Ms Adams for her expertise, knowledge and her valuable contribution that she brought to the Committee. Ms Adams informed Members that it was an enjoyable experience. 138/20 DATE OF NEXT MEETING Date of next Accreditation Committee meeting: 10 March 2015 at 1000 hours. SQA Accreditation 10 of 10 Accreditation Committee