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Regulatory framework

The framework

The regulatory framework for the Diploma covers the regulation of overarching arrangements for the Diploma, how the different constituent qualifications combine for the award of the Diploma, and the regulation of principal learning and project qualifications.

The regulatory framework consists of the following elements:

  • the regulatory aims for the Diploma
  • the criteria for the supplementary recognition of component awarding bodies and Diploma awarding bodies – supplementary to the criteria for awarding bodies' procedures in The statutory regulation of external qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (2004), which also apply to all component and Diploma awarding bodies
  • the criteria for the accreditation of Diploma qualifications at levels 1, 2 and 3, which cover the relevant aspects of the 'Common criteria for all qualifications' in The statutory regulation of external qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (2004)  
  • the criteria for the accreditation of Lines of Learning qualifications
  • the operating rules for component awarding bodies and Diploma awarding bodies
  • the arrangements for the accreditation of the Diploma qualifications.

To view the different elements of the regulatory framework, visit the 'Regulatory guidance' page via the relating links on this page.

Regulatory aims

As a new, composite qualification the Diploma will include qualifications covering newly defined, sector-generated material together with existing qualifications and units.

The overall purpose for regulating the Diploma is to develop, secure and maintain public confidence in the new qualification. It is only through public confidence that learners and their sponsors can be confident that the qualification will be accepted and be of real use in progression.

To secure public confidence the regulation of the Diploma must meet the following aims.

  • Standards – the standard of the Diploma must be clearly and transparently established, and the standard of contributing qualifications must be maintained.
  • Comparability – there must be appropriate comparability between different awarding bodies' qualifications.
  • Choice – there must be flexibility and choice for centres/partnerships to meet learners' needs.
  • Meeting the needs of learners – Diploma awarding bodies and component awarding bodies must be able to meet market needs and to enter and leave the market without disrupting provision for learners.
  • Value for money – the investment in the Diploma should provide value for money for government, awarding bodies, centres/partnerships and learners.

These draft regulatory aims form part of the Interim regulatory criteria for the supplementary recognition of component awarding bodies and Diploma awarding bodies, and can be downloaded from this page.

Arrangements for accrediting Diploma qualifications

The principal learning, project and Diploma qualifications for the first five Lines of Learning have been accredited and can be viewed via the Diploma catalogues on the National Database of Accredited Qualifications (opens in new window) (NDAQ). The options available for additional and specialist learning can also be viewed on NDAQ.

More Diplomas, including a further five Lines of Learning (Phase 2 Diplomas) have now also been accredited and will appear on NDAQ on 27 August 2008.

The following timelines for accreditation will apply for the third five Lines of Learning:

  • Awarding bodies can participate in early dialogue from October 2008.
  • Component awarding bodies must provide all submissions for the accreditation of principal learning and project qualifications by the end of March 2009. (This is to allow comparability exercises to be conducted by QCA across component awarding body submissions for principal learning and project qualifications.)
  • Accreditation of all qualifications (including any new specialist learning) is to be completed by the end of June 2009.