Decision details

The National Assembly for Wales’s Children, Young People and Education Committee undertook pre-legislative scrutiny on the Welsh Government Bill to establish Qualification Wales. The aim of the pre-legislative scrutiny was to consider:

- the proposed vision and remit for Qualifications Wales as an effective organisational model;

- what good practice can be adopted from other countries on separating the roles of exam regulator and awarding organisation within one body;

- whether the proposed relationships between Qualifications Wales, awarding organisations including the WJEC in the short term and the Welsh Government, will work effectively;

- what the impact will be of Qualifications Wales on the accreditation of vocational qualifications (including apprenticeships).

Qualifications Wales

The Welsh Government undertook a consultation seeking views on its proposals to establish Qualifications Wales as a new body, to be responsible for qualifications in Wales.

The Welsh Government’s proposals aimed to strengthen and simplify the qualifications system in Wales in order to facilitate the development of qualifications that are more relevant and responsive to Wales’ needs.

The Committee undertook a short, focussed pre-legislative inquiry in advance of the formal introduction of the Bill. More detailed scrutiny, including the calling for written evidence, was conducted by the Committee following introduction of the Qualifications Wales Bill.

Subject to a few minor amendments the Committee agreed the approach to Stage 1.  A consultation would be launched next week.