Thursday 12 August 2021

The Vocational Contingency Regulatory Framework (VCRF)

Following Ofqual’s consultation on arrangements for the assessment and awarding of vocational technical and other general qualifications 2021 to 2022, they have released their decisions and updated the VTQ Contingency Regulatory Framework (VCRF) documentation.

Effective from 1 September 2021, all qualifications and assessments will only be able to continue either as normal or with permitted adaptations. The use of Teacher Assessed Grades (TAGs) or any other alternative form of awarding will no longer be permitted.

If you have any queries regarding permitted adaptations, please contact us at [email protected]

The Vocational Contingency Regulatory Framework (VCRF)

The continuing pandemic has led to some exams and assessments being cancelled in 2021. On the 25 February 2021, the government announced the policy and scope of awarding vocational and technical qualifications in 2021.

It was confirmed that:

• Alternative arrangements to written exams (similar to those being proposed for GCSEs, AS and A levels) are needed for those VTQs and other general qualifications most like GCSEs, AS and A levels. Many of these were subject to calculated results last summer, and it is likely that some form of teacher assessment will be most appropriate.
• Assessments for on-demand qualifications, such as Functional Skills (FSQs), should go ahead if in line with Public Health England (PHE) guidance or remote invigilation. Where learners are unable to access FSQ assessments, an alternative method of awarding these qualifications is needed to ensure these learners can progress
• Where qualifications are used to demonstrate occupational or professional competency or proficiency or to gain a licence to practise are necessary, then assessments for these qualifications should continue when this is possible, subject to PHE guidance.

For remote invigilation, please contact [email protected] for more information.

The Vocational Contingency Regulatory Framework (VCRF)

Ofqual has put in place the Vocational Contingency Regulatory Framework (VCRF) for Awarding Organisations (AOs) offering VTQs. These regulatory arrangements will enable AOs to be sufficiently flexible to support as many learners as possible to complete qualifications, whilst still retaining the integrity of their qualifications.

For qualifications most important for progression to further study or employment, the framework enables AOs to:

• make awards when exams do not take place and/or not all internal assessments have been completed;
• determine the most appropriate approach to awarding based on their qualification design and delivery;
• determine what the minimum assessment evidence should be, so that valid and reliable qualifications are awarded; this should include consideration of completed assessments.

Qualifications where teacher assessed grades won’t play a part in awarding

Adaptations already introduced by AOs can continue under the VCRF; further adaptations are permitted if they are necessary to address the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

Download the latest versions of Skillsfirst’s guidance documents relating to the process for applying for adaptations below:

Skillsfirst guidance to centres on adapted assessments

Adapted assessments HOC declaration of intent

Adapted assessments submission

The following update is from the Joint Awarding Body Quality Group for Health and Social Care and Childcare/Early Years

The Joint Awarding Body Quality Group for Health and Social Care and Childcare/Early Years qualifications has published the assessment mitigation guidance in relation to COVID-19 disruption. This applies to learners who are expecting to complete their qualifications by the end of the academic year 2020/21. The guidance can be found here:

Mitigations HSC and CC

Centres delivering Skillsfirst’s Health and Social Care and Childcare/Early Years qualifications are encouraged to familiarise themselves with this guidance.

Download the latest versions of Skillsfirst’s guidance documents relatign to the process for applying for adaptions below: 

EYP L2 DfE criteria Assessment JABQ agreed submitted to Ofqual

EYE L3 DfE criteria RAG rating JABQ agreed and submitted to Ofqual

Qualifications where teacher assessed grades will play a part in awarding:

• VTQs that are important for progression to further/higher study or employment, but which include some assessment of occupational skills, such as: some Tech levels, other VRQs

Approach to assessment and awarding: For those VTQs most similar to GCSEs, AS and A levels, AOs are expected to take similar approaches to those used for those qualifications, including the use of teacher judgement, appeals and measures for private candidates.

• VTQs that are important for progression to further study or employment, but which are not delivered in the same way as GQs and don’t share all the same key characteristics, such as: Functional Skills Qualifications (FSQs).

Approach to assessment and awarding: Assessments should continue where viable in line with Public Health England (PHE) guidance or remote invigilation. Learners can receive a result through a teacher assessed grade only where they cannot access an assessment.

Skillsfirst will be providing more information and guidance to centres as soon as we are able to do so, following the conclusion of the current consultation.

Skillsfirst will continue to support the adaptation of internally marked assessments, to ensure those learners due to complete a component / qualification between 1 August 2020 and 31 August 2021 can progress with their education / career.

If you have any queries in relation to the above, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or call 0121 270 5100 (option 2).