In 2020 IfATE ran a consultation on a proposal to simplify and strengthen the EQA (External Quality Assurance) system.
It proposed moving from a system where many organisations deliver EQA, to one where two organisations deliver EQA. These would be Ofqual or, for integrated higher and degree apprenticeships, the Office for Students (OfS).
Following feedback and engagement from this consultation the decision was made to proceed with the proposal, with some important changes to refine and strengthen it.
You can access this consultation document here.
Phase one of the apprenticeship quality assurance transition to this new system is now complete.
“By the end of May, a total of 272 apprenticeships previously overseen by the old IfATE EQA service will have transitioned to Ofqual, covering more than 95% of apprentices.”
Phase two of the transition process covers EPAOs whose EQA provider service was previously delivered by a professional body. Their first applications should be submitted by 16 May 2022, and it is planned that the transfer process will be concluded by 31 December 2022, in accordance with the programme published in October 2022.
Click here to find out more.