Ofqual seeks views on regulatory changes

Ofqual has put forward a consultation to seek views on the ways it both supports compliance and takes regulatory action, which aim to support awarding organisations and ensure that enforcement action, when needed, is fair. This will ensure that the standards of qualifications that students and the public rely on is maintained.

The updated approach introduces proposals to better explain the way a regulator uses its powers, as well as more efficient ways of dealing with regulatory breaches and a new sanction

The new proposals include: a streamlined process of settling simple cases quickly, where organisations agree they have breached Ofqual’s conditions, and a new sanction of a public rebuke from the regulator in cases where it is right that a failure to follow regulatory rules be addressed formally and publicly, should a fine be inappropriate.

The consultation was launched today, 20th February 2025, and will end on 15th May 2025.

Deputy chief regulator Michael Hanton said: “The 11 million certificates awarded for regulated qualifications in England each year are intrinsic to our education system, the economy, and wider society. Ofqual’s job is to be the guardian of standards and quality in those qualifications.

“Like all regulators, we want those we regulate to comply with our rules, so that standards are maintained. These proposals are intended to bring clarity about how we will both support compliance and also take action when necessary.”

The updated policy, ‘Supporting Compliance and Taking Regulatory Action’, will include a new section explaining the ways Ofqual can support awarding organisations to meet its requirements and avoid the need for formal enforcement action.