FOI release

SIA licence-linked training: its regulation and the SIA's role

Published 13 May 2024

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Request

I would like to request information on the following questions:

  1. What are the SIA’s roles and responsibilities in relation to licence-linked training?
  2. Who regulates licence-linked qualifications or training delivery?

Response

Question 1

The SIA is required to set or approve standards of training. We do this by creating and publishing specifications for learning and qualifications.

These specifications are used by awarding organisations such as BIIAB Qualifications Limited, Highfield Qualifications, NOCN, SFJ Awards, as well as other government-regulated organisations offering assessment and quality assurance for nationally-recognised qualifications. Training is delivered by providers who are in turn approved and audited by one or more awarding organisations.

For all specifications related to SIA licence-linked training, please visit this part of our website: Read the specifications for SIA licence-linked training. Here you can find the most up to date training specifications. I can confirm that the latest update was made on April 2021.

Question 2

Ofqual regulates licence-linked qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulating body in Scotland is the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

You can learn more about Ofqual here: Ofqual - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Unfunded training for adults does not generally fall under the government’s education inspection framework. Some funded provision may be checked by Ofsted.

You can learn more about Ofsted here: Ofsted - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

[Ref: FOI 4101]

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