Guidance

DAO qualification withdrawal policy

Updated 17 November 2022

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dao-policies/dao-qualification-withdrawal-policy

Introduction

The Defence Awarding Organisation (DAO) regularly reviews the qualifications it holds to ensure that they meet the standards provided by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). This policy sets out the steps to follow if the DAO decides to withdraw a qualification.

It may be necessary to withdraw a qualification when DAO:

  • ceases to register Learners for a qualification
  • ceases to deliver or award that qualification to Learners
  • surrenders its recognition in respect of that qualification, or,
  • has its recognition withdrawn by Ofqual in respect of that qualification.

Notification

DAO is required to notify Ofqual of the intention to withdrawal a qualification, iaw Condition D7. The decision to withdraw a qualification is underwritten by a withdrawal plan and this withdrawal plan should include:

  • rationale for withdrawal
  • details of the learners and centres of the qualification that are affected by the withdrawal
  • how the interests of learners will be protected including the proposed timescales for withdrawal.

Timescales

The timescales for withdrawal should allow learners or centres to:

  • source alternative qualifications
  • provide a reasonable period for potential learners to register on the current qualification
  • provide sufficient time for learners who are registered for the qualification to complete the qualification.

The Centre Agreement states that:

“DAO will inform the Centre of its intentions giving a minimum of 3 months’ notice. At the end of this period, DAO will stop taking registration’s and allow sufficient time for learners to complete the qualifications. The time allowed for Learners to complete the qualifications will be no longer than 3 years”.

Process

The process of withdrawal is detailed within Annex A. If the withdrawal of the qualification is unavoidable, for example, a takeover by another Awarding Organisation who offers a similar qualification then agreement from Ofqual is required. The results of any review, whether to continue or withdrawal a qualification, should be communicated openly to all parties involved.

Review

This procedure will be reviewed annually and revised when necessary.

Annex:

A: Flowchart Outlining the DAO Qualification Withdrawal Process.

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