In this session Sarah will discuss where awarding organisations can make improvements in operational practice in a very practical sense: taking Ofqual's maxim "Show us evidence, not promises".
Starting at policy-level, we will look at what, where and how valid evidence should be created, retrieved and used to satisfy regulatory scrutiny; the importance of useable accessible processes for daily operations, plus the wraparound details which can provide confidence in an organisation's likelihood of compliance (be that generally, thematically or through specific investigation).
As it is spring, this is an opportunity for some spring cleaning for established AOs; and for those recently recognised, a chance to check their emerging approach to some best practice. Sarah's reflections are based on her experiences providing guidance and support on regulatory compliance to nearly 30 organisations in the last four years.

Janet and Sue will give an update on the implementation of the review of post 16 qualifications at level 3 and below in England. This will include an overview of the progress of the review, both at level 3 and level 2 and below, and focus on the new funding approval criteria for level 3 alternative academic qualifications and technical qualifications which are part of the first cycle of new funding approval and will be available for 2025 to 2026.

Hear about Ofqual's regulatory approach and priorities including what these mean for end-point assessments and successful delivery of vocational and technical qualifications and results.

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) is an employer led organisation, it approves occupational standards developed by employers and technical qualifications which are centred around these standards. IfATE plays a central role in skills reform and will provide an update on the rollout of T Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications and the preparations for approving post 16 qualifications at Level 3 and below.

Vida and Fiona will draw on their experience and expertise of running an AO to share some of the challenges they face including dealing with multiple stakeholders, often with conflicting priorities and needs, in an ever-changing external policy environment; how they decide who needs to be kept happy (or not) and how they try to achieve that (or not).

In this session we will investigate the digital future of personalised exams and certificates. We will delve into the latest trends in digital printing on-demand, analyse how our new remote working environments are affecting certificate production, and discuss the impact of new technology and how they may shape the future of paper-based examinations