054/20 Clarification on the requirement that only participants achieving RQF-accredited qualifications be counted when reporting on the qualification-related ESF result indicators.
Updated 29 February 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esf-action-notes-2014-to-2020-programme/05420-clarification-on-the-requirement-that-only-participants-achieving-rqf-accredited-qualifications-be-counted-when-reporting-on-the-qualification
| Date Issued | 9 September 2020 |
| Review Date | 9 September 2023 |
Who should read
Beneficiary organisations, ESF Division, Greater London Authority, Intermediate Bodies
Purpose
To address a potential gap in ESF Management Information guidance relating to the need for only participants achieving RQF-accredited qualifications to be included in the appropriate qualification-related result indicators.
Background
The ESF Output and Result Indicator Definitions Guidance (ESF CRO3 - `Participants gaining a qualification upon leaving’) explains that, for the England ESF Operational Programme, qualifications achieved by participants should be recognised under the Regulated Qualification Framework (RQF).
In response to a number of queries received about RQF accredited training, the ESF Managing Authority has decided that the ESF Output and Result Indicator Definitions Guidance along with other guidance products should be reviewed and clarified to reflect this requirement especially in relation to other qualification-related ESF result indicators as well as business processes such as calls for applications and appraisals.
In the meantime, this Action Note provides immediate clarification on the requirement regarding RQF accreditation of qualifications.
Action
ESF operations must ensure that only participants achieving RQF-accredited qualifications are included in the following ESF result MI indicators:
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ESF CRO3
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ESF CRO5
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YEI CRO3
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YEI CRO6
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YEI CRO9
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R3
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R6
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R7
Where projects have been delivering non RQF accredited qualifications or are delivering training that leads to non RQF accredited outcomes or have recently signed Funding Agreements to deliver non RQF qualifications and are therefore not able to claim the results indicators above, the ESF Managing Authority will take a pragmatic view of the projects performance.
The ESF Managing Authority consider underperformance on a project by project basis. Consideration will be given to whether or not the project had agreement from the MA, from the outset, to deliver non-accredited qualifications, non-accredited skills or other training, or vocational training that does not lead to a RQF accredited qualification.
However, underperformance will be applied if the project is failing in other areas.
The ESF Managing Authority is reviewing and, where appropriate, clarifying MI guidance, call specification templates and appraisal guidance documents in order to be consistent and clear.
Contact
If you have any queries, please email esf.2014-2020@dwp.gov.uk