Sector Qualifications Strategy

A critical part of the sector's qualification's reform programme is the Sector Qualifications Strategy (SQS).

It aims to put in place those qualifications that employers want. This will ensure that the skill needs of the sector are met and that clear and transparent pathways are in place.

It is initially a three stage process:

• Developing a strategy: articulating a vision for what is required
• Developing action plans: agreeing how that vision will be met
• Developing qualifications: awarding body action to develop the right qualifications

The Strategy is part of a wider qualifications reform programme and will be continuously updated.

SQS Action Plans

Below are the four Sector Qualifications Strategy Action Plans that have been submitted by People1st. We are in the process of putting in place the first stages of the developments required within the Action Plans which provide the strategy through to 2010.

• England
• Northern Ireland
• Scotland
• Wales

The grids of proposed qualifications that we support for the sector are below and are still available for comment. If you are using existing qualifications that have been removed from the grids as lacking evidence of employer support you may wish to alert us.

SQS Grids Consultation

People 1st has been continuing the development of the Sector Qualifications Strategy and has been in consultation with many employers throughout the UK to determine the qualifications they use in recruitment and staff development.

This ongoing consultation is now at a stage where we are able to publish the draft findings online.

We have placed all the qualifications grids on the link below to allow Awarding Bodies and Learning Providers to comment on the proposed qualifications.

View the consultation areas

We have not included the feedback we have received so far from any Awarding Bodies or Learning Providers, only that of employers.

If you are an employer and would like to participate in a consultation with People 1st, please contact gyles.haverty@People1st.co.uk with the subject title "Employer Request"