Devolved Authority and auditing
Quality auditing is the method SQA use to determine whether a centre is ready to assume devolved responsibility for processes within the quality assurance system.
The outcome of a successful audit being that centres can then assume responsibility for one or more of the devolvable processes. Initially a Quality Enhancement Manager (QEM) would review a centre's systems and processes to determine whether these are sufficiently robust to support the devolution of responsibility for aspects of quality assurance. A QEM would then regularly review the output of the centre's devolved status agreement through its audit and/or monitoring visit processes.
Our quality assurance framework covers all aspects of our qualifications, from initial design and development through to assessment and certification of candidates. Its principal aim is to ensure that standards are set and consistently maintained.
Although SQA has given authority through quality contracts to centres for Group Award validation, SQA will advise on whether the proposed development is unique or whether there is potential duplication or overlap with other proposed or current developments.
Centres with devolved authority to validate a new or revised AWD/NC/NPA/HNC/D/PDA should notify SQA of their intention to develop a new Group Award or revise an existing Group Award using the Development Opportunity Form (DO/1). SQA will create a Business Case and progress it to Gateway 2 for noting.
Prior to starting any development/revision it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the Guide to Development and Validation for Centres with Devolved Authority (261 KB) and other content in the Qualification Development Toolkit for centres