Keeping a finger on the pulse of stakeholder confidence in non-degree qualifications in Wales

Over a number of years, we have helped Qualifications Wales better understand the confidence stakeholders and the general public have in non-degree qualifications and the system in Wales.

The regulator’s principal aims and mission are to ensure that qualifications, and the qualifications system, are effective for meeting the reasonable needs of learners in Wales; and promote public confidence in qualifications and the Welsh qualifications system.

To support Qualifications Wales with these aims, Beaufort has provided different services spanning a range of topics. A key study consisted of four waves of qualitative research among a broad mix of stakeholders. It looked at how confident they are in non-degree qualifications and the system in Wales and, crucially, the factors that drive these levels of confidence.

Some waves of research have involved conversations with over 60 stakeholder organisations spanning secondary schools, FE and HE providers, training / work based learning providers, awarding bodies, unions, public bodies, Regional Education Consortia, the Welsh Government, and representative organisations. We delivered a comprehensive report for each wave.

This study required extensive in-house capabilities to recruit stakeholders, all the while ensuring that we represent our client professionally among its senior stakeholders.

The work with stakeholders also involved separate exploration of views on AI and digital assessment; and equality, equity and inclusion in non-degree qualifications and the qualifications system in Wales. Added to this component was a sample of parents which provided a broader perspective on the subject.

For the last seven years, we have also been helping Qualifications Wales monitor public opinions of and confidence in non-degree qualifications in Wales. Our Wales Omnibus survey has provided a timely snapshot of perceptions among a representative sample of 1,000 Welsh adults. The latest findings show that public confidence in non-degree qualifications system in Wales remains high.

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