The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is Scotland’s national qualifications framework. The SCQF is in the custody of, and managed by the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership (SCQF Partnership). Since its creation in November 2006 the SCQF Partnership, which is a company limited by guarantee and a Scottish registered charity, has aimed to:
- ensure that, where appropriate, all assessed learning and qualifications in Scotland are included within the Framework and extend the recognition of informal and non-formal learning;
- fully develop and promote the Framework as a Lifelong Learning tool;
- develop relationships with other frameworks internationally.
Its members are:
- the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education;
- College Development Network;
- the Scottish Qualifications Authority; and
- Universities Scotland.
The SCQF Partnership maintains the quality and integrity of the Framework, supports credit rating bodies to carry out the credit rating process to have qualifications placed on the Framework, manages the national database of credit rated qualifications and looks after all aspects of engagement and communication of the Framework with learners across all sectors.
The Executive Team consists of 10 people working on different aspects of the Framework. This involves working with the European Commission for post-EQF referencing work, collaborating on the various EC initiatives such as ECVET, EQAVET, ESCO, etc. and working on Recognition of Prior Learning projects. We have considerable experience across the team in dealing with matters relating to non-formal and informal learning, EQF referencing, quality systems in relation to national qualifications frameworks and working on a range of European projects. As such, we have considerable experience of engaging with learners across all sectors to promote the benefits of using a national qualifications framework.
SCQFP is the Chair of the UK European Coordination Group for VET Initiatives. This is the UK group that has oversight of all EC initiatives to do with VET such as validation of non-formal and informal learning as well as ECVET, EQAVET and ESCO. Along with the other UK National Coordination Points SCQFP has been active in delivering EU grant funded projects to raise the profile of the EQF and the referencing process. We have run successful conferences over the past few years around themes of Recognition of Prior Learning and validation of learning among other themes.
The organisation also organises and hosts study visits for European and international colleagues involved in developing national qualifications frameworks, writing of learning outcomes, validation of learning, credit rating and Recognition of Prior Learning among other subjects.
The SCQF Quality Committee also exists to support the quality of the SCQF and to provide clear, accurate technical information to learners, the public and others with an interest in learning, including learning providers and employers. The Quality Committee advises the SCQF Partnership Board on matters relating to the quality and integrity of the Framework.
The SCQF Forum helps the SCQF Partnership to promote and extend the use of the SCQF. The Forum comprises senior representatives from the fields of education, business and communities in Scotland.
Contact details:
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework Partnership
Address: 201 West George Street, G2 2LW, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Phone number: (+44) 845 270 7371
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web site: www.scqf.org.uk