What is an Awarding Body?

There are a range of awarding bodies operating in the United Kingdom. Some are regulated, while others are not. Some operate under while others rely on independent quality assurance measures such as Investors in People and ISO quality marks.

However, most awarding bodies used by schools, academies, colleges and training providers are regulated by Ofqual to develop, design and certify qualifications. They are charged with implementing the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and quality assurance of qualifications. Awarding bodies are responsible for administering qualifications and assessments. They monitor internal quality assurance and ensure compliance with regulations and legislations such as Data Protection, Equality, Health and Safety.

Qualifications from Awarding bodies can range from academic certificates to vocational awards. The role of an awarding body is to ensure that these qualifications meet specific standards and are recognised as credible and valid.

Awarding bodies also play a crucial role in the education and training sector by providing a framework for learning and assessment. They design syllabuses, develop curriculum content, create assessment materials, and set grading criteria. Additionally, they also oversee the examination process, including marking scripts externally and issuing certificates.

They employ external quality assurance (moderators or verifiers as they are sometimes known) who regularly visit educational providers to ensure qualifications are being delivered to a required expected standard. As a result, awarding bodies ensure that individuals who achieve their qualifications have met specific standards of knowledge and skills. This recognition provides credibility and enhances employability prospects for individuals in various industries.