Ofqual disbands standards committee

Exams watchdog to take a 'more flexible approach' on policy advice

Exams watchdog to take a 'more flexible approach' on policy advice

ofqual

Ofqual is disbanding its committee of experts who advise on exam standards and will instead take a “more flexible approach” on policy advice.

The standards advisory group (SAG), a committee of the Ofqual board, was set up more than a decade ago to help the exams watchdog maintain the standards of qualifications.

Members included independent assessment specialists from leading exam boards and universities, including Dr Mike Cresswell, ex-chief executive of the exam board AQA, and Professor Jo-Anne Baird, director of the University of Oxford’s Department of Education.

But Ofqual confirmed this week the committee will be replaced to reflect the watchdog’s “broader remit”, such as expansions in vocational and technical qualifications as well as apprenticeships.

It will take a “more flexible approach, drawing on a range of experts for specific programmes of work.

This will continue to provide Ofqual with objective external advice as needed.

”This could include working with experts who already advise the regulator or introducing new ones to ensure “that we can use the right people for the right work” in assessment.

Professor Barnaby Lenon, a former member of the committee, said the move was a “good decision” as long as the experts “are still used to help Ofqual think outside their bubble”.

“Assessment methodology is an arcane but important science. The few experts that exist, often lurking in dusty cupboards on the periphery of exam boards, are really important.

“The best have memories that go back decades and can recall what has worked and what has (often) been a disaster.

They often have international experience and can draw on that to provide some perspective on England’s systems.”

Another committee member, Dr Tina Isaacs, honorary senior lecturer in educational assessment at the UCL Institute of Education, was also supportive.

“My impression is that it wants to be more nimble and get expert opinions – many of which I believe will come from former SAG members – in a more proactive way.”

Other recent members include Daisy Christodoulou, director at No More Marking, William Pointer, AQA’s head of standards and awarding, and Isabel Sutcliffe, former international standards and quality director at Pearson.

Ofqual has faced much upheaval following criticism over decisions and communication during the Covid exam fiascos.

Dr Jo Saxton is the third chief regulator since Sally Collier resigned in August 2020.


The regulator also confirmed this week that Michael Hanton, its strategy executive
director who joined in 2013, has been promoted to deputy chief regulator.

He replaced Julie Swan who left for the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Hanton said he “firmly” believes “in the value of good regulation in securing quality and fairness for all those who take and use qualifications”.

Latest education roles from

Chief Education Officer (Deputy CEO)

Chief Education Officer (Deputy CEO)

Romero Catholic Academy Trust

Director of Academy Finance and Operations

Director of Academy Finance and Operations

Ormiston Academies Trust

Principal & Chief Executive

Principal & Chief Executive

Truro & Penwith College

Group Director of Marketing, Communications & External Engagement

Group Director of Marketing, Communications & External Engagement

London & South East Education Group

Sponsored posts

Sponsored post

Project power: ASDAN expands its qualifications portfolio

From 2026, ASDAN’s planned Foundation and Higher Project Qualifications will sit alongside its Extended Project Qualification[CM1] , creating a complete...

Advertorial
ATAs

Spotlight on excellence: Nominations now open for the Apprenticeship & Training Awards 2026

Nominations are open for the 2026 Apprenticeship & Training Awards, celebrating outstanding employers and providers with national recognition, a...

FE Week Reporter
Sponsored post

Funding Adult Green Skills

New sources of funding are available to finance the delivery of green skills to all learners. Government policy is...

Tyler Palmer
Sponsored post

Plan for change funding to drive green construction skills

The government has launched a new plan for change to address the skills deficit in the construction industry, providing...

Advertorial

More from this theme

Ofqual

New ‘honesty’ rules for awarding organisations kick in from December

Awarding organisations required to act with honesty and integrity or face fines

Anviksha Patel
Ofqual

Awarding body fined £15k for ‘serious’ conflict of interest failures

The company shared an office and staff with one of its test centres

Josh Mellor
Ofqual

Ofqual probe finds exam extra time figures wrong for years

'We are correcting the record as soon as possible', regulator says

Lydia Chantler-Hicks
Ofqual

Ofqual raps apprenticeship assessor over rogue pass results 

The awarding body breached the regulator's rules, but won't face sanctions

Josh Mellor

Your thoughts

Leave a Reply