Developmental approval route
The Developmental Approval process is the route offered for programmes that have either:
- already been validated by Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA)
- where the provider of a programme has been granted status as an Approved Centre by Qualifications Scotland devolved authority scheme
An example of a:
- suitable programme is the HNC in Working with Communities
- member of the devolved authority scheme is a College
About the developmental approval process
The process combines both a:
- written submission which complements the Qualifications Scotland report
- virtual panel discussion – there is no visit as standard
Requirements of the written submission
The Developmental process allows providers to use the evidence that they have prepared and presented to Qualifications Scotland to support their application to the CLD Standards Council. This avoids duplication of time and effort. The submission focuses specifically on the CLD aspects of the programme.
The first step in the process is to share the Qualifications Scotland evidence with the CLD Standards Council Development Officer. They will match it against the Developmental process criteria. If it matches, the provider will ask for written evidence of the CLD aspects of the programme.
The virtual panel
The written evidence will be considered by a panel of peers from the CLD field.
There may need to be a face-to-face meeting with the panel and provider, but as standard, the process will be virtual. Panel will discuss the submission by either:
- teleconference
- videoconference
Getting approval
At the end of the approval visit, the panel gives a decision on whether the training programme has been approved. This often includes:
- conditions which must be met before the programme starts
- recommendations which are points of development for the programme team
The process is based on dialogical and developmental debate and attempts to avoid the feeling of an inspection.
Timescales
The professional approval process takes as long as is necessary for the provider to:
- have discussion with the Development Officer
- put together the relevant documents
- arrange a visit and implement any conditions arising from granting approval
The role of the development officer
The Development Officer’s role is to support and guide learning providers through the process and to deliver Approval reports to the Approval Committee. They coordinate the process and liaise between the learning provider, virtual panel and the approval committee.
The Development Officer will be on hand to:
- answer any questions you have
- provide further information and guidance on the process
- advise on the documents you are required to submit
- support you in the approval process
Please contact us if you would like any further details.
Standards and guidance
There are 2 key documents on the professional approvals route:
- the standards document sets out the criteria and example proforma for the written submission
- the process document gives advice to providers on the construction of the written submission
If you need these documents in an alternative format please contact us.
