Ofqual sets out strengthened measures to find and tackle
qualification fraud, aiming to stop people gaining certificates
without doing the work to demonstrate their skills and knowledge.
Applies to England
Documents
Ofqual's action plan for the
prevention of qualification fraud
Ref: Ofqual/24/7183
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Details
Qualifications do not just have a purchase price, they have an
associated value – they are a passport to employment, relocation
or further education. Everyone should be able to trust that a
certificate proves that the holder has undertaken specific
training and demonstrated the appropriate level of competence.
Employers want to trust that people are properly and legitimately
qualified to do their job.
Sometimes people try to get a certificate without doing the work
to demonstrate they have necessary skills and knowledge.
Organisations sometimes profit by helping people to cheat.
Falsifying qualification certificates can also be a gateway to
facilitate wider criminal activity.
We are setting out a package of measures that we consider
necessary to strengthen steps to find, tackle and prevent
qualification fraud.
Ofqual will:
1) work with other industry licensing organisations, sector
regulators and government agencies to jointly tackle
qualification fraud and, where necessary, work with appropriate
enforcement agencies to deal with associated criminal
activity
2) issue a Fraud Prevention Advice Note to AOs so that they can
better address the risk of fraud in accordance with their
conditions of recognition
3) explore methods for intelligence sharing and collaborative use
of data between awarding organisations
4) help people spot qualification fraud and deter fraud from
happening by making clear the consequences
5) make it easier to report suspicious activity and concerns
A list of organisations that have confirmed their support of
Ofqual's Fraud Action Plan is available as an annex in the
attached action plan document.
