§ Jim KnightTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to announce the quinquennial review of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. [24366]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisIn accordance with the Government's policy of conducting quinquennial reviews of all non-departmental public bodies, my Department is today beginning a review of the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). Following Cabinet Office guidelines, the terms of reference for the first stage of the review will be
to review the role and functions of QCA as outlined in its remit letter, the efficiency and effectiveness with which they have been carried out and how these functions contribute to the delivery of wider DIES and Government objectives;to consider the likely need for these functions in the future and whether there is a need for any reduction or expansion in the functions undertaken by QCA;to consider what QCA's customers and other interested parties think about its role, performance and responsiveness to their needs;to consider whether continued NDPB status is the best way of delivering these functions or whether some, or all, of the functions could be delivered more efficiently and effectively within an alternative organisational framework, including by another private, public or voluntary body or otherwise within Government; andto consider the powers, remit, objectives and status of QCA and the membership and role of the Board.We should welcome comments on those matters to be covered by the review from all those with an interest in the work of QCA. Comments, which may be made public unless respondents specifically request otherwise, should be sent by 28 February 2002 to:
- Ellie Reynolds
- Department for Education and Skills
- E3c
- Moorfoot
- Sheffield S1 4PQ
- or. by e-mail to: ellie.reynolds@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
We have asked that this first stage of the review should be completed by spring 2002.