Marine centre signs memorandum with qualifications authority

The NAFC Marine Centre has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Scottish Qualifications Authority, Scotland’s main qualifications body.

“Devolved authority” status has been granted to the centre, which allows it to approve and validate new further education qualifications and awards.

This is done via internal quality assurance processes and procedures. Under the previous system the SQA would externally assess the centre’s ability to deliver awards to national standards before approval was granted.

The MoU follows many years of successful audit visits resulting in exemplary reports by SQA staff on the quality assurance procedures and policies at the centre.

SQA director of operations Jean Blair said: “It reflects the trust and strong partnership between NAFC Marine Centre UHI and SQA in upholding national standards and delivering high quality qualifications to learners across Scotland.

“We look forward to continuing to work with NAFC Marine Centre UHI in ensuring the highest standards for our learners.”

NAFC academic quality manager, Duncan Kidson, said: “This is a significant vote of confidence from the SQA in the strength of our academic quality processes and procedures in relation to the standards of assessment and verification across the centre.

“We will continue to work hard on delivering education and training at the highest level.”