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FireQual attains Ofqual approval for regulated qualifications
23 October 2023
AWARDING ORGANISATION FireQual has attained Ofqual approval and, as a result, will now be offering both Ofqual and Scottish Qualifications Authority regulated qualifications for individuals operating in the fire safety industry.
Lewis Ramsay, chair at FireQual, explained: “This is a great milestone for FireQual. We thank Ofqual for recognising the fact that making fire safety qualifications as accessible as possible for practitioners in the industry is an important aspect that’s going to enhance the safety of the built environment in times ahead.”
Ramsay continued: “We strongly believe that competency requirements are only going to increase. First and foremost, individuals working in this sector will be required to demonstrate their appropriate knowledge as an underpinning element of any work that’s carried out.”
Justin Maltby-Smith, managing director of BAFE and FireQual, commented: “This is a huge achievement for FireQual. We are delighted to have been awarded this recognition. FireQual already delivers nationally recognised regulated qualifications via the Scottish Qualifications Authority. However, achieving Ofqual approval further supports the sector in the drive to develop additional avenues that provide access to regulated fire safety qualifications.”
Douglas Barnett, chair of BAFE, added: “It has been a lengthy process to achieve Ofqual approval. We are extremely proud to have gained that approval. FireQual will now be developing additional qualifications to build on the individual competence requirements being brought forward in the fire sector. BAFE will continue to introduce the requirement of regulated qualifications for individuals working within an organisation looking to achieve or otherwise maintain their BAFE scheme registration.”
Needs of practitioners
It’s hugely important that a regulated qualification meets the needs of practitioners. FireQual’s approach to both new and any reviewed existing qualifications is that, wherever appropriate, the qualification specification contains a knowledge component and a practical component. This affords learners and the wider marketplace the confidence that someone possessing a FireQual qualification has demonstrated not only that they do they have the appropriate knowledge, but also the relevant skills that relate to this.
As an organisation, FireQual looks forward to working with additional training providers across the UK that have expressed their interest in delivering Ofqual regulated qualifications to add strengthened credibility and rigour to their current training offer.
This news is a significant step in the ongoing process aimed at offering more FireQual-approved Training Centres for individuals looking to demonstrate their knowledge, which is a key element of the wider demonstration of the competency levels required to work successfully in the fire safety industry.
*FireQual-approved Training Centres offer specific FireQual regulated qualifications. All FireQual-approved Training Centres are available via the FireQual website at www.firequal.com
**For those training providers interested in becoming a FireQual-approved Training Centre delivering Ofqual and/or Scottish Qualifications Authority regulated qualifications, contact the FireQual office via e-mail at info@firequal.com or telephone 01608 656130
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