Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of powers available to Ofqual to protect learners and training providers.

Ofqual is an independent, non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating qualifications, examinations and assessments in England. Its statutory remit and powers are set out principally in the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009.

Ofqual's current powers enable them to protect learners and regulate qualifications, including technical and vocational qualifications.

The department keeps the effectiveness of the wider qualifications regulatory framework under review and works closely with Ofqual to support the delivery of skills reforms.

Ofqual regularly reviews and consults on its policies and procedures, and the department maintains regular engagement with Ofqual as part of its oversight of the qualifications system.