Introduction

We are committed to acting in line with Ofqual’s Principles for awarding organisations. These Principles set clear expectations for how awarding organisations should behave and make decisions, supporting fairness for Learners, fitness for purpose of qualifications, and confidence in the qualification system.

This page explains the ethos we work to and what it means in practice for our qualifications, assessments, support services, and approach to compliance.

Why these Principles matter

Qualifications carry real consequences for Learners, centres, employers, and progression routes. We therefore place a strong emphasis on integrity, evidence-led decision-making, and consistent quality.

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• For Learners: decisions are made fairly, impartially, and based on appropriate evidence.

• For centres: expectations are clear, support is consistent, and processes are transparent.

• For the public: we act to maintain confidence in the qualifications we make available.

The six Principles we follow

Principle 1 – Honesty and integrity

We act with honesty and integrity in our decisions, communications, and conduct. This includes being candid about risks, learning from issues, and doing the right thing even when it is difficult.

Principle 2 – Fairness for Learners through impartiality and evidence

We treat Learners fairly by acting and taking decisions with due impartiality and based on appropriate evidence. This affects how we design assessments, set and apply rules, investigate issues, and handle complaints and appeals.

Principle 3 – Qualifications remain fit for purpose

We ensure that each qualification we make available (or propose to make available) is, and continues to be, fit for the purposes for which it is intended. This means we keep qualifications under review and improve them when evidence indicates change is needed.

Principle 4 – Maintaining and promoting public confidence

We act in ways that maintain and, where possible, promote public confidence in qualifications. This includes robust assessment controls, quality assurance, and clear communication about what our qualifications measure and how results are generated.

Principle 5 – Openness, transparency, and co-operation

We act in an open, transparent, and co-operative manner with Ofqual and, as appropriate, with Users of qualifications. We aim to share information clearly, respond constructively, and address concerns promptly.

Principle 6 – A proactive approach to compliance

We take a proactive approach to compliance with the Conditions of Recognition. This includes building effective systems, checking that our processes work in practice, and addressing issues early—rather than waiting for them to escalate.

What this means in practice

Across our work, we commit to the following:

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• Evidence-led decisions: we document the evidence used for decisions that affect Learners and outcomes.

• Impartiality by design: we reduce bias risks through checks, moderation, and clear escalation routes.

• Qualification lifecycle reviews: we keep qualifications under review to confirm they remain fit for purpose.

• Clear information for Users: we publish accurate guidance on assessment, standards, and requirements.

• Secure and trustworthy assessment: we protect assessment materials and investigate concerns promptly.

• Openness when issues occur: we acknowledge problems, explain what we are doing to fix them, and learn lessons.

• Continuous improvement: we use feedback from centres, quality assurance activity, and performance data to improve.

• Compliance culture: compliance is part of day-to-day operations, not a once-a-year exercise.

How we hold ourselves accountable

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• Governance and oversight: defined roles, escalation pathways, and documented decision-making.

• Quality assurance: planned monitoring, standardisation, and review activity.

• Risk management: identification and mitigation of risks to validity, fairness, and public confidence.

• Incident response: prompt investigation, proportionate action, and documented learning.

Questions, concerns, or feedback

If you have questions about our qualifications or how we apply these Principles, please contact us via our helpdesk email.

If you need to raise a concern relating to assessment integrity, suspected malpractice, or the handling of results, please use