European and External Relations Committee International Engagement inquiry Written submission from Scottish Qualifications Authority 1. In your opinion, is there a clear, coherent, co-ordinated and well-resourced strategy for international relations within the Scottish Government and its agencies? The Scottish Government has set out clear and coherent strategies and objectives for international engagement through the Scottish Government International Framework and through its plans for specific countries. This allows Scottish Government agencies, such as SQA, to align their own strategies, policies and actions with these wider strategies. This strong strategic direction also ensures that organisations can respond quickly to opportunities abroad and be confident that they are working within the parameters of Scottish Government strategies and plans. Opportunities for SQA to engage in international work come from many parts of the world. SQA assesses each opportunity and, wherever possible, looks to align its work to support the Scottish Government s international strategy. For example, over the past few years, SQA has worked closely with the Scottish Government on the implementation of the China plan and is currently involved in the recently published plan for India. This has resulted in an established and successful SQA Higher National Diploma (HND) programme in China and the first SQA centres being set up in India. In addition, SQA also offers qualifications in Oman, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, the Cayman Islands, and USA, and it has centres in Turkey and Egypt approved to offer specific SQA qualifications. SQA s international work also encompasses consultancy, training services and other support activities, which promote Scotland and Scottish education on the world stage. The focus of these activities is on helping countries, ministries, and institutions with development and capacity building in areas such as Vocational Education and Training (VET) reform; qualifications framework development; credit rating; and quality assurance. Co-ordination on strategies and plans is achieved through a number of engagement mechanisms. The Director of Business Development and Head of International meet Scottish Government officials regularly to discuss international work and provide an SQA update on all international activities. SQA also works closely with Scottish Government and its agencies through the Scottish Government s China Education Group, which meets monthly. SQA also meets with other agencies such as Scotland Development International, British Council and Scotland s Colleges International, and it has close links with Learning and Teaching Scotland on projects related to the delivery of Chinese languages in Scotland s schools. Co-ordination is further enhanced through the use of Sharepoint, the Scottish Government owned database, which allows agencies to share information on international work and identify areas of synergy. The China plan was well resourced, which ensured robust implementation. This allowed SQA to support its activities and establish its market in China. 1
2. Are there any specific successes or failures that you would wish to highlight? For SQA, China continues to be a particular success story with 28 approved centres offering a range of HNDs. To date, almost 10,000 students have been certificated and a further 7,000 are currently going through HN programmes. Chinese students with HNDs have been accepted by around 200 universities in 12 overseas countries, including Scotland. In addition to the above, SQA has consolidated its successful partnership with Hanban (Chinese Language Council International). SQA and Hanban have produced a range of support materials using writers from China and now e-enabled to assist centres in Scotland delivering National Courses in Chinese languages. This complements the work that Learning and Teaching Scotland is doing to promote Chinese languages in Scotland s schools. Collaborative working between Scottish Government and SQA has been very successful. For example, participating in Ministerial visits has been useful in locating education products and services within a wider range of exports and partnerships that are promoted to other countries. Mutual benefits are also available through synergies between education and business in the international arena. Scottish education is promoted through links with wider business and there is leverage for business through the promotion of Scottish education overseas. This in turn enhances Scotland as a known brand and encourages employers and companies to consider Scotland as the right place to establish their businesses. SQA has also had considerable success in winning tenders and contracts for consultancy work and training services. Currently, SQA is working on 12 projects in 8 countries, including: Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Botswana, Croatia, Egypt, Kosovo, Mozambique and Romania. 3. Is there anything we should learn from the successes of other regions and their initiatives? Some countries are able to invest heavily in target countries. For example, the USA, Australia, and Germany are all investing substantially in India, providing broader mechanisms such as aid, technology, and equipment, to support vocational training. This leads to raised expectations from target countries on the levels of support they should receive. 4. In 2005 the Deputy First Minister said on your behalf: The aim is primarily to promote Scottish education overseas, rather than necessarily to generate income, but I have no doubt that the initiative can also be revenue generating. There is an opportunity for SQA to brand and market its qualifications, particularly with regard to the higher national diploma. That promotion has a double purpose, as it takes Scottish education and a Scottish brand into a huge market, but the Chinese side sees it as a stepping stone that will allow its students to get the kind of qualification that will give them easier access to degree courses in the United Kingdom. It is a two-way process. We 2
are taking our education system out there and we have the opportunity to bring Chinese scholars back to Scotland. What would you say now? SQA has been successful in promoting Scottish Education overseas and has established its, and Scotland s, reputation on its high quality products and services, which are valued by its customers in many countries. For example, since the inception of its awarding activities in China, student numbers have increased from 645 certificated in 2006 to nearly 17,000 having completed or in the process of completing an HND today. SQA s work in China has also benefited Scotland s learners as profitable income from the HND programme has been ploughed back into activities that support learners and learning in Scotland. Promoting Scotland and Scottish education overseas remains one of SQA s primary aims for engagement with overseas markets. However, there are two other aims that are equally important. The economic imperative for working in overseas markets has become more acute. As the national accreditation and awarding body in Scotland, SQA s purpose is to serve the learners, people and economy of Scotland through the delivery of a comprehensive portfolio of qualifications, supported by excellent customer service. In order to maintain these high quality products and services, SQA must generate revenue from overseas markets to re-invest in its core activities in Scotland. Furthermore, the global context is becoming increasingly important to individuals, communities and economies. Engaging in international markets enables SQA to raise the profile of Scottish education and promotes the International recognition of SQA qualifications. This has three clear benefits: it enhances opportunities for Scottish people to work or study abroad; it makes Scotland a more desirable destination for international students; and it facilitates employment opportunities in international and global companies/employers in Scotland. In its 20 year successful engagement in the international arena, SQA has remained committed to high quality product services, sustainable models of delivery, and collaboration and partnership, and will continue to pursue these as the way forward. A summary of SQA s international work is given in Appendix 1. 3
APPENDIX 1 SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY Summary of SQA s International Work Introduction SQA (in its current form and through its predecessor bodies) has a 20 year successful track record in the international arena. Through present and past activities, we have (or have had) a presence in most of the major regions of the world, including China, India, Africa, Russia, North America, Middle East and Europe. Our current strategy, however, is to focus future activities on awarding in three main regions China, India and the Middle East, although we will continue to support selected and appropriate activities in other regions such as Europe and Africa. The International Team in SQA has been set up to take forward activities overseas to generate surplus income. This is then used to support our core activities in Scotland. What we do SQA s international work falls into four broad strands. These are: International awarding International consultancy Training services Supporting activities International awarding Currently, SQA s awarding activity is clustered mainly in China and the Middle East. China has been a particular success story for SQA, with 28 approved centres offering a range of HNDs. Initially, these focused on business-related areas but these have expanded to include sectors such as travel and tourism, hospitality and engineering. To date, almost 10,000 students have been certificated, with a further 7,000 currently going through HN programmes. Chinese students with HNDs have been accepted by around 200 universities in 12 overseas countries, including Scotland. In the Middle East we offer qualifications in Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. The qualifications delivered in these countries include NQs, HNCs, HNDs, SVQs and customised awards. We also carry out awarding in the Cayman Islands and USA, and we have centres in India, Turkey and Egypt, which are approved to offer specific SQA qualifications. 4
International consultancy Consultancy covers a wide range of activities in which SQA is considered to have valuable expertise and experience. We mainly work with governments, ministries and institutions and carry out a wide range of activities. Examples of some of the work we have completed or are currently involved in include: Qualifications Framework Development; VET (Vocational Education and Training) reform; developing VET systems operations and administrative structures; building data management network systems and management information systems; training for technical officers and teachers; developing quality assurance models and systems; credit rating; developing blended learning systems, training materials and plans; and curriculum and programme development. We are currently involved in 12 projects in 8 countries. attached as Appendix A. A list of current projects is Training services We offer in-country and Scotland-based training programmes commissioned by clients and tailored to suit their needs. These are intended to generate surplus income, except in cases where the Scottish Government asks us to undertake work on a cost recovery basis only, or where we have agreed reciprocal arrangements with other Scottish agencies. Supporting activities In line with Scottish Government strategy to promote Scottish expertise, compare ourselves with other countries and learn from best practice, SQA engages in a range of activities that support these objectives. We therefore continue to welcome visitors from other countries who wish to learn more about the Scottish education and training system and support visits that come through Scottish and UK government departments and the British Council. For example, over the past year we have hosted 14 study visits involving 136 visitors. Why we do it SQA carries out international work for a number of reasons. These are as follows. There is a financial imperative to our international work. SQA has a comprehensive portfolio of qualifications, first-class support materials, and an excellent service culture, which serve and support learners, delivering centres, employers, business and the economy of Scotland. In order to maintain our portfolio and the high quality of products and services people expect from their national awarding and accreditation body, we need to generate surplus income to re-invest in our core activities in Scotland. It enables us to support Scottish Government engagement plans and to inform and influence Government policy. For example, we have been closely involved in the engagement plans for China and India. It helps us to promote Scotland, Scottish ideas, qualifications and related services globally through our quality products and services. 5
It helps us to maintain and further develop SQA s position as a respected international awarding and accreditation body. It enables us to benchmark our qualifications, policies and practices against other similar organisations worldwide. This, in turn, helps us to ensure that our products and services continue to be seen as leading-edge and innovative. It also ensures that we are locating our qualifications and standards in a global context, which is important in ensuring all students who achieve an SQA qualification are able to operate within a global environment. Benefits to SQA The benefits of international engagement and activity are as follows. International engagement is essential to SQA meeting two of our strategic objectives, which are to: be regarded as a leader in assessment and quality enhancement of learning in Scotland, and recognised worldwide ensure SQA activities support the Scottish Government agenda to maximise the benefits to Scotland of international engagement. It enhances the reputation, renown and recognition of SQA qualifications, which, in turn, expands opportunities for holders of those qualifications whether they are using them for the purposes of employment or further study. It provides potential untapped markets for our products and services. It is essential for SQA to break into new markets in order to generate additional revenue to meet the costs of maintaining our comprehensive portfolio and services for the people of Scotland. Conclusion SQA s international strategy and activities are designed to support, and provide leverage for, Scottish Government s international engagement and plans. Scottish education is a valuable export and maintaining the integrity and reputation of SQA, Scottish education and the Scottish Government is of paramount importance in the delivery of our international work. We will not compromise on quality and rigorous quality assurance systems, and procedures are in place to ensure that SQA programmes and activities in international markets are delivered to the highest standards. Just some examples of our international successes are the healthy and growing number of HND students in China, and projected income surpluses on projects such as the national framework development project in Bahrain, with a projected surplus of 454, and the VET standards project in Croatia, with a projected surplus of 110k. 6
SCOTTISH QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY (SQA) APPENDIX A: 1. CURRENT INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY PROJECTS (JUNE ) Project Start/Finish Dates Estimated Surplus Exchange rates - to Euros 1.1; to USD 1.6 ADGAS (Abu Dhabi) Assessor Verifier training for ADGAS training teams in DAS Islands and HQ in Abu Dhabi Bahrain Contract with Tamkeen Labour Fund to Develop a National Qualifications Framework in Bahrain. Botswana Services to support and accredit Botswana Technical Education Programmes Croatia Project 1 Lead of an international consortium on an EC contract to provide assistance relating to strengthening institutional framework for the development of VET occupational standards, qualifications and curricula in Croatia. Croatia Project 2 Part of an international consortium led by EEO Group (Greece) to provide assistance relating to Regional Network of Learning Institutions in Croatia. Egypt ITC - Project 1 Working with ITC to provide technical assistance for the development of further Egyptian Vocational Competence Based Qualifications (EVCQs) Egypt ITC - Project 2 & 3: Scrutiny & Endorsement of Egyptian Vocational Competence Based Qualifications (ECVQs) Egypt TVET Reform Project SQA, as part of an international consortium led by GFA Start: October 2009 End: June Start: January End: December 2011 Start: March 2008 End: March 2011 Start: January End: January 2012 Start: May End: March 2012 Start: June 2008 End: April Start: April End: September Start: April 2008 80k Surplus 34k 1.79m (1.09m Bahraini Dinar) Surplus 454k 400k Surplus 58k : 1.6m ( 1.79m) Surplus 110k ( 124k) 1.4m ( 1.5m) Surplus and Income 32k ( 36k) 176k ( 194k) Surplus 60k ( 66k) 58k Surplus 33k Contract value 6.36m ( 7m),
Project (GFA Consultancy Group - Germany), was awarded an EC contract to provide assistance for The TVET Reform Project (Phase 3) for the reform of the vocational education and training system in Egypt Kosovo SQA, as part of an international consortium led by PEM Consultants, Germany, was awarded an EC contract in July 2009 for Development of QA, Accreditation and Development of NQA & NQF Mozambique This is an extension to the earlier World Bank funded project in Mozambique. The extension focuses at the Institutional level which justifies a high proportion of consultancy activity for local consultants due to Portuguese language being essential. Romania E-Learning SQA, as the lead member of an international consortium was awarded this EC PHARE VI contract to assist with training and advice for further development of the TVET sector in Romania Start/Finish Dates End: March 2011 Start: September 2009 End: August 2011 Start: July 2009 End: June Start: May 2008 End: June 2009 Estimated Surplus Exchange rates - to Euros 1.1; to USD 1.6 SQA s income is 386k Surplus of 75k. 1.7m ( 1.92m) Surplus of 89k ( 99k) 345 ($522k) Surplus of 53k ($85k) 1.32m ( 1.45m) Surplus of 91k ( 100k)
2 CURRENT INTERNATIONAL AWARDING ACTIVITY International awarding is a major priority and we are continuing to deliver our qualifications in international markets. Qualifications delivered internationally include a range of Higher National Certificates/Diplomas, Professional Development Awards, Scottish Vocational Qualifications and National Qualifications. CHINA There are now 26 centres operational in China with 6500 Candidates currently undertaking the Higher National Diploma (HND) programme. There has been 1 new centre approved in April and a further 2 centres currently going through the approval process. MIDDLE EAST Of the 11 active centres in the Middle East, 4 centres are expected to make entries in coming months and 7 have 1331 open entries as follows: Oman 1 centre 830 Open entries Bahrain 1 centre 357 Open entries UAE 4 centres 96 Open entries Egypt 1 centre 48 Open entries Included in these figures are new entries for: April Muscat College, Oman 78 HND Zadco, UAE 4 SVQ May Muscat College, Oman 1 HNC Muscat College, Oman 4 HND Zadco, UAE 1 SVQ Adnoc, UAE 7 PDA INDIA 1 centre was approved in January and 1 centre is currently going through the approval process. There are no entries as yet. OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS Of the 3 active centres in the rest of the world, 2 centres are expected to make entries in the coming months and 1 centre has 36 open entries as follows: Cayman 1 centre 36 Open entries Islands 12 July
Correspondence received from Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) : I am writing in connection with the recently published International Engagement Inquiry report commissioned by the Scottish Parliament Financial Scrutiny Unit and discussed at the Scottish Parliament s European and External Relations Committee. I thought it might be helpful for the Committee to understand some of the context around SQA s international spending record, given the recent reports in the press and would be very grateful if you would pass this information on to Committee members at an appropriate time. SQA has a twenty year, very successful track record in international educational consultancy. This work involves services to Government and other bodies, as well as the delivery of Scottish qualifications in a number of countries. Projects are usually won through an open, competitive tendering process and are often funded through donors such as the World Bank, EuropeAid etc. We are recognised as the leader in international consultancy among UK Awarding Bodies while internationally SQA is seen as a global; player in education and training. Our activities have taken place in all of the main regions of the world including China, India, the Middle East, Africa, the USA and Europe. The vast majority of this work is carried out on a for-profit basis which creates new income streams for SQA. The surpluses derived from these projects are used to help provide Scotland with the portfolio of qualifications which meets the needs of Scotland s learners, businesses, economy and society. The report rightly illustrates in 2009-10 SQA earned a surplus 0.5m in its overseas work. While SQA welcomes this additional income stream which in turn reduces our overall reliance on the public purse, we also recognise that this work exports excellence in Scottish education and training while at the same time promoting Scotland as a destination in which to study, work or live. I have attached an update of SQA s current projects. I hope this information is useful to committee members. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. John McDonald Director of Strategic Relations Scottish Qualifications Authority 14 June