Awarding Organisations and the QCF frequently asked questions and answers
How will the QCF achievement data be used in the Personal Learning Record (PLR)? Learners cannot change the data (although they can challenge the data for accuracy). Awarding Organisations will provide the definitive and authoritative source of evidence of achievement. Appropriate checks and balances will be put in place as part of operating agreements and joint ways of working, to ensure that the data on the PLR is consistent with that held by the awarding organisation.
How can we be assured of the PLR’s accuracy?All Awarding Organisations sign up to ensure the data submitted is accurately maintained. The LRS applies a rigorous data quality framework to ensure data accuracy. At the heart of this framework is Data Challenge process to carry out an investigation into any suggested inaccuracies.
What do I need to do to get ready to use the PLR?Get in touch with the Learning Records Service and ask to speak to an Account Manager who will guide you through the sign-up and set-up process. Contact the LRS Customer Helpdesk on 0845 602 2589 or email
lrssupport@learningrecordsservice.org.uk.
What if I leave the service?
If an Awarding Organisation leaves the service, they may wish to remove their organisations' learning achievement data. This can be done by arrangement between the awarding organisation and the Skills Funding Agency.
How can an Awarding Organisation participate and provide information to be viewed within the PLR?All Awarding Organisations that are recognised by Ofqual to deliver Qualifications and Credit Framework qualifications are eligible to participate in the PLR. Get in touch with the LRS and ask to speak to an Account Manager who will guide you through the sign-up and set-up process. Contact the LRS Customer Helpdesk on 0845 602 2589 or email
lrssupport@learningrecordsservice.org.uk.
I understand my MI supplier’s software can now upload qualifications directly to the LRS. I would like to be able to do this?
You should firstly ensure you are registered to use the LRS services. You will need to complete an Organisation Registration Form and the Awarding Organisation Agreement and return these to the LRS Customer Helpdesk. Please ensure the Awarding Organisation Agreement has been signed by an appropriate signatory as detailed in the agreement.
When you have successfully registered (or if you are already registered), you will then need to speak directly with your Management Information (MI) supplier who will ask you to complete a Live Web Service Connection Form. This form should be sent to the LRS Customer Helpdesk who will send you a digital certificate and password once processed. Your MI supplier will give you the instructions on what to do with this next.
What support is available?
Awarding organisations can register and begin using the test environment and ‘The Engagement Pack’ - available through the Developers' Teamsite.
Awarding organisations can contact an Account Manager or talk to a dedicated service desk who will answer queries in relation to the PLR for the QCF. Contact the LRS Customer Helpdesk either by telephone on 0845 602 2589 or email lrssupport@learningrecordsservice.org.uk..
Further information on the QCF and a comprehensive FAQ document (external link) is available.
