1. Data Project: Update
Sarah Jenkins: Data Project Manager

2. What is the current situation for Wales?
What does Qualifications Wales now have responsibility for?
From 2017/18 academic year, collecting and publishing statistics for general qualifications (GQ).
For certifications in the Oct-Dec ’17 quarter, publishing statistics for vocational qualifications (VQ).
Ofqual currently collect quarterly VQ data on our behalf and may continue to do so until September 2019.

3. Statistical Publications
First GQ publication was released on 30 November 2017.
Aiming to release first VQ quarterly publication in March 2018, based on data collected for us by Ofqual.

4. QiW Portal
QiW website has been developed to provide a platform for the submission of data.

5. Information Assurance
We will:
Be GDPR compliant from the outset.
Provide assurance for awarding bodies as data controllers before requesting learner level data.
Provide text for awarding body privacy notices.

6. Collection of GQ data
For GQs, we collect data for learners entered by centres in Wales for:
GCSEs;
GCEs;
The Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate;
Level 1/2/3 certificates in general qualifications, (alternatives or complements to GCSEs and GCEs, for example level 1/2 certificates, Extended Project qualifications).

7. Progress: General Qualifications
First reformed general qualifications (approved for use in Wales) were awarded in 2016/17.
June 2017: Project implementation
August 2017: Consultation on GQ templates and schedule
October 2017: Additional engagement
October 2017: First collection of GQ entry data
November 2017: GQ entry statistical publication released
December 2017: GQ consultation report published

8. Progress: Vocational Qualifications
Initial engagement took place in February 2017.
In preparation for the collection of VQ data, we have been considering:
Requirements
Focus
Burden
Comparability

9. What next? We will be asking for your views on data collections.
We are aiming to collect vocational qualification data from autumn 2018.

10. What are we aiming for? Meaningful engagement as early as possible
Clarity of purpose
Clarity of communication
Proportionality
Opportunity for efficiency
Build on QiW
Realism
Fulfilling our responsibilities as a regulator

11. Please get in touch DataProject@qualificationswales.org