Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Accepted
Paragraph: 93
The UK Government should accelerate work with relevant responsible bodies across the UK to reduce...
Recommendation
The UK Government should accelerate work with relevant responsible bodies across the UK to reduce barriers that military spouses and partners face when attempting to transfer their professional qualifications—for example, teaching qualifications— between UK nations. In line with the Armed Forces Covenant, military spouses and partners should not be disadvantaged in their employment by virtue of their association with the Armed Forces.
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Scottish Credits and Qualifications Framework Partnership (SCQFP), the Training, Education, Skills, Recruitment and Resettlement team (TESRR) of MOD and Skills Development Scotland, have collaborated to simplify the current system for mapping and translating qualifications and that spouses may use the online tool to translate their qualifications.
Paragraph Reference:
93
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Scottish Credits and Qualifications Framework Partnership (SCQFP), the Training, Education, Skills, Recruitment and Resettlement team (TESRR) of MOD and Skills Development Scotland, have collaborated to simplify the current system for mapping and translating qualifications gained in the Armed Forces and to help veterans. This work aims to specifically assist members of the Armed Forces and Veterans to map qualifications gained in service from the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) to the Scottish Qualifications Framework (SCQF). Service Personnel and Veterans can use an online bespoke tool4 to identify the skills and qualifications they have gained in service and identify where their strengths lie. Spouses and dependents moving to Scotland, may also use the online tool to translate their qualifications. In addition to the tool, SCQF have produced a range of resources to assist individuals5 and employers6 understand the transferability of qualifications within the devolved nations and Europe. More specifically, MOD has been previously proactive with the General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS), engaging in detailed discussions with them on this very issue. As a result, a guide was developed by the MOD and approved by the GTCS which detailed 3 https://forceschildrenseducation.org.uk/ 4 My World of Work 5 qccb-web-oct-2019.pdf (scqf.org.uk) 6 Know your Level – Job Roles | Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (scqf.org.uk) the relevant process for registration with the Council for those teaching professionals qualified outside Scotland. The MOD will reengage with the GTCS to identify any extant issues and seek to review and update the content of its guide, with the support of GTCS. Accredited Governing Bodies and Professions set their own standards and qualification requirements. This is not an area where MOD has any jurisdiction, however, under the Families Strategy we work alongside Devolved Administration colleagues to improve awareness of differences. SG programmes, “Capitalising on Military family talent” and “Business in the Community (BITC) Scotland” highlight to business, the skills and experiences that partners and spouses of Armed Forces personnel possess. Other initiatives are being explored at working level, to further support this good work. This includes further promotion of the online translation of qualifications tool via the Service Families Federations, Forces Families jobs platform and the service HIVE information centres. MOD promotes the Families Federations’ Forces Families Jobs (FFJ) as the “go to” platform for the partners and spouses seeking employment and training opportunities. The platform has over 12,000 vacancies, including SG jobs. Looking forward, MOD will support the Families Federations in exploring opportunities to expand across the rest of the public sector in Scotland. The military co-working hub at RAF Leuchars goes from strength to strength and provides physical and online community working and support in a productive shared environment, encouraging networking and reducing social isolation.