Features and opinion

Rebecca Conway, Director of Research and Innovation at NCFE, explores three ways assessment must evolve to better support skills development, improve learner outcomes, and reflect real‑world competence as qualification reform gathers pace.

Our Director of External and Regulatory Affairs, Julie Hyde, examines how rapid post‑16 reform risks worsening youth disengagement and makes the case for a phased, flexible approach that protects learners at key transition points.

As qualification reform continues, Michael Lemin, Head of Policy and Strategy at NCFE, explores three key lessons V Levels can learn from T Levels to support effective delivery, employer engagement, and clear progression pathways for learners.

Our Product Manager, Emzi Mills-Frater, explores how growing cyber security skills gaps across UK organisations are driving the need for accessible, high-quality training that equips learners with the knowledge to protect expanding digital systems.

Our Sector Manager for Education and Childcare, Janet King, explores how education providers can navigate teacher shortages and rising learner numbers.

Essential skills are key to work and daily life, so why don’t we assess them like occupational skills or knowledge? Dr Rebecca Conway, Director of Research and Innovation at NCFE, explains why we must change our thinking to tackle employability challenges.

Our Product Manager for Apprenticeships, Allison Chatten, outlines how England’s reformed apprenticeship assessment model introduces flexible assessment, and shares nine steps providers should take prepare for the transition.

Apprenticeship reforms are reshaping training in adult social care. Here our Sector Manager for Social Care, Claire Montague, outlines what the revised Adult Care Worker Standard means for employers, providers and new entrants to the sector.