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Where a lack of industry regulation and standardisation was prevalent, this small enterprise - working within the insurance fraud market - has sought to fill the gap through creating a recognised vocational qualification.

DnA Group's training arm, ALM Training, is highly regarded among insurance and legal institutions in providing the 'gold standard' in investigator training. However, up to now, the only organisation setting the standard was the company who trained the investigators; ALM Training. In effect the QCF has provided a way to create independent validation.

Lin Hyde, qualifications and accreditations director at DnA Awards, explains:

"We have long wanted a national vocational qualification in our field of training. When I heard about the QCF I knew this would be a great opportunity for us to create national recognition for our training and a method of maintaining standards. The profession is expanding as demand increases from insurance companies and lawyers who need claim investigators of the highest order. The QCF, therefore, directly improves the opportunities for investigators to become better qualified and, ultimately, gain more opportunities of employment."

Under the new QCF, employers can apply to become an awarding organisation. This is a first in the world of vocational qualifications.

Lin adds:

"There was a high fear factor to begin with; I thought; 'how am I going to write this?' But with the QCDA team offering its support that fear quickly faded and my confidence grew. The guidance and support packs were worth their weight in gold. It hasn't been easy but it has been very rewarding and a great learning process. With the same support I received throughout the entire process, I believe any SME - who has the desire - can create a new national qualification."

Sue Densley, head of the employer engagement programme at the QCDA, comments:

"I am both extremely proud and pleased that ALM Training has taken this opportunity under the QCF. I appreciate it took an element of courage to do so. However, I believe the benefits of this for learners, the industry and consumers are well worth the effort. I am also impressed with our team of qualifications experts who have helped enable smaller organisations to successfully tackle the complicated and technical aspects of drafting the qualification."

The first learners are expected to take this qualification in September 2009. This has been a thorough but fairly quick process. From making the decision in January 2009, DnA Awards became accredited as an awarding organisation in May. The qualification units were approved by the regulator, Ofqual, in August 2009.

To find out more about the QCF go to http://www.qcda.gov.uk/qcf/

Notes for editors

For further information or to commission a more detailed article on this case study contact Steven Brassey at the QCDA press office on 0207 509 5381 or email steven.brassey@qcda.org.uk

About QCF

The QCF is the new framework for creating and accrediting qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The framework is at the heart of a major reform of the qualifications system designed to make the whole system simpler to understand and use and more inclusive of qualifications from a wider range of providers. The overall intention is to make both the system and the qualifications offered far more relevant to the needs of employers and more flexible and accessible for learners.

It provides qualified investigators and investigation services to the insurance and legal services sector. It is a multi faceted company of like minded businesses that compliment each other through their own specialist area of expertise to form a dynamic integration and fusion of services that delivers the skill of high value knowledge and insight.

ALM Training aims to:

• develop courses which are relevant to both Insurance & Personal Injury claims/accident investigation and processes.
• deliver the most comprehensive Insurance & Personal Injury Claims/accident investigation training in the UK and to be at the forefront of developing and standardising industry best practice.
• provide continuing support industries updates and facilitate further development of students throughout their career.

Visit the DnA Group website for more information.

About QCDA

QCDA is the government agency for the development of curriculum, delivery of assessments and reform of qualifications. We work with the education, skills and business communities to develop effective and innovative ways to help children and adults to progress, achieve their full potential and to demonstrate that achievement to others.