Education handbooks

Information about the requirements and core competencies for qualifications approved prior to introduction of the Education and training requirements (ETR).

Education handbook policies and requirements

Our outgoing Education handbooks contain the requirements and core competencies relating to the approval and quality assurance (A&QA) of all education and training qualifications that had approval prior to the introduction of the Education and training requirements (ETR).

The GOC will no longer accept new applications under the handbook requirements, all new applications will be processed in accordance with the ETR standards and application processes.

This page provides details of, and, relevant documents relating to, the following:

A&QA Handbooks and Supervision Policy
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
Approval & Quality Assurance under Handbook requirements
Quality assurance activities
Notification of changes and events
Conditions management

A&QA Handbooks and Supervision policy

As we transition fully to the ETR, qualifications approved under the handbook requirements will be taught out, closed or replaced by an adapted qualification that meets the ETR. Until the ‘handbook’ qualification is formally closed, the following handbooks and supplementary supervision policy, and their requirements will continue to apply:

Please note that following the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary amendments were made to allow flexibility to ensure that standards could continue to be properly maintained in an unknown and changing environment.

Since these amendments, it was deemed necessary to allow continued flexibility while education providers transition from handbook requirements to the ETR. It has been agreed that education providers may, if they wish, submit a notification of change and events form (NTF) which sets out a clear rationale of proposed amendments to qualifications approved under the handbooks. These requests will be managed in the same way as all change notifications, with an officer and manager review, a review by an education visitor panel (where required), with the final decision by the Head of Education and CPD.

As some changes may be of high risk, education providers must advise the GOC of any intended changes before they make them, rather than submitting post hoc.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

We recognise that many providers are part of institutions that already have well-tested and longstanding systems for the accreditation or recognition of prior learning (RPL) in other qualifications, which may be unregulated or regulated by other regulators.

For providers who have not yet adapted to the ETR, our recognition of prior learning guidance sets out our expectations and requirements.

Approval and Quality Assurance (A&QA) under the Handbook requirements

All GOC approved qualifications are subject to quality assurance which includes approval, ongoing compliance and enhancements. All education providers are required to demonstrate how their qualifications satisfy our requirements.

If the qualification is not yet adapted to the Education and training requirements (ETR), the requirements listed in our Education handbooks still apply.

Under the handbook requirements our assurance activities include (but are not limited to):

Quality assurance activities such as physical or virtual visits, meetings, surveys and/or observations.
Notification of reportable events and changes to qualifications.
Conditions management.
Annual monitoring.

Quality assurance activities

As we transition from the handbook requirements to the Education and training requirements (ETR), all adapted and new qualifications will be subject to the quality assurance and enhancement methods (QAEM) set out in the ETR.

Qualifications approved under the handbooks will be taught out and a revised schedule of quality assurance activities, which are proportionate to a closing qualification, have been agreed on a case-by-case basis. The revised activities will provide assurance that the qualification continues to meet our requirements until it is closed and that all students have achieved the adequate skills and knowledge to practise safely.

After each activity we produce a report of the findings which includes any conditions (these are actions the provider must put in place) and recommendations (areas of suggested improvement) set.

View a list of GOC-approved qualifications and latest visit reports. 

The GOC will no longer accept new applications under the handbook requirements. All new applications will be processed in accordance with the ETR standards and processes. If you are seeking approval for a new qualification, please see the Education and training requirements.

Education providers are required to ensure that all students undertaking training, assessment or practical experience are registered with us for the duration of their training. We have produced guidance on student registration, which includes the key processes and timelines.

Notification of changes and events

To assist us in maintaining adequate oversight of approved qualifications, providers are required to notify us of changes and events to their qualifications, specifically changes that may impact a provider’s ability to meet the standards/requirements as well as mitigations to minimise impact.

Our guidance assists providers in identifying the events and changes that must be reported, and to explain the notifications process.

After reviewing the guidance, please complete the notification form (if applicable) and send it to [email protected]:

Notification of Changes and Events Form

Conditions management

Should an education provider fail to demonstrate that it meets one or more of our requirements, we will identify the unmet requirement(s) and set a condition in relation to this. Conditions are actions that an education provider must act upon in order to meet the requirement. We will set a deadline for the provider to demonstrate that the requirement is met.

Conditions are managed in line with Conditions Management 2020 process. Please note that this process is currently being updated to bring it in line with the new ETR processes. Until this has been completed, if you have any queries contact [email protected].