Current Research

Each year our Information & Research Manager undertakes a number of internal research projects. Where necessary some larger scale projects are carried over to the next operational year when required but for the most part the studies are completed within one year.

Any live consultations and research projects currently underway or completed in 2021 and onwards are published here.

Project	Abstract	News and Important Updates
Assessment Arrangements Research (AAR) 2026	This project aims to better our understanding of how reasonable adjustments are made and the learner experience. Using thematic analysis we identified and interpreted patterns within Reasonable Adjustment policies. Regulatory Principle 14 guided this analysis. The themes identified demonstrated that most policies are similar, but may have differences in when the Awarding Bodies approval should be sought. It was highlighted that training of those making decisions on assessment arrangements was not often mentioned in the policies.	AAR report - review of Awarding Bodies Reasonable Adjustment policies
SVQ Review 2023	This aimed to determine whether SVQs continue to meet the needs and experiences of stakeholders. Phase 1 consisted of carrying out 40 focus groups with learners, providers, employers, awarding bodies and standard setting organisations. This found that SVQs help to build confidence, are accessible to all and stakeholders have confidence in SVQs. Phase 2 was a survey to ensure all those who wanted to contribute had the opportunity to do so. SVQs have a one-to-one relationship with NOS, some supported this, some felt it was too inflexible. Consistency and transferability were seen as strengths of the SVQ brand.	Phase 1 (focus groups) report. Phase 2 (survey) report. Recommendations and actions are currently on hold.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Survey 2024	This project aimed to gain a better understanding of the impact of Generative AI on SQA Accreditation's awarding bodies and to ascertain the best course of action. Awarding Bodies found using AI easy, although did not feel confident in their knowledge. Awarding Bodies were positive but cautious in their approach. There was noted concern about AI undermining the validity of assessment.	Full report: Generative AI Survey 2024 Appendix (Survey Questions) Guidance: SQA Accreditation Generative AI Guidance Position Statement: SQA Accreditation Generative AI Position Statement

Project

Abstract

News and Important Updates

Assessment Arrangements Research (AAR) 2026

This project aims to better our understanding of how reasonable adjustments are made and the learner experience. Using thematic analysis we identified and interpreted patterns within Reasonable Adjustment policies. Regulatory Principle 14 guided this analysis. The themes identified demonstrated that most policies are similar, but may have differences in when the Awarding Bodies approval should be sought. It was highlighted that training of those making decisions on assessment arrangements was not often mentioned in the policies.

AAR report - review of Awarding Bodies Reasonable Adjustment policies

SVQ Review 2023

This aimed to determine whether SVQs continue to meet the needs and experiences of stakeholders. Phase 1 consisted of carrying out 40 focus groups with learners, providers, employers, awarding bodies and standard setting organisations. This found that SVQs help to build confidence, are accessible to all and stakeholders have confidence in SVQs.

Phase 2 was a survey to ensure all those who wanted to contribute had the opportunity to do so. SVQs have a one-to-one relationship with NOS, some supported this, some felt it was too inflexible. Consistency and transferability were seen as strengths of the SVQ brand.

Phase 1 (focus groups) report.
Phase 2 (survey) report.
Recommendations and actions are currently on hold.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Survey 2024

This project aimed to gain a better understanding of the impact of Generative AI on SQA Accreditation's awarding bodies and to ascertain the best course of action. Awarding Bodies found using AI easy, although did not feel confident in their knowledge. Awarding Bodies were positive but cautious in their approach. There was noted concern about AI undermining the validity of assessment.

Full report: Generative AI Survey 2024

Appendix (Survey Questions)

Guidance: SQA Accreditation Generative AI Guidance

Position Statement: SQA Accreditation Generative AI Position Statement