Notice

Lifeskills Final Notice Withdrawal of Recognition

Published 23 June 2023

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2023

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lifeskills-final-notice-withdrawal-of-recognition/lifeskills-final-notice-withdrawal-of-recognition

Withdrawal of Recognition

In accordance with its powers under section 152(1) and 152(2) of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 (the 2009 Act), and pursuant to its obligations under section 152(6) of that Act, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) has withdrawn recognition from Lifeskills Solutions Ltd (Lifeskills) in respect of the award or authentication of every qualification and description of qualification for which Lifeskills was recognised by Ofqual, with effect from 1700 on 30 March 2023.

This decision was made on 28 March 2023 by an Enforcement Committee comprising two members of Ofqual’s senior staff:

Michael Hanton, Deputy Chief Regulator

Richard Garrett, Director of Policy and Strategic Relationships for GQ

Statement of Reasons

Background

1. Lifeskills was recognised by Ofqual on 16 August 2021 to award two End Point Assessment qualifications, under recognition number RN6037.

2. Lifeskills has no qualifications on the Register of Regulated Qualifications and has no Registered Learners for any qualification.

Insolvency

3. On 13 October 2022, Lifeskills notified Ofqual that the company was to be put into administration and the business would be closed.

4. On 2 December 2022, Mr Kris Wigfield confirmed that he had been appointed as Joint Administrator for Lifeskills. Mr Wigfield further confirmed that the Joint Administrators had no objection to the withdrawal of recognition from Lifeskills, on the basis of its insolvency.

Notice of Intention

  1. 5. On 7 March 2023, the Enforcement Committee considered the proposed withdrawal of recognition from Lifeskills.

  2. 6. Following the Enforcement Committee’s deliberations, Ofqual issued Notice of Intention to withdraw recognition, in accordance with s152(3) and s152(4) of the 2009 Act. That notice explained the Enforcement Committee’s reasons for concluding:

    1. a. that, by reason of its insolvency, Lifeskills had failed to comply with the General Conditions of Recognition, specifically Conditions A1, A5 and B1,

    2. b. that it was proportionate in all of the circumstances that recognition should be withdrawn in full, and

    3. c. that no saving or transitional provisions were necessary.

  3. 7. In view of the Joint Administrators’ earlier indication that the withdrawal of recognition would not be opposed, Lifeskills was permitted a period of 1 week to make representations in respect of the Notice of Intention. No representations were received.

Final decision

8. Having considered Ofqual’s statutory objectives and duties, had regard to its policy Taking Regulatory Action (2012), and considered the circumstances of this case, Ofqual has decided that recognition shall be withdrawn from Lifeskills.

9. Having decided to withdraw recognition, and in view of the fact there are no Learners currently enrolled on, waiting for assessment in respect of, or awaiting results or certificates for any Lifeskills qualification, Ofqual has decided that withdrawal of recognition will have immediate effect and that no saving or transitional provisions will be made.

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