The Education and Skills Committee today released its report into the Individual Learning Account scheme, which collapsed earlier this year amid allegations of abuse.

One of the report's key recommendations is that providers in any new scheme should be accredited by national standards organisations.

ODL QC, the accreditation body for open and distance learning, was invited to give evidence to the Committee, which is included in the final report as an appendix.

Dr David Morley, Chief Executive of ODL QC, welcomed the Report.

"It is a thorough piece of work", he said, "which does not just dwell on past mistakes, but provides pointers for the future. Their conclusions that prior accreditation of providers would be essential in any new scheme is particularly timely."

"The recommendation that the Learning and Skills Council should take the lead in the registration of providers in any new scheme is a sensible one," he agreed, "as is their recognition that providers of online or distance learning will need special arrangements.

"As the body set up be government to assure quality in this sector, we look forward to working with the LSC to ensure that any new scheme delivers learning opportunities of real quality & value to all learners".

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Further details from
Elspeth Harrison at ODL QC on
020 7612 7090 or elspeth@odlqc.org.uk

The full report can be downloaded by clicking here .