Supplementary memorandum submitted by
Institute of Directors (IoD)
In view of the Education and Skills Select Committee's
discussion of the development of new Diplomas for 14-19-year-olds
at its meeting on 17 January, I am writing to clarify the IoD's
position on this important issue.
I am particularly concerned that the IoD's view
may have been misunderstood, and that members of your Committee
may have been left with a completely misleading impression about
where the loD stands.
You will recall that the IoD's Head of Education
and Skills, Mike Harris, submitted written evidence on 5 January,
and this stands as an accurate representation of our views.
In his questions to oral witnesses on 17 January,
Rob Wilson MP referred to our written comment that "The IoD
has no further information about the constitution of the DDPs,
or the work they have been conducting to facilitate employers'
input into the composition of the Diplomas". This statement
was not remotely intended as criticism; it simply meant what it
said: that we were not in a position to offer the Committee any
detailed insight on this particular point. Our written evidence
naturally concentrated on those issues where we could contribute
survey evidence from our members.
Mr Wilson went on to suggest that the IoD had
been excluded from consultation on the new Diplomas. This is simply
not the case. As Dr Ken Boston and Karen Price both noted in response
to questions, I have met both the Qualifications and Curriculum
Authority and e-skills to discuss the full range of their activities.
I consider that we have a good dialogue with these important bodies.
Employer involvement is central to the success
of the new Diplomas and the IoD remains keen to contribute on
behalf of our members. It would be quite wrong for your Committee
to be left with the impression that the IoD had been excluded
from these discussions, but it also remains true that an extensive
communication process will be needed to really involve a wide
range of businesses in the process.
I would be grateful if you could add this note
to the official record in order to ensure that the IoD's position
is clearly understood.
January 2007
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