We propose to:

• improve the accessibility of NVQs and maintain standards;

• start to bring a full range of nationally recognised qualifications within a coherent and comprehensible structure;

• start work on new ways of encouraging people to take their first steps back into learning (for example, through new entry level qualifications);

• allow qualifications to be combined more easily and explore the idea of a national framework of unit recognition for this purpose;

• support the development by universities and colleges of new ways for adults to plan their learning and record their achievement; and

• support the development by universities and colleges of a broad, consistent and easily understood national framework for higher education qualifications.