New Digital Qualifications to Support Learners' into Employment

At Novus, we are focused on delivering the most up to date and relevant qualifications so that learners are equipped with the correct skills and knowledge to thrive upon release. 

In our digital provision, we have been running the Essential Digital Skills Qualification (EDSQ) for a number of years. However, after the launch of NCFE's new Digital Functional Skills Qualification (DFSQ) last year, we are now able to roll out the new qualification which will further equip learners with the skills needed to find employment upon release. 

The Essential Digital Skills Qualification (EDSQ) 

During 2022, we piloted the Essential Digital Skills Qualification (EDSQ) at two of our prison sites, HMP Buckley Hall and HMP New Hall, in order to see if it was right for our learners. The pilot was successful and after the pilots were concluded in April last year, the course was rolled out to other Novus sites. 

Currently, EDSQ entry 3 and level 1 courses are being delivered in at least 20 Novus establishments and the course has been very well received. 

Launch of the Digital Functional Skills Qualification (DFSQ) 

Following the release of Department for Education criteria for DFSQ, NCFE were amongst the first of the awarding organisations to gain approval to deliver the qualification and have worked closely with Novus to ensure it is possible in a secure environment.   Novus launched the pilot for this qualification at both HMP Buckley and HMP Deerbolt, to see if the course was suitable for learners.

Although the Essential Digital Skills (EDSQ) and Digital Functional Skills (DFSQ) qualifications are similar, DFSQ is more based around preparing learners for employment, whilst EDSQ is based around skills for everyday life. 

Although the qualifications are similar, there are several differences between the two which are: 

• The Essential Digital Skills Qualifications (EDSQ) are smaller and only require 30-50 guided learning hours (GLH) whereas, the Digital Functional Skills Qualifications (DFSQ) require 55 guided learning hours (GLH). 
• The main purpose of Digital Functional Skills (DFSQ) is that they will prepare learners for employment and further study whereas, Essential Digital Skills (EDSQ) is more aimed at supporting learners in their everyday life. 
• For Digital Functional Skills (DFSQ), NCFE creates and marks the assessment and issues the results, which speeds up the process and reduces the administration burden for tutors. 

More detail about the differences between the two qualifications can be found by visiting the NFCE website.

Piloting the Digital Functional Skills Qualification (DFSQ) 

The Digital Functional Skills Qualification (DFSQ) comes equipped with a wide range of resources supplied by NCFE to help with the delivery of the qualification. Novus colleagues are then able to build on these resources to create bespoke lesson plans that suit their learners. When piloted at HMPs Buckley Hall and Deerbolt, tutors found the resources easy to use and functional. 

As a result of the pilot, the learners really enjoyed and took pride in the responsibility of being able to use Open Borders, to have more internet privileges and embraced the responsibility of being able to search for things themselves, which gives everyone a chance to express themselves in their work. One learner shared his positive experience on the pilot and expressed:

The course was brilliant, well-structured and delivered knowledge at a pace that was easy to understand.

With another commenting that:

The knowledge gained has given me a new-found confidence. I would strongly recommend the course to all, no matter what level of IT ability, as knowledge to remain safe in an increasing digital world is essential.

Digital skills in prison education are vital for supporting employment 

Due to the new Digital Functional Skills Qualification (DFSQ) being based around employment, it will ensure that learners are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and qualifications necessary to find employment upon release. After the successful pilot of the Digital Functional Skills Qualification (DFSQ), the course is now ready to be rolled out to other sites that want to deliver the qualification. 

During our recent round table event we discussed how vital digtal skills are to employers and employment outcomes. You can read more about the event and what was discussed at Novus international rountable.

To learn more about our digital provision, take a look at our 2024/25 digital strategy.