The Institute of British Sign Language (iBSL) surrenders CCEA Regulation recognition
iBSL is no longer a CCEA Regulation recognised awarding organisation.
Last updated 18 April 2023 - See update
The Institute of British Sign Language (‘iBSL’) has surrendered its status as a CCEA Regulation recognised awarding organisation. iBSL informed CCEA Regulation in January 2023 of its intention to surrender recognition in respect of all of its regulated qualifications.
This is in view of iBSL’s decision to cease trading. The surrender will take effect from Friday 3 March 2023. CCEA Regulation has been working closely with iBSL to protect the interests of students.
CCEA Regulation has put in place arrangements that allow iBSL to continue to issue results and certificates to students after 3 March 2023, if they have a valid entitlement, while it continues to trade. Qualifications awarded under these arrangements will remain CCEA Regulation regulated qualifications.
Ofqual has imposed Special Conditions on iBSL in order to protect the interests of its existing and potential students.
iBSL is not permitted to register any new students to take its qualifications. Centres should not enrol any new students on courses for iBSL qualifications. We understand that this may cause disruption and uncertainty for students.
CCEA Regulation has been in contact with iBSL’s centres to provide details of alternative regulated qualifications that students can transfer to. A full list of currently recognised awarding organisations and regulated qualifications can be found on the Register of Regulated Qualifications.
iBSL is required to provide assistance for any students that wish to transfer to another regulated qualification. Students should contact their school, college or training provider for further information.
iBSL currently has the following qualifications on the Register of Regulated Qualifications (Ofqual and CCEA Regulation):
| Qualification Number | Title | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 501/1418/9 | Award in DeafBlind Awareness | Level 1 |
| 501/1493/1 | Award in Deaf Awareness | Level 1 |
| 501/1279/X | Award in British Sign Language Studies | Level 1 |
| 501/0707/0 | Certificate in British Sign Language Studies | Level 2 |
| 501/1347/1 | Certificate in British Sign Language Studies | Level 3 |
| 610/1216/6 | Education and Training for Sign Language Teachers | Level 3 |
| 601/6580/7 | Certificate in Education & Training for Sign Language Teachers | Level 4 |
| 601/7795/0 | Diploma in British Sign Language Interpreting Studies | Level 6 |
| 603/3923/8 | Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting Studies | Level 6 |
iBSL also offers qualifications in England and Wales. CCEA Regulation has been working alongside the regulators in England (Ofqual) and Wales (Qualifications Wales ‘QW’) to ensure a consistent approach for students across the three countries.
Update: Tuesday 18 April 2023
iBSL informed us that on 17 April 2023 it would stop operating. We have therefore given notice to iBSL that the arrangements that were put in place (called saving and transitional provisions) to allow iBSL to continue to issue results and certificates to students would come to an end after that date. From 18 April 2023, iBSL is no longer subject to the CCEA Regulation General Conditions of Recognition or any Special Conditions imposed by Ofqual and cannot award regulated qualifications. iBSL has been required to assist any students needing to transfer to another provider and to ensure that all students’ records of achievements are up to date. Affected students should contact their training provider for further information.
Please follow both links below for further information about how this affects qualifications in England and Wales:
When awarding organisations are considering surrendering their recognition, we stand ready to discuss the options for proceeding while ensuring students are protected.
Media enquiries to CCEA MarComms. You can contact us by email at marcomms@ccea.org.uk or call 028 9026 1200.