Ministerial training and equivalent or lower qualifications (ELQs)

In 2008, the Government took away public funds for equivalent or lower qualifications. Research at the time showed that this would disadvantage training for the ministry. The Government, therefore, temporarily excluded training programmes in this area from the policy to allow institutions time to develop alternative training models.

Training for 2008 to 2012

We have since worked with institutions to develop these alternative models through foundation degrees and employer co-funded higher awards.

We have now awarded:

  • 528 full-time equivalent (FTE) co-funded additional student numbers in theological training for the ministry over the period 2008 to 2012
  • 259 fully-funded additional student numbers for the delivery of foundation degrees in ministerial training.

Basis for the new model

These new funding arrangements were based on a report and mapping exercise commissioned by a steering group of relevant training providers, the HE sector, and HEFCE representatives.

The report made a number of recommendations. These identified that the Council could support training for the ministry and uphold the policy on ELQs through foundation degrees and employer co-funded awards.

A joint report from HEFCE and the Archbishops' Council Ministry Division in March 2008 formed the basis of the original decision to exclude ministerial training from the ELQ policy. This showed the adverse effect of the policy on training in this field.

Report from HEFCE and the Archbishops' Council Ministry Division

Download the Report from HEFCE and the Archbishops' Council Ministry Division as PDF (24 KB) | Download the Report from HEFCE and the Archbishops' Council Ministry Division as MS Word (50 KB)

Further information

For more information about ministerial training and the impact of ELQs, please contact Fiona MacMillan, tel 0117 931 7039, e-mail f.macmillan@hefce.ac.uk.

Page last updated 24 October 2011

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