UCU: Lack of training threatens diplomas

The University and College Union (UCU) believes poor teacher training for the staff responsible for diplomas could undermine the new qualification's success.

General secretary Sally Hunt said her organisation had "long been warning about the speed of their introduction".

"With around 100,000 expected to start taking the diploma in 2009, there is an urgent need for the government to look into what has happened and put some real resources into diploma staff development and training," she said.

"Arrangements must be made to ensure that teachers and lecturers can actually attend such training."

Exam board chief Jerry Jarvis said only three days of training have been timetabled between now and the diplomas' introduction in September.