Announcing the Digital Badging Commission
Transforming how we recognise and reward learning and skills development in the UK
Ufi and the RSA launch the Digital Badging Commission to transform how individuals, employers, and organisations recognise and reward learning and skills development.
The Commission, chaired by Rebecca Garrod-Waters and Professor Sir Chris Husbands, will work to broaden the understanding, development and adoption of digital badges by accrediting organisations and employers, driving a flexible approach to qualifications which allows for a more rounded view of a person's skills, experiences and learning.
Digital badges and micro-credentials are playing an increasingly important role across the world, providing a record of people’s non-accredited learning throughout life. Digital badges in particular are predominantly issued to motivate, reward and recognise learning; encompassing both traditional and non-traditional learning and professional certifications.
In recent years the demand for digital badges has grown, particularly in the UK, in response to calls from industry, civil society, higher and further education organisations to reward shorter, more flexible learning opportunities, as well as learners and individuals looking for better ways to demonstrate the full breadth of their skills.
To date, this has been happening organically and without a framework to ensure quality that would enable badges to be consistently and universally recognised. The Commission will look at ways to change this in the long-term, as well as helping to build consensus across industries and sectors throughout the UK.
Speaking about the launch of the Commission, Co-Chair Rebecca Garrod-Waters said:
“Ufi has been passionate about the potential of digital badges and micro-credentials for years; supporting projects across the UK that have offered learners the capacity to build their skills in more digestible and accessible ways. The launch of the Digital Badging Commission will support our ambition to bring the sector together around a shared idea of what good badges look like. This will make it easier for employers and learners from all backgrounds and educational histories to get the skills they need to thrive in work and life.”
Those joining the Digital Badging Commission, who meet for the first time in July, include representatives from across higher and further education institutions, commerce and technology.
The Commission will announce the findings of their report in 2025, with more details to be announced in due course.
