What is an MoU?
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is an agreement between organisations. It is a not legally binding but it outlines how they will work together.
- MoUs agree the aims, responsibilities, and expectations of each organisation involved
- MoUs are not legal documents, they are a commitment to work together
- MoUs are often the first step in a relationship between organisations and build the foundation for a future partnership
- there is a difference between MoUs and contracts. Contracts are legally binding, but MoUs focus on collaboration
Why is an MoU important?
There are several benefits to formalising a partnership through an MOU, it provides:
- clarity about what each organisation is going to do, what they are getting out, and timeframes
- a chance to tell others about the partnership, the benefits, and who is contributing to it
It makes the partnership sustainable by providing:
- a chance to include it into the organisational strategy
- a chance to maintain the partnership with changes of staff
- an opportunity to share responsibility, and stop individuals having increased workloads
Ofqual and IfATE working together
This Ofqual and IfATE Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by:
Jennifer Coupland. Chief Executive of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).
5 February 2024.
Sir Ian Bauckham. Chief Regulator of the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual).
7 February 2024.
This Memorandum of Understanding replaces a previous Memorandum of Understanding published in 2018.
Published 21 February 2024
Last updated 21 February 2024
(AM, NS)