The BVEP is being consulted by the Department of Culture, Digital, Media and Sport (DCMS) on the recognition of professional qualifications. This is part of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (Brexit Deal) which provides a framework under which the UK and the EU may agree Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs). Any agreement would potentially enable UK event professionals to secure recognition for their professional qualifications within EU Member States.
Arrangements are implemented on a profession-by-profession basis and depend upon reciprocal cooperation from both the UK and EU Member States. The framework enables UK and EU professional bodies or authorities to make recommendations on MRAs to the Partnership Council. Once an arrangement has been adopted, a professional qualified in the UK will be able to use the terms outlined in the arrangement to secure recognition of their qualifications within an EU Member State.
DCMS is undertaking this work on behalf of BEIS, initially gathering feedback on priority regulators and qualifications within the tourism sector which could include event roles. The review is also looking at which countries, sectors and qualifications there is a particular interest in.
Caroline Jackson, a BVEP Vice Chair and lead on the Partnership’s Skills and Talent Working Group said: "This request demonstrates the need for a concerted effort for those providing education and training courses to unite with the Association for Events Management Education, a Partner of BVEP, and the fledgling Institute of Event Management. It is important for the sector as a whole that we support and offer quality standards that are acceptable in the UK, EU and worldwide. The BVEP Skills and Talent Working Group are focusing on the issue of accreditation at their March meeting. Please get in touch if you can contribute to these discussions."
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Contact
Caroline Jackson –
About the BVEP
The Business Visits and Events Partnership’s (BVEP) vision is to support sustainable growth for the UK’s £70 billion UK Events Industry. BVEP’s mission is to support growth across the entire sector via advocacy, networking, collaboration and a collective voice.
The role of the BVEP is to:
- Operate an umbrella organisation to represent, promote and further the interest of member organisations involved in the United Kingdom Events Industry
- Advance the interests, standing, quality, sustainability and growth of the United Kingdom Events’ Industry
- Seek greater collaboration across the Events’ Industry sectors on common issues
- Forge close links with Government departments, including devolved Governments where possible via representation that can influence favourable policies towards the
Industry. In particular, maintain strong relationships with key sponsoring departments, DCMS, DIT and Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) - Seek a stronger link with the Creative Industries and other related sectors
- Encourage joint events
- Increase the focus on professionalism and skills development.