48.— (1) A provider referred to in section 44(9) may enter into an arrangement with an awarding body other than the Authority to provide, organise or procure a programme of education and training where—

(a) completion of the programme by an enrolled learner and the attainment by the learner of a specified standard of knowledge, skill or competence upon such completion entitles the learner to an award of the body, and

(b) the award of the body is F37[an award included within the Framework].

(2) A provider shall notify the Authority of an arrangement referred to in subsection (1) prior to entering into the arrangement.

F38[(3) For the period of 5 years from the commencement of section 23 of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) (Amendment) Act 2019, paragraph (b) of subsection (1) shall not apply to an arrangement referred to in that subsection if the arrangement has been entered into before the commencement of that section 23.]