This qualification has been designed to provide a framework in which centres can offer education and learning opportunities to people who are vulnerable and experiencing instability in their lives. This may include people who are vulnerable because they are:  homeless; involved with substance misuse; looked after children who are leaving care; ex-offenders and young offenders amongst others.

The units are aimed at those who work closely with people who are vulnerable to provide a structured programme within which to focus their work. They offer learning outcomes with clear guidance on how each outcome should be achieved and suggestions for different types of evidence which can be produced to show how the learning outcome has been met.

The framework is made up of a variety of units under the headings of 'me', 'my space', and 'what I do'.  These have been designed for centres to focus on the individual needs of people who are vulnerable and to capture their capacity to learn and develop.