I'll start by quoting from...

Guidance Note 7 - Published 11 April 2011
Skills Funding Agency-P-110031

"Electronic Records
80. Providers must retain a robust and reliable form of evidence to support funding claims including evidence of learner existence, eligibility, and achievement. From 1 August 2011, providers will be able to hold evidence in electronic format. This may include holding data on electronic platforms and in scanned format, including learner signatures." ...