QUAL43 – Independent Assessor – Operating Department Practitioner (Integrated) Degree Apprenticeship

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Academic Quality & Standards Office
Salary:

£41.13 per hour

Release Date:  

Friday 30 September 2022

Closing Date:  

Sunday 16 October 2022

Reference:  

QUAL43

The End Point Assessment Department (EPAD):  

The University of West London is the End Point Assessment organisation for the integrated apprenticeship and is fully registered on the Education and Skills Funding Agency Register of End Point Assessment Organisations (RoEPAO). The End Point Assessment department (EPAD) is responsible for the quality assurance of End Point Assessments (EPA) for apprenticeships, ensuring robust internal quality assurance processes in line with the requirements of assessment plans. The department is also responsible for recruiting and training Independent Assessors.  

The Role:  

The Independent Assessor (IA) role assesses the Apprentice(s) competence against an industry specific standard, as part of the End Point Assessment activities carried out by apprentices on the Degree Apprenticeship. The role provides independence and impartiality for the Apprenticeship Standard and requires use of assessment experience with robust industry knowledge to form judgements and grading decisions. The IA will carry out the EPA as set out in the Assessment Plan for the Apprenticeship Standard, including: 

• Invigilating, assessing and grading the assessment activities according to the Assessment Plan
• Overseeing the design of EPA activities.
• Observing the Apprentice in the observation of practice (where applicable)
• Determining the EPA grade (Professional Discussion grade and Observation grade)
• Taking part in standardisation activity.
• Participating in annual assessment training.
• Provide detailed and appropriate feedback to support apprentice development where necessary.
• Annually submitting evidence of CPD activity within the agreed timescale.
• Annually reviewing conflicts of interest declaration within the agreed timescale.
• Overseeing and coordinating standardisation of EPA outcomes between Independent Assessors (where applicable).
• Completing annual report.

The role will be given ongoing support and guidance from the AQSO and the relevant School/College in order to fulfil their role. They will also be expected to attend internal and external events relevant to the Apprenticeship to ensure they are kept up to date with any changes to the Apprenticeship Standard.  

The Person:  

The successful candidate must meet the following criteria: 

• Is occupationally competent in Operating Department Practice and academically competent in degree level assessment.
• Hold current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as an ODP or current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council as a Registered Nurse; both of whom have had 2 years’ experience working in the Perioperative environment in the preceding two years
  .
• Hold a recognised teaching and assessment of practice qualification.
• Have a thorough understanding of Higher and Degree Apprenticeships.
• Hold detailed subject knowledge in the relevant Apprenticeship Standard, including knowledge and understanding of UK sector agreed reference points for the maintenance of academic standards and assurance and enhancement of quality.
• Have competence and experience relating to designing and operating a variety of assessment tasks appropriate to the subject and operating assessment procedures and/or have been trained in assessment practice.
• Sufficient standing, credibility and breadth of experience within the discipline to be able to command the respect of academic and, where appropriate, professional peers.
• Be familiar with the EPA performance expected of apprentices to achieve the award being assessed.
• Meet applicable criteria set by PSRB, where applicable. If possible, have membership of a professional institute or association appropriate to the level and subject area of the qualification.
• Have awareness of current developments in the design and delivery of relevant assessments.
• Have sufficient knowledge to undertake EPA activities with integrity and impartiality to offer a fair, reliable and consistent assessment experience for all apprentices.

The role will be formally approved by the Academic Quality and Standards Office (AQSO), following; successful completion of necessary training, employment checks in relation to conflict of interest and right to work in the UK. 

Training requirements:  

The university is committed to providing high-quality assessors with capacity and credibility. Assessor appointments will therefore only be confirmed upon completion of a comprehensive training programme. The role will be involved in training provided by the AQSO and Lead Independent Assessor (where appropriate). The role is expected to attend an annual standardisation training event to ensure fair, consistent and reliable grading of all assessments. Independent Assessors should hold the A1 Assessor Award or the Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (where required) or be working towards one of these.  

Please upload your CV and Cover Letter. 

Further details: