About Pearson
Welcome to Pearson, the world's leading learning company. We have a simple mission: to help people make more of their lives through learning.
We are the UK's largest awarding body and offer qualifications and services that are globally recognised and benchmarked, with educational excellence rooted in names like Edexcel, BTEC, EDI and LCCI. We are also registered as an end-point assessment organisation for a range of new apprenticeships.
Overview of the Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) role
Government has introduced a requirement that all apprenticeships contain an end-point assessment (EPA) which is a holistic assessment of the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. This is to make sure that apprentices meet the rigorous standard set by employers and are fully competent in the relevant occupation. Pearson must provide employers with the confidence that completing an apprenticeship means an individual is fully job-ready and that all apprentices, following the same standard, are assessed consistently, regardless of where they are undertaking their apprenticeship or who they are doing it with.
The end-point assessments will be conducted onsite, or remotely (as appropriate), on dates agreed with employers. Independent end-point assessors (IEAs) will record and submit their EPA evidence, with clear justifications for the marks and grading decisions.
Suitably qualified IQAs will provide their IEA colleagues with ongoing training, standardisation and support, to ensure standards are established and maintained throughout the EPA process.
Key Accountabilities:
The IQA will:
Take part in regular training and standardisation activities, associated with the role and EPAMaintain and provide evidence of ongoing, relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD)Manage, monitor and support a team of IEAs for allocated EPAsStandardise IEA practice, to ensure that it is in line with the protocols set out in Pearson's specifications, assessment instruments and policiesContribute to the ongoing IEA performance management processDevelop and deliver content for IEA training and standardisation activitiesSupport the EPA Delivery team with the recruitment and selection of IEAsReview the CPD records of IEAsReport on IEA performance and EPA trendsUndertake quality assurance activities, remotely and on-site, in line with the sampling strategy, taking into account key risk factorsKeep accurate and up-to-date records of the IQA process, including standardisation activitiesMaintain service-level agreements with regards to responding to EPA planning, operational activities, reports and submissions of quality assurance outcomesReport all risks and issues encountered during the EPA, to Pearson, including any suspected malpractice/maladministrationEnsure all reports and evidence are high quality and recorded accuratelySupport Pearson, if necessary, with any appeals from apprentices, regarding assessment decisionsEnsure that any personal actions are completed, as required by PearsonContribute to the continuous improvement of Pearson's EPA activitiesContribute to external quality assurance activities and auditsRaise any conflicts of interest, including in relation to the independence of assessmentProvide support to the EPA Delivery team on IEA queries, as requested.
Person Specification
Background and Experience (essential):
Meets the IEA requirements for the associated EPAsHold an assessors qualification (A1 assessors award or TAQA qualification)Hold an internal quality assurance qualificationExperience of supporting and managing remote teams of assessorsEvidence of CPD, in line with the EPA specialismExperience of complying with quality assurance/regulatory requirementsOccupational experience in Rugby League/Union
Skills & Knowledge (Essential)
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively respond to conflictsAbility to maintain accuracy, whilst processing high volumes of evidenceFull knowledge of the Microsoft Office suiteExcellent time management and organisational skillsSufficient and relevant technical knowledge of the legislation, regulatory frameworks, systems, technology, tools and processes associated with the EPA(s)Understanding of the changes from apprenticeship frameworks to standardsIn-depth knowledge of the associated apprenticeship standard, assessment plan, specification, assessment instruments and recording toolsAbility to assess, free from biasAbility to assess and report risksAbility to meet deadlines
Other requirements
Any applicant undertaking this role will be expected to:Have personal IT equipment capable of running Pearson required softwareHave a suitable broadband connection, Microphone, Headphones and a webcamHave a personal and secure email accountHave a postal address in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey Isle of ManHave the right to work in the UK