Internal Quality Assurer (IQA)

Salary: £31,200 – £36,000 per year

The role of the Internal Quality Assurer is to conduct quality assurance, identify and implement improvement in the provision of teaching, learning and assessment, and ensure that the learning experience is of a consistently high quality, with achievement in line with expectation and defined timescales.

The role is predominantly field based, providing support to Vocational Tutors effectively, with appropriate administration time applied.

Key responsibilities

* To continually improve the quality of the learning experience and ensure the validity and authenticity of the achieved qualifications.

* To provide information and support directly to Vocational Tutors in order to aid them in the use of learning and assessment technology, the efficient application of teaching and assessment methodologies, and in order to ensure Learner’s progress in a timely manner.

* To provide feedback on the quality and performance of Vocational Tutors to the Vocational Tutor, the Vocational Tutors line management and the Quality Manager.

* Ensuring that Teaching, Learning and Assessments conform to the Awarding Organisation assessment strategies and guidance, and the relevant learning and development standards.

* Responsible for quality assurance of learning delivered by Vocational Tutors allocated to them by the Quality Manager including the monitoring, support, interview and observation conducted on site at a frequency as defined by the Quality Manager.

* Completion of interim and summative sampling reports, conducting Learner and Employer interviews and carrying out OTLA activity in line with the Companies internal quality assurance policy and procedures.

* Responsible for the ensuring timely completion of quality assurance and administrative documentation.

* Provide performance related information to meet company timescales and deadlines.

* To attend/organise Awarding Organisation and company performance and standardisation meetings as required.

* As requested, to conduct cross sampling of other IQA’s activities to ensure standardised and consistent quality assurance practice across the Company.

* Work with the Quality Manager to support delivery of the Quality Improvement Plan and input into the organisation Self-Assessment.

* Involvement in/organisation of Awarding Organisation visits as designated by the Quality Manager.

* Support with/lead on Training/CPD activities to ensure all Vocational Tutors have the full opportunity to develop their skills and enhance delivery of teaching, learning and assessment.

* Undertake and maintain a log of continuous professional development to ensure skills and knowledge are always up to date.

GENERAL DUTIES

To comply at all times with the requirements of the Health & Safety regulations under the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) and to take responsibility for the health and safety and welfare of others in the working environment ensuring that agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment.

To comply at all times with the Company’s data security policy. Also to respect confidentiality of information about staff, learners and service users and in particular the confidentiality of electronically stored personal data in line with the General Data Protection Regulations.

Disclosure Barring (DBS) (formerly CRB) checks are a mandatory part of the recruitment process for staff. The Pathway Group aims to promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. Criminal records will be taken into account for recruitment purposes only when the conviction is relevant. Having an unspent conviction will not necessarily bar you from employment. This will depend on the circumstances and background to the offence and the position you have applied for. The Pathway Group is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. This means the convictions never become “spent” for work which involves access to Young People and Vulnerable Adults. Failure to disclose any “unspent” convictions may result in the offer of employment being withdrawn or if appointed could lead to dismissal. The Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) has published a code of practice for organisations undertaking DBS checks and a copy is available on request.

It is the responsibility of all Company employees to fully comply with the safeguarding policies and procedures of the Company. As a Pathway Group employee, you must ensure that you understand your role in protecting adults and children that may be at risk of abuse. Individuals must ensure compliance with their safeguarding training.

The Company is committed to a policy of equal opportunities. A copy of our policy is available from the human resources department.

The Company operates a no-smoking policy.

You should familiarise yourself with the requirements of the Company’s policies in respect of the Freedom of Information Act and comply with those requirements accordingly.

The role description gives a general outline of the duties of the post and is not intended to be an inflexible or finite list of tasks. It may be varied, from time to time, after consultation with the post holder.

Any other duties as designated by your manager and which are commensurate with the grade.

Education / Qualifications

Level 4 Internal Quality Assurance – Essential

Assessor qualification (D32, D33, TAQA or equivalent) – Essential

Teaching or Delivering Learning Qualification – Essential

Experience

of working within a Quality and Compliance role for at least 3 years – Essential

Experience of Ofsted inspections – Essential

Knowledge

Demonstrable understanding of the Skills Sector regulatory and compliance frameworks – Essential

Working knowledge of national guidelines and ability to research good practice solutions – Essential

Experience of developing and implementing policies, guidelines and projects – Desirable

Knowledge of current policy in the Skills Sector and how this applies – Desirable

Skills/Abilities

Excellent written and verbal communication (including presentation) skills, is able to communicate highly complex information that may be difficult to understand to internal and external stakeholders and make presentations to internal and external groups on a regular basis – Essential

Excellent interpersonal skills and have the ability to communicate concerns, complex / contentious issues in a diplomatic manner that does not offend or escalate – Essential

Proven ability to analyse complex problems and to develop and successfully implement practical and workable solutions to address them – Essential

Ability to deal with changing priorities, work under pressure, work to tight deadlines and be flexible – Essential

Ability to work collaboratively with staff at all levels across the Company and with external stakeholders and committed to teamwork – Essential

Good standard of numeracy – Essential

Experience of working with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook – Essential

Personal qualities

Self-motivated and keen to learn – Essential

Ability to adapt and work flexibly when required – Essential

High level of attention to detail and accuracy – Essential

Determination and has the ability to achieve deadlines – Essential

Ability to work as a team member as well as using own initiative – Essential

Be able to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team and establish relationships across the Company and with outside organisations – Essential

Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage difficult situations – Essential

Problem solving and decision making skills – Essential

Smart appearance and professional attitude – Essential

Ability to work closely with senior managers and staff at all levels – Essential

Able to demonstrate systematic approaches to work – Desirable

Ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality – Essential