This job is closed and is displayed for reference only.
Reference:SEE/CON/18
Closing date:15 December 2017 at midnight
Purpose of the role is to be the responsible expert in terms of specification interpretation and External Examiner (EE) standardisation for the range of programmes within a Principal Subject Area (PSA) at Levels 4-7. To monitor assessment and internal verification for a range of programmes at Levels 4-7 within a PSA in order to report on national standards across centres.
Key Accountabilities:
For a defined range of programmes within the PSA, the Senior External Examiner (SEE) will:
- Sample assessment and internal verification decisions in order to report that national standards are maintained
- Hold subject specific responsibility for assessment advice and standards
- Offer specialist advice and support to centres and External Examiners (EEs) in relation to the content and interpretation of specifications, assessment and delivery
- Provide sampling-related support and development to EEs
- Review EE reports to comment on the maintenance of national standards
- Identify and escalate issues of adverse standards interpretation
- Undertake a proactive role in maintaining national standards
- Source student work in order to develop the content for the training and standardisation of EEs
- Lead and deliver training events to centres and EEs as required
- Produce an end of year report within the parameters of a defined template in order to comment on nationals standards
- Report back to Pearson within agreed service-level agreements (SLAs)
- Contribute to Pearson’s ‘Ask the Expert’ service
- Represent BTEC Assessment or Pearson as required
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the work of BTEC Assessment in relation to this role
- Champion the programme area to both internal and external customers
- Oversee the delivery of effective, efficient and coherent training, standardisation and updating of all EEs to ensure the reliability of verification outcomes
- Agree monthly activities with the Principal Standards Manager (PSM) including deadlines for all key activities and report on progress each month
- Offer specialist advice and support to centres and EEs in relation to the content and interpretation of specifications, assessment and delivery
- Create a one-team approach within the sector team where all EEs feel engaged and supported
- Identify talent from within the sector that can be nurtured through development opportunities to ensure succession planning
- Contribute towards evaluation of EEs performance through training and standardisation.
- Work closely with Pearson to provide customer support and quality assurance guidance to ensure successful implementation of new products and services (e.g. RQF).
Previous Work Experience:
Essential:
- Substantial recent experience in verification of HNs and BTEC Professional Qualifications at Levels 4-7 within the sector
- Significant experience in delivering and assessing HNs and BTEC Professional Qualifications at Levels 4-7
- Higher level assessment and delivery experience across a range of qualifications
- Be an A or B Grade Associate (from BTEC AA monitoring)
- Evidence of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in the field of assessment and delivery of vocational qualifications at Levels 4-7
Desirable:
- Experience of delivering or participating in online and face to face training and standardisation
Skills and Knowledge:
Essential:
- A clear understanding of the educational landscape and regulatory requirements for qualifications within the Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF)
- Detailed knowledge of the specifications that comprise the area of expertise for the role
- Excellent report writing skills
- Ability to edit materials to ensure they are grammatically correct and fit for purpose
- Excellent communication, written, verbal, IT and interpersonal skills
- Ability to understand the implications of decisions taken on Pearson’s behalf and not to operate outside the sphere of responsibility defined within this job description
Desirable:
- Intermediate to advanced level skills in the use of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Leading a team
- Demonstrable people management skills
- Roles of QAA and Ofqual
- Knowledge of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
About Pearson:
We are the UK's largest awarding body and offer qualifications that are globally recognised and benchmarked, with educational excellence rooted in a range of General and Vocational courses.