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Optimus
Updates
All Change in the World
of Learning and Development
Three major changes are happening in the
learning and development industry and they are all closely linked. The Awarding
Bodies have introduced the Joint Awarding Body Guidance for Internal
Verification, QCA have brought in the NVQ Code of Practice and EMPNTO have
launched the long awaited ‘A’ and ‘V’ units. This has raised many
questions for NVQ Centres and in this Update, Optimus Associates has tried to
address a few of them.
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A and V Units
1
Can anyone who thinks they would like to be an assessor achieve the ‘A’
unit?
No, the ‘A’
unit now has a very strong element of quality assurance embedded within it.
To
achieve the award the assessor must demonstrate their working not only with
candidates but also a centre up to external verification of NVQ units.
2 How often does the assessor candidate get observed?
Only once when giving feedback to the candidate on the completion of a FULL
unit. The assessor candidate still has to observe their candidate and record in
their evidence.
3 Is there an alternative for work based assessors?
Yes, the L20 unit covers observed assessment of competence and there are
also a number of different certificates available where 3 or 4 units have been
grouped together to form individual awards.
4 If
I only have one candidate can I still do the A1 or A2 units?
No, the assessment criteria states a minimum of 2 candidates working with 3
assessment plans.
5 How
long will it take to do the ‘V’ unit?
Due to the complexity of the award it is anticipated it may take up to 18
months.
6
Why will it take so
long?
This is because there is now an extra element in which the IV candidate has
to conduct an EV visit meeting, and undertake all the related activities that
are involved with this.
NVQ Code of Practice
1
When does it come into force?
The NVQ Code of
Practice has been available for a number of months but comes into effect on 1st
September 2002.
2 Is
it mandatory?
Yes. QCA now
have regulatory powers to ensure Awarding Bodies implement the Code of Practice.
3 What
will happen if our centre does not meet requirements?
Your External
Verifier will audit your centre against requirements and depending on the type
of non-compliance will either issue an action plan, downgrade your centre,
withdraw your direct claims status or in serious circumstances de-regulate all
together.
4 What
does the Code of Practice cover?
In short
everything, from assessment to internal verification, quality assurance and
quality control. Management systems, NVQ delivery and monitoring and review.
Joint Awarding Body Guidance for IV
1 Is the guidance mandatory?
No. However, if
you have staff at your centre who wish to achieve the ‘V’ unit, they will
have to have demonstrated competency against the vast majority of the
recommendations.
2
What
about the IV role?
Internal verification is now seen very much as a management role. It is not
sufficient for IV’s to carry out internal verification on completed
portfolios. The IV must have input from when the assessor is appointed to the
candidate through to certification.
3 Sampling
Assessments – how often?
The guidance recommends that internal verification of portfolios takes place
not only at the certification stage but before completion of a unit as well as
when one or two units have been completed.
4
What
is the role in supporting assessors?
The guidance recognises not only the need for observing assessors but also
providing them with all the necessary information and resources for the IV to
monitor continuing professional development and evaluate its effectiveness.
If the above answers have left you pondering the next move for your centre,
Optimus Associates are pleased to announce a consultancy service tailored to
meet the needs of your organisation. For further information please contact
Wendy Melvin .
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