At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as an External Quality Assurer, ensuring quality in education and training.
- Company: Focus Awards is a top Ofqual-regulated Awarding Organisation dedicated to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility with occasional travel and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while working with passionate professionals in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: You need a Level 4 Award in External Quality Assurance or equivalent experience.
- Other info: This is a full-time role with a chance to grow your career in quality assurance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Focus Awards, a leading Ofqual-regulated Awarding Organisation (AO), is actively looking for an organised, efficient, and personable EQA with strong, demonstrable experience in Service Enterprise or Sports Leisure and Recreation. Broad commercial experience is essential. You have worked previously with another AO, liaising directly with the CEO, SMT and QA department. You are a great communicator both within the organisational structure and without. A credible background in qualification development 'goes with the territory' of an EQA, so you will have this too.
A full driving licence, access to a car and willingness to travel is essential.
Qualifications Required:
- Level 4 Award in External Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice (RQF) or hold ENTO NVQ Unit V2 (D35). If you currently hold Unit 1 of the Award (Understanding EQA), and are studying Unit 2, we may consider you and help you to get full certification in exchange for a number of visits once qualified.
- Degree or Master’s level qualification in subject matter area of competence and/or regulated qualifications in the subject area.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist with activities for new centre and additional qualification approvals, following the procedures and processes laid down by Focus Awards.
- Conduct post-approval visits to approved centres to advise them on Focus Awards’ requirements.
- Monitor the ongoing compliance of specified centres with regulatory requirements, as laid down in Focus Awards' procedures and processes and to ensure and verify the consistency of assessment decisions for specified qualifications across your allocated centres.
- Ensure assessment practice confirms validity, authenticity, reliability, currency, and sufficiency.
- Ensure Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) practices and procedures meet Focus Awards' and regulatory requirements and that IQAs practice validity, authenticity, reliability, currency, and sufficiency.
- Ensure that Centre Staff and resources are appropriate to the qualification being delivered.
- Meet with staff and learners to discuss aspects of the qualification, including induction, assessment process, resources, qualification structure, and the student support/mentoring process.
- Provide positive feedback, identify areas of best practice, and encourage Centres to develop their practice.
- Present to QA findings of centre monitoring via written evidence-based reports in a timely manner and in the format specified by Focus Awards, including any recommendations for sanctions.
- Contribute, as required, to the review and design of qualifications including the determination of the qualification and assessment structure, in accordance with Focus Awards' procedures.
- Attend development meetings as required.
- Recruit new centres and develop new qualification opportunities within existing centres.
- Develop qualification resources, including manuals and materials, and liaise closely with the qualification development team to identify gaps in coverage.
- Maintain CPD activities and suitable qualifications and/or occupational competence to enable the credible fulfilment of an External Quality Assurer role on behalf of Focus Awards. CPD records must be updated at least on an annual basis.
- Attend and successfully complete Focus Awards' standardisation activities at least annually. This is a requirement; without completing standardisation EQAs will not be eligible for allocations.
- If required by Focus Awards, act as Lead EQA to manage the work of a group of EQAs including quality assuring their work through accompanied visits and reviews of reports.
- Train new EQAs including assessing their competence against national standards.
This is a full-time remote working position with occasional travel to the office in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
Seniority Level: Mid-Senior level
Employment Type: Other
Job Function: Quality Assurance
Industries: Education Administration Programs
External Quality Assurer (EQA) employer: Focus Awards Ltd
Contact Detail:
Focus Awards Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Quality Assurer (EQA)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education and quality assurance sectors. Attend relevant industry events or webinars where you can meet people who work at Focus Awards or similar organisations. Building these connections can give you insights into the company culture and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific qualifications and regulatory requirements that Focus Awards adheres to. Understanding their processes and standards will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience with other Awarding Organisations, especially any direct interactions with senior management. Highlighting your ability to communicate effectively within organisational structures will be crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of the importance of compliance and quality assurance in education. Be ready to provide examples of how you've ensured compliance in past roles, as this will resonate well with the responsibilities of an External Quality Assurer.
We think you need these skills to ace External Quality Assurer (EQA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in Service Enterprise or Sports Leisure and Recreation. Emphasise any previous roles with an Awarding Organisation and your interactions with senior management.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly outline your qualifications, including the Level 4 Award in External Quality Assurance. Mention your driving licence and willingness to travel, as these are essential for the role.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key for this position, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated with various stakeholders in past roles.
Highlight Continuous Professional Development: Mention any relevant CPD activities you have undertaken, especially those related to quality assurance. This shows your commitment to maintaining and enhancing your professional skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Focus Awards Ltd
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience with Awarding Organisations, especially any direct interactions with senior management. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've contributed to quality assurance processes in the past.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
As a Quality Assurer, strong communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to explain complex concepts, so ensure you can do this in a straightforward manner.
✨Understand Regulatory Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the regulatory requirements relevant to the role. Being able to discuss these regulations and how they impact quality assurance will show that you're well-prepared and knowledgeable.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges you might face as an EQA and how you would address them effectively.