End Point Assessor - Apprenticeship - Sporting Excellence Professional (Football)

Independent End-Point Assessor - Sporting Excellence Professionals (Football)

About Pearson

Pearson is the world's leading learning company, with 35,000 employees in more than 70 countries working to help people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives through learning. We put the apprentice at the centre of everything we do, because wherever learning flourishes, so do people.

Overview of the independent end-point assessor role:

The Government has introduced a requirement that all apprenticeships contain an end-point assessment (EPA) which is a holistic assessment of the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour (KSBs) that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. This is to ensure that apprentices meet the rigorous standard set by employers and are fully competent in the relevant occupation. An independent EPA means that those making a decision on the competency of the apprentice have nothing to gain from the outcome of the assessment. To maintain independence within the scope of this EPA, an independent end-point assessor (IEA) can only undertake end-point assessments of apprentices with whom they have no conflict of interest. The end-point assessments will be conducted onsite, on dates agreed with employers and/or providers if appropriate. IEAs will record and submit the EPA outcomes, with clear justifications for the grading decisions. EPA activities will be quality assured by Pearson quality assurance representatives.

Key Accountabilities:

• Take part in regular training and standardisation activities, associated with the role of IEA for this EPA.
• Maintain and provide evidence of ongoing, relevant Continuous Professional Development (CPD).
• Assess the performance of candidates in accordance with published assessment and grading criteria and procedures, ensuring overall standards are maintained.
• Follow the protocols set out in Pearson's specifications, assessment materials and quality assurance protocols, relating to the EPAs.
• Maintain service-level agreements with regards to responding to EPA planning, operational activities, reports and submissions of assessment outcomes.
• Report all risks and issues encountered during the end-point assessment to Pearson, including any suspected malpractice/maladministration.
• Ensure all EPA reports and assessment evidence are high quality and recorded accurately.
• Support Pearson, if necessary, with any appeals from apprentices regarding assessment decisions.
• Raise any conflicts of interest, including in relation to the independence of assessment.
• Ensure that any personal actions are completed, as required by Pearson.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of Pearson's end-point assessment activities.
• Contribute to the external quality assurance activities undertaken by OFQUAL.

Person Specification

Occupational Profile: Sporting Excellence Professionals developed via this apprenticeship are competent to perform consistently and effectively in training environments and competitions in relation to one of the following professional sports: cricket, football, rugby league and rugby union.

Background and Experience (essential):

• Have significant relevant practical experience developing players within the specific elite sports environment which may typically (but not always) be demonstrated by 5 or more years' experience.
• Have significant relevant practical experience of working with players and coaches in the specific elite sports performance and talent development environments which may typically (but not always) be demonstrated by 5 or more years' experience.
• Hold or be working towards an assessors qualification (A1 assessors award or TAQA qualification).
• Hold a recognised sport specific coaching qualification at Level 3 or higher.
• Hold UEFA B certificate.
• Be approved or sanctioned by the relevant National Governing Body of sport.
• Experience of leading meetings/structured interviews/discussions.
• Experience of complying with quality assurance/regulatory requirements.
• Evidence of commitment to maintaining CPD, in line with new apprenticeship requirements and the EPA specialism.

Essential (others):

• Only UK based candidates will be considered for this role due to requirements.
• Minimum of two working days during the week will be required for EPA role.

Background and Experience (desirable):

• To hold, or be working towards an internal quality assurance qualification.
• Experience of making grading judgements.
• Knowledge of prevent & safeguarding.

Skills & Knowledge (Essential)

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively respond to conflicts.
• Flexibility to understand and respond to the individual needs and circumstances of employers/apprentices.
• Sufficient and relevant technical knowledge of:

• Health and Safety requirements in the workplace.
• Industry structure and processes.
• Relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.
• A range of products and services offered within the industry.
• Systems, tools, equipment, machinery and processes used within relevant roles.
• In-depth knowledge of the associated apprenticeship standard, assessment plan, specification, assessment instruments and recording tools.

Other requirements

Any applicant undertaking this role will be expected to:

• Have personal IT equipment capable of running Pearson required software.
• Have a suitable broadband connection, Microphone, Headphones and a webcam.
• Have a personal and secure email account.
• Have a postal address in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey Isle of Man.
• Have the right to work in the UK.
• Allow additional time for travel, when making EPA arrangements.