Assessors

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is recruiting a small number of assessors to join an existing assessment team for the Turing Programme – an outward education and training mobility programme funded and overseen by the UK Department for Education. The Turing programme enables learners in schools, colleges and universities to access international study and work opportunities and delivers transformative opportunities for individuals and communities across the UK.

The ACU works with a network of external assessors to assess applications and appeals from institutions in the Schools, Further Education/Vocational Education and Training and Higher Education sectors in the UK and British Overseas Territories. This is a unique opportunity to make a major contribution to a leading global mobility programme. The Turing programme will operate in Academic Year 2026/27 and are recruiting to be ready should the programme go ahead.

We are seeking assessors for the Schools and Further Education/Vocational Education and Training sectors only. Assessors will be responsible for evaluating applications against the programme criteria. We are keen to welcome applicants from all four UK countries – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – to reflect the diverse and devolved nature of UK education and training.

Assessors must possess sector‑specific knowledge of one or more of the sectors being recruited, and a solid track record of conducting high‑quality, independent assessments for local, national or international agencies. You will also have substantial experience at a middle or senior management level in the UK Schools or FE/VET sectors, and the ability to produce concise, effective written feedback. We are also keen to hear from applicants with experience in both sectors.

Comprehensive, compulsory training will be provided to all successful applicants in March 2026, should the programme be confirmed for this year. Appointed assessors who complete the training will be paid a maximum of one day’s assessment rate as a contribution to their time spent undertaking the training.

Assessors will each be required to commit to the equivalent of approximately 2‑2.5 days’ assessment work (16‑20 hours) per week throughout the 6‑week assessment window, which we anticipate will take place throughout March and April 2026 (subject to confirmation). This equates to 4 applications in one day (i.e. 8 applications over 2 days, 10 applications over 2.5 days).

Assessors will be paid £340 for each full day of completed assessments (4 applications) or a pro‑rated amount for each assessment (quarter day). This rate is inclusive of feedback consolidation and of any supplementary review or reassessment that may be needed as the result of a quality check or moderation. Additional assessment days within the assessment window may be offered to those with capacity to do more, depending on the number of funding applications received. We also reserve the right to appoint reserve assessors in case of substantially increased demand. Being appointed is no guarantee of any paid work.

In order to be an assessor, applicants should:

• Not be currently employed by the Association of Commonwealth Universities
• Not have been employed by the Association of Commonwealth Universities since 2020
• Hold a UK bank account registered in their own name or business name. Nominated bank accounts will not be accepted and payment will be in sterling.
• Be living in the UK and have the right to work in the UK
• Have satisfactory references

Key tasks:

• Understanding and applying the assessment criteria: assessors will need to demonstrate a clear understanding of the programme’s objectives, and assessment criteria, applying these consistently, fairly and transparently to all applications ensuring that these are consistently applied and adhered to.
• Assessment of applications: completing the specified number of assessments to the programme’s quality standards and within the agreed timeframe and responding to any follow‑up from the ACU secretariat in a timely manner.
• Scoring and feedback: completing the reporting template and feedback on applications, scoring each question against the evidence provided and constructing and consolidating meaningful feedback; revisiting and, where necessary, re‑assessing applications or specific questions under the guidance of the relevant Senior Assessor.
• Advice and insight: providing advice and insight on the quality of applications and the management of the process with recommendations for improvement.

Skills and experience: Essential

• Sector‑specific expertise: demonstrable sector‑specific knowledge and expertise of one or more of the sectors being recruited to (Schools or Further Education/Vocational Education and Training), and substantial experience at middle or senior management level in one or more of these sectors in the UK, and experience of working in education and training in one or more of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. We are also keen to hear from applicants with experience in both sectors.
• Assessment or evaluation experience: extensive experience of conducting high‑quality, high‑stakes independent assessments and/or evaluations for local, national or international agencies in an education and training context.
• Delivery: a clear track record of managing multiple priorities whilst meeting tight deadlines and exacting quality standards to get the job done. This also includes the ability to analyse written and numerical information and produce concise, impactful written feedback.

Skills and experience: Desirable

• Experience of working in international education and training mobility programmes.
• Involvement in regular community‑based activity, e.g. voluntary work, community engagement and charity work.

How to apply:

• Submit your application via email including an up‑to‑date CV and a cover letter of 1,000 words maximum detailing how you meet the skills and experience of the role, along with your motivation for applying.
• There will be a rolling deadline until all assessors have been recruited with a closing date of 4 February 2026 at 12:00 (GMT). Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and applicants will be contacted to arrange a suitable time and date for the interview via MS Teams. We reserve the right to close the application window ahead of this deadline if all positions are filled.