Freelance IT, Network and Cyber Security Apprenticeship Assessment Assessor

Freelance Apprenticeship Assessment Assessor

Location: Remote with travel for assessments

Salary: up to £250 per day

Line management responsibilities: No

Overview

Training Qualifications UK (TQUK) is the UK’s fastest-growing awarding organisation and a market-leading assessment organisation. We partner with more than 500 schools, colleges, universities, and training providers worldwide, supporting over 150,000 learners each year through qualifications, endorsements, and apprenticeships. Our success lies in doing things differently, placing innovation, integrity, and quality at the heart of everything we do.

The role of a Freelance Apprenticeship Assessment Assessor is to provide independent, fair, reliable, and consistent assessment services to Training Qualifications UK customers working with Apprenticeship Standards. Apprenticeship Assessment Assessors are required to use assessment experience with robust and relevant industry knowledge to form judgements and grading decisions upon the completion of a variety of assessment activities, which test the apprentices’ occupational competency. This role requires someone flexible in their approach to all tasks, with the independence to travel as and when the business requires. Also has exceptional assessment abilities coupled with the ability to act with integrity and impartiality.

The sectors that fall within this role to be assessed are:

• Information Communications Technician
• Network Engineer
• IT Solutions Technician
• DevOps Engineer
• Cyber Security Technologist (2021)

Key Responsibilities

• Assessment Delivery

Plan, deliver, and record assessment activity in line with apprenticeship standards and awarding organisation requirements. Other related standards may be added once training has been completed. Make objective, evidence-based assessment decisions that are valid, reliable, and consistent. Ensure assessment practice complies with regulatory requirements, including those relating to independence and conflicts of interest. Provide clear, constructive, and timely feedback to apprentices. Maintain accurate, auditable, and compliant assessment records.

• Subject Matter Expertise (SME)

Contribute to the design and development of assessment materials, including:

• Question banks
• Examination papers
• Mark schemes and grading criteria

Review and validate assessment content to ensure:

• Technical accuracy
• Occupational relevance
• Alignment with current industry practice and standards

Act as a Subject Advisor where specified within apprenticeship standards. Support continuous improvement through review of assessment performance data and feedback.

• Standardisation & Quality Assurance

Participate in and, where required, lead standardisation activities to ensure consistency and comparability of assessment decisions. Support the induction, training, and calibration of assessors, including freelance or associate staff. Guide the interpretation of standards and assessment requirements. Contribute to internal quality assurance processes and continuous improvement activity.

• External Quality Assurance (EQA) Activity

(Where required by the organisation or specific apprenticeship standards) Undertake EQA activity to assure the quality, consistency, and integrity of assessment decisions. Sample assessment decisions and associated evidence in line with quality assurance strategy. Monitor assessment practice and identify risks, trends, and areas for improvement. Provide clear, evidence-based feedback and support corrective actions where required. Contribute to maintaining standards across centres, assessors, and delivery models.

• Independence & Compliance

Identify, declare, and manage any conflicts of interest in line with organisational policy and regulatory requirements. Ensure assessment and quality assurance decisions are made free from undue influence or personal interest. Participate in mitigation measures (e.g. second marking, independent review, or standardisation) where required. Maintain compliance with all relevant regulatory, organisational, and quality assurance requirements.

• Other Responsibilities

Maintain continuous professional development (CPD) in both occupational areas and assessment practice. Keep up to date with changes in apprenticeship standards, regulatory requirements, and industry practice. Support organisational quality, compliance, and continuous improvement objectives. Produce accurate, appropriate and well-informed assessment feedback/written reports to validate assessment decisions using the correct and as required regulatory paperwork and appropriate systems.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance

Sample assessments using a risk-based approach, focusing on high-priority areas. Ensure assessment judgements are fair, reliable, and aligned with assessment plans. Support preparation for and response to EQA visits. Escalate concerns relating to malpractice or non-compliance.

• Professional Standards & Development

Maintain current knowledge of apprenticeship standards, sector updates, and regulatory frameworks. Demonstrate integrity, impartiality, and a commitment to CPD. Share best practice examples and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. Be responsible for maintaining your own ongoing CPD relevant to assessment and internal quality assurance practices, the wider Apprenticeship landscape, and the industry for which you assess.

Essential Standards

• Information Communications Technician Level 3
• Network Engineer Level 4
• IT Solutions Technician Level 3
• DevOps Engineer Level 4
• Cyber Security Technologist (2021) Level 4
• Software Development (desirable)

Essential Skills / Experience / Qualifications

• Relevant qualifications such as the International Diploma in Business Analysis or Certified Business Analysis Professional Qualification.
• Functional Skills Level 2 (English and maths).
• Experience in the digital technology sector, including cloud infrastructure engineering, agile software development and DevOps practices gained in the last two years.
• Proven assessment experience, including sampling and feedback.
• Understanding of safeguarding, duty of care, EDI, and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent written/verbal communication and report-writing skills.
• Confident in stakeholder engagement and presenting professional judgement.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to work independently and to deadlines.
• Commitment to ongoing CPD.

Desirable Skills / Experience / Qualifications

• Have or working towards Assessor qualification (D32/D33, A1, TAQA, or equivalent).
• Quality Assurer (D34, IQA Award, EQA Award).

Key Characteristics

• Solution-focused with a “can do” approach.
• Professional, approachable, and collaborative.
• Passionate about education and learner outcomes.
• Adaptable and willing to travel.

*We are an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Should you require any additional support during the recruitment process due to a disability, please contact us so we can assist you.