Qualification Approver

Their primary role is to work with the Qualification Approval and Verification Officer (QAVO) team and other SQA staff as appropriate to ensure consistent application of SQA qualification approval criteria, and participate in approval processes of qualifications in the qualification area(s) concerned to ensure that standards are maintained.

These activities will be under the direction of staff from SQA's HN and Vocational Delivery business area.

Outline of duties

• Assess completed applications from centres applying to SQA to deliver SQA qualifications from a qualification perspective.
• Make recommendations as to whether the centre demonstrates the potential, from a qualification perspective, to operate as very low risk to SQA. In making this decision, the Qualification Approver must make specific reference to the approval criteria within the quality section of SQA's Operating Agreement.
• Seek clarification of/additions to evidence provided by the centres in their application.
• Make recommendations to the appropriate QAVO on the type of approval event that will be appropriate.
• Make recommendations to the appropriate QAVO on development work required in cases where there is insufficient evidence provided or understanding demonstrated of SQA's qualification approval criteria.
• Conduct or provide input to a range of Approval Events either through visits or remotely.
• Complete reporting documentation as required by SQA in accordance with set timescales.
• Participate in Qualification Approver training events as required.
• Complete CPD and submit evidence to SQA as required.

Selection criteria

Essential characteristics

Successful candidates must:

• be able to demonstrate up-to-date qualification knowledge and a high level of expertise in assessment across the range of Courses, levels, qualification types, and the areas for which they are appointed. Qualification Approvers will be expected to have appropriate academic, vocational or professional qualifications or expertise in the same or closely related qualification area for which they seek an appointment.
• be able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and be able to engage positively with all team colleagues
• be able to communicate confidently, effectively and professionally with Head of Centres and/or SQA Co-ordinators and SQA staff both orally (at briefings and meetings) and in writing (reports)
• have a home computer or laptop with broadband internet connection and a private e-mail address

Desirable characteristics

Successful candidates should:

• be able to work co-operatively and professionally with other centre staff and SQA staff
• be able to demonstrate excellent organisational and administrative skills and provide attention to detail
• have an in-depth understanding of all documentation, duties, tasks and procedures associated with the subject area for which they have responsibility
• hold a current clean driving licence
• be working towards achieving the relevant L&D Unit or hold equivalent qualifications

Key Performance Measures

• Complete Qualification Approver training.
• Complete scheduled qualification approver allocation within conditions and timescales for SQA.
• Complete Qualification Approver reports as per SQA quality standard and within agreed timescales.
• Positive engagement with all members of the team and SQA centres' personnel.
• Submit CPD record within agreed timescales where appropriate.