Depute Principal Verifier
A Depute Principal Verifier (DPV) is responsible for supporting the Principal Verifier in maintaining national standards for the qualifications within their remit. The DPV must ensure that all tasks associated with the quality assurance of internally assessed units of course assessments are carried out within the conditions, timescales and arrangements set by SQA.
The primary role is to support the Principal Verifier and manage team members to ensure that national standards are being consistently applied and maintained.
These activities will be under the direction of the Principal Verifier and staff from SQA's Operations and Qualifications Development directorates.
Outline of duties
- Support the Principal Verifier in all aspects of the delivery of quality assurance activities.
- Support the Principal Verifier in the development and delivery of training.
- Support the Principal Verifier manage quality assurance activities ensuring all procedures are conducted in line with SQA requirements.
- Deputise for the Principal Verifier as required
- Monitor, support and quality assure the work of the team.
- Assist SQA staff with subject specific enquiries, appeals and complaints
- Contribute to the performance review of team members.
- Support the preparation of the annual report and assist in the preparation of course reports
- DPVs may be asked to undertake activities which will attract additional payment:
- Participate in SQA organised activities where DPV attendance/input is required
- Undertake qualification approval activity
Selection criteria
Successful candidates must:
- currently be delivering a course in the subject area at one or more levels (or a closely-related course)
- have an in-depth understanding of the requirements across the course/levels in the subject area (which may include Higher and Advanced Higher where appropriate)
- have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to engage positively with all members of their team, providing leadership and support as required
- be able to communicate professionally, confidently and effectively; work professionally and co-operatively with subject specialists and SQA and centre staff
- have excellent organisational and administrative skills and provide attention to detail
- have a home computer or laptop with broadband internet connection
Key Performance Measures for Depute Principal Verifiers
Each year, on completion of the duties outlined in the depute principal verifier contract specification, the following Key Performance Measures (KPMs) will be used to measure performance. DPVs will be informed of the performance outcome when KPMs have not been achieved.
- Complete training programmes as required
- Ensure SQA quality assurance activity is carried out and completed within the conditions and timescales set by SQA.
- Train, support and monitor members of the team to meet SQA verification activity requirements.
- Ensure accuracy and consistency of decisions made by members of the team.
- Ensure reports written by members of the team meet quality standard.
- Positive engagement with all members of the team through leadership and management of people.
- Contribute to the review of performance of team members.
- Positive engagement with all members of SQA staff and centre personnel.
- Demonstrate behaviours outlined in the Terms and Conditions of Appointment which support SQA's values.