External Verifier NQ (SfW and Awards) - role information
The role of the External Verifier is to quality assure the work of SQA centres, for qualifications in the subject area concerned, to ensure that national standards are being consistently applied and maintained. This will be carried out within the conditions, timescales and arrangements set by SQA.
Activities will be under the direction of the Senior External Verifier and staff from SQA's Operations and Qualifications Development directorates.
Outline of duties
- Attend verification training as required
- Participate in quality assurance processes
- Quality assure the work of allocated centres during verification visits or events
- Prepare clear and professional verification reports that will be issued to the centre
- Assist the Senior External Verifier in the review of national consistency in relation to internal assessments.
External Verifiers may be asked to undertake activities which will attract additional payment, such as:
- Undertake qualification approval activity
- Undertake follow up activity to resolve issues identified during quality assurance procedures
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 courses/levels in the subject area
- be able to communicate professionally, confidently and effectively; work professionally and co-operatively with subject specialists, 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 External Verifier
Each year, on completion of the duties outlined in the External Verifier contract specification, the following Key Performance Measures (KPMs) will be used to measure performance. External Verifiers will be informed of the performance outcome when KPMs have not been achieved.
- Complete training as required
- Carry out verification of SQA centres within conditions and timescales set by SQA
- Write and submit verification reports to meet the required standard, within conditions and timescales set by SQA
- Positive engagement with other subject specialists, SQA staff and centre staff
- Demonstrate behaviours outlined in the Terms and Conditions of Appointment which support SQA's values.