External Quality Assurer activities – interviews with staff

During a visit to a centre the external quality assurer may carry out a number of activities with the centre staff in addition to sampling learners’ portfolios.

Interviews with staff

Typically, visits commence with a meeting involving the department head or senior internal quality assurer. This interaction enables the EQA to review progress since the last visit, assess whether previous actions have been completed, address any changes at the centre regarding staffing or organisation, and discuss any concerns the centre may have. This initial discussion establishes the framework for the remainder of the visit. Additionally, it provides the EQA with an opportunity to emphasise their role in supporting the centre and its staff, while acknowledging examples of good practice.

The EQA might also choose to meet with the IQA or the IQA team, providing a chance to talk about their work, strategies for standardisation and sampling, as well as any challenges they face with qualifications or areas where they need support and guidance. This meeting helps the EQA gain a deeper insight into the centre and understand what assistance may be necessary.

The EQA may request to interview assessors and all new team members. Meeting with an assessor allows the EQA to gain insight into the induction, standardisation, and support provided. Additionally, it gives the assessor the chance to engage with the EQA and seek clarification regarding the visit or qualification.

Occasionally, the EQA may be asked to meet with senior management within the centre. This is sometimes a standard procedure as part of the centre’s quality assurance policy. Often, a member of the senior management team will attend the final feedback session so they can hear about any actions and request additional information if needed. However, if a centre has a high risk rating the EQA may wish to discuss any action or changes that have taken place with a senior member of the organisation. If at the end of the visit a sanction is going to be applied, it is useful to meet with the senior management team to explain the reason for this and the impact of any sanctions.

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