Overview of the independent end-point assessor role

Government has introduced a requirement that all apprenticeships contain an end-point assessment (EPA) which is a holistic assessment of the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour (KSBs) that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. This is to make sure that apprentices meet the rigorous standard set by employers and are fully competent in the relevant occupation. Pearson must provide employers with the confidence that completing an apprenticeship means an individual is fully job-ready and that all apprentices, following the same standard, are assessed consistently, regardless of where they are undertaking their apprenticeship or who they are doing it with.

An independent EPA means that those making a decision on the competency of the apprentice have nothing to gain from the outcome of the assessment. To maintain independence within the scope of this EPA, an independent end-point assessor (IEA) can only undertake end-point assessments of apprentices, with whom they have no conflict of interest. This means they must be independent of the registered apprenticeship training provider at which the apprentice completed their on-programme element, and must not have been involved in the on-programme training, assessment, or line management of such apprentices.

The end-point assessments will be conducted onsite, or remotely, on dates agreed with employers and/or providers if appropriate. Independent end-point assessors will record and submit the EPA outcomes, with clear justifications for the grading decisions. EPA activities will be quality assured by Pearson quality assurance representatives.

IEAs for these EPAs will be qualified IQAs that meet the occupational profile of the apprentices they are assessing and will be trained, standardised and approved to operate as IEAs. The IEAs will undertake EPAs in line with the associated apprenticeship assessment plan, and the materials provided by Pearson. Please see the below Key Accountabilities and Person Specification sections for further details.

Key Accountabilities:

• The independent end-point assessor will:

• Take part in regular training and standardisation activities, associated with the role of independent end-point assessor for this EPA

• Maintain and provide evidence of ongoing, relevant Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

• Assess the performance of candidates in accordance with published assessment and grading criteria and procedures, ensuring overall standards are maintained

• Follow the protocols set out in Pearson’s specifications, assessment materials and quality assurance protocols, relating to the EPAs

• Maintain service-level agreements with regards to responding to EPA planning, operational activities, reports and submissions of assessment outcomes

• Report all risks and issues encountered during the end-point assessment to Pearson, including any suspected malpractice/maladministration

• Ensure all EPA reports and assessment evidence are high quality and recorded accurately

• Support Pearson, if necessary, with any appeals from apprentices, regarding assessment decisions

• Allow additional time for travel, when making EPA arrangements

• Raise any conflicts of interest, including in relation to the independence of assessment

• Ensure that any personal actions are completed, as required by Pearson

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of Pearson’s end-point assessment activities

• Contribute to the external quality assurance activities undertaken by the Adult Social Care External Quality Assurance Service (ACEQUAS) which is managed by Skills for Care

Person Specification

Occupational Profiles : Adult Care Worker

To work in care is to make a positive difference to someone’s life when they are faced with physical, practical, social, emotional or intellectual challenges. Adult Care Workers need to have the right values and behaviours, developing competencies and skills to provide high quality compassionate care and support. They are the frontline staff who help adults with care and support needs to achieve their personal goals and live as independently and safely as possible, enabling them to have control and choice in their lives which is at the heart of person centred care. Job roles are varied and determined by and relevant to the type of the service being provided and the person supported. Adult Care Workers may work in residential or nursing homes, domiciliary care, day centres, a person’s own home or some clinical healthcare settings. This standard covers both Adult Care Workers and Personal Assistants. Personal assistants do the same job as an Adult Care Worker and work directly for one individual usually within their own home. Working with people, feeling passionate about supporting and enabling them to live a more independent and fulfilling life is a rewarding and worthwhile job that provides excellent career opportunities.

These are the personal attributes and behaviours expected of all Lead Adult Care Workers and Adult Care Workers carrying out their roles

Care – is caring consistently and enough about individuals to make a positive difference to their lives

Compassion – is delivering care and support with kindness, consideration, dignity and respect

Courage – is doing the right thing for people and speaking up if the individual they support is at risk

Communication – good communication is central to successful caring relationships and effective team working

Competence – is applying knowledge and skills to provide high quality care and support

Commitment – to improving the experience of people who need care and support ensuring it is person centred

Background and Experience (essential):

• Current relevant occupational competence within the workplace

• Knowledge and understanding of the adult care sector

• Qualified with a relevant health and social care qualification at or above the level they are assessing (Level 3 or above for this IEA role)

• IQA qualified

• Experience of leading meetings/structured interviews/discussions

• Experience of complying with quality assurance/regulatory requirements

• Evidence of commitment to maintaining CPD, in line with new apprenticeship requirements and the EPA specialism

Background and Experience (desirable):

• Current DBS

• Knowledge of prevent & safeguarding

Skills & Knowledge (Essential)

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively respond to conflicts

• Ability to understand and respond to the individual needs and circumstances of employers/apprentices

• Sufficient and relevant technical knowledge of:

• the adult care sector

• the role of the lead adult care worker and adult care worker

• In-depth knowledge of the associated apprenticeship standard, assessment plan, specification, assessment instruments and recording tools

• Ability to assess, free from bias

• Ability to assess and report risks

• Ability to meet deadlines

Full information on the role can be found in the attached role description.

Note: Please indicate your most recent or relevant Adult Care experience in Step 3 Occupational section of the form. If your sector is not listed please contact the recruitment team on associate.pearson.com.

Also please note that Pearson is currently recruiting for selected pathways only, pathways selected within the vacancy preference section of the form which are not current vacancies will not be considered.

About Pearson

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