Overview of the independent end-point assessor role:

The 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, on dates agreed with employers and/or providers if appropriate. IEAs 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 this EPA will be qualified assessors 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 IEA will:

Take part in regular training and standardisation activities, associated with the role of IEA 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

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 OFQUAL

Person Specification

Occupational Profile :

The Pharmacy Services Assistant (PSA) works under the supervision of a Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, or other accountable healthcare professional. The PSA provides a variety of pharmacy and medicines services to patients, the public and other professional healthcare teams. The PSA supports the delivery of pharmacy services in a variety of pharmacy environments

Background and Experience (essential):

Be occupationally competent, with at a level 3 qualification, gained in the last three years

To hold, or be working towards an assessors (A1) qualification

Relevant and current professional experience in a Pharmacy Services role

Must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)

Must be qualified as a Pharmacy Technician, with 3 years’ experience in this role

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):

To hold, or be working towards an internal quality assurance qualification

Experience of making grading judgements

Current DBS

Knowledge of prevent & safeguarding

Skills & Knowledge (Essential)

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

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

Sufficient and relevant technical knowledge of:

Health and Safety requirements in the workplace

industry structure and processes

relevant legal and regulatory frameworks

a range of products and services offered within the industry

systems, tools, equipment, machinery and processes used within relevant roles

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

Other requirements

Any applicant undertaking this role will be expected to:

Have personal IT equipment capable of running Pearson required software

Have a suitable broadband connection, Microphone, Headphones and a webcam

Have a personal and secure email account

Have a postal address in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey Isle of Man

Have the right to work in the UK

Allow additional time for travel, when making EPA arrangements

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

We value the power of inclusive culture and embed diversity and inclusion in everything we do. Pearson promotes a company culture where differences are embraced as strengths, opportunities are equal and accessible, consideration and respect are the norm. Through our talent, we believe that diversity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant company. People are at the centre of our company. We are committed to a sustainable environment and workplace ecosystem where talent can learn, grow, and thrive. We provide content, assessment and digital services to learners, educational institutions, employers, governments and other partners globally. We are the UK's largest awarding body and offer qualifications that are globally recognised and benchmarked, with educational excellence rooted in a range of General and Vocational courses.