Job Description: Independent End-point Assessor for Dual Fuel Smart Meter Installer Level 2

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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 deciding 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 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 Independent End-point Assessor will:

• Take part in regular training and standardisation activities, associated with the role of Independent End-point Assessor for this apprenticeship standard.

• 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 apprenticeship standard.

• Maintain service-level agreements with regards to responding to EPA planning, operational activities, reports, and submission 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 Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).

Person Specification

This occupation is found across the energy and utilities sectors throughout the UK.

The broad purpose of this occupation is to safely install, exchange, commission, decommission and carry out ongoing maintenance of gas and electric smart meters, associated equipment and communication systems. Dual fuel smart meter installations form a key part of the UK Government mandate to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy management, supporting the overall Net Zero strategy.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation would be expected to install, exchange, commission and maintain a range of metering equipment and associated components typically in a domestic dwelling. The role is physical in nature and may involve lifting and moving equipment, working at heights, working in confined spaces and working in all weather conditions. The employee will also need to interact with other trades and other utility service providers in order to complete the required work associated with the metering installation.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for carrying out safety-critical activities whilst working in customer properties, providing customer service excellence and energy efficiency advice at all times.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a variety of people ranging from the customer, to other construction trades, utility providers, logistics support, suppliers and technical support teams.

Occupational Profiles:

Background and Experience (essential):

As a minimum Independent End-point Assessors must:

• Be independent, with no conflict of interest with the apprentice, their employer or training provider, specifically, they must not receive a personal benefit or detriment from the result of the assessment.

• Independent End-point Assessors (IEAs) must have relevant experience of the occupation or sector to at least occupational level 2 gained in the last 3 years or significant experience of the occupation or sector.

• Knowledge and understanding of the Dual Fuel Smart Meter Installer apprenticeship standard.

• Assessing Qualification, such as D32/33, A1/A2, TAQA, CAVA et al.

• Experience of leading meetings/structured interviews/discussions.

• Experience of commitment to maintain CPD, in line with new apprenticeship requirements.

• Attend induction and standardisation events before they conduct an EPA for the first time, when the apprenticeship standard is updated, and at least once a year.

Background and Experience (desirable):

• Only UK based candidates will be considered for this role due to requirements.

• Experience of making grading judgements.

• Knowledge of prevent & safeguarding.

Skills & Knowledge (Essential)

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

• Knowledge of relevant legislation, codes of practice.

• Sufficient and relevant technical knowledge of the gas & electric industry.

• 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.

Application Information We have a number of opportunities available for teaching professionals to join our growing teams of examiners, moderators and verifiers.