Independent End Point Assessor - Mammography Associate

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 Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

Person Specification

Occupational Profile:

Mammography Associates work within the breast imaging workforce undertaking routine two-view mammography (x-ray images of breasts). You will work in a multi-disciplinary team within a hospital or in a community setting (e.g. mobile breast screening units, medical centres), undertaking mammography of individuals as part of a breast screening programme. You will also be able to undertake routine mammography on individuals with symptoms of breast disease. You will have a good understanding of breast anatomy, physiology and pathology, including clinical signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and be able to apply knowledge of ionising radiation regulations. You will be technically skilled in operating specialised mammography equipment and be responsible for monitoring equipment function and performance. You will have responsibility for producing mammography images of consistently high quality to meet rigorous NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) standards. You will have excellent interpersonal skills and provide high quality care for individuals attending for mammography. You will work under the supervision of a radiographer.

Background and Experience (essential):

• Be occupationally competent of the mammography sector

• Be HCPC Registered

• Be currently working in the NHS Breast Screening Programme

• Accreditation or holding a PG Cert in education or equivalent

• Hold a current DBS certificate

• Assessor qualification

• 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

Essential others

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

• Minimum of two working days during the week will be required for EPA role.

Background and Experience (desirable):

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

• Hold or be working towards Society of Radiographers practice educator

• 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

• 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

• 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 tool

• 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

About Pearson

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Application Information