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Appointee Management Case Studies

Frances Nolan — External Verifier

Marie Woods

In 1985, I set up a training consultancy to deliver bespoke training to the public, private and voluntary sectors. I really enjoy finding solutions to problems and ensuring that their implementation works to the benefit of the business — my own or that of our clients.

We have been an SQA Approved Centre since 1991 and offer: training needs analysis; training and qualification design; and programme evaluation.

I am the SQA Co-ordinator and lead internal verifier for a range of SVQs. I am also an active assessor and have been an External Verifier (EV) since 2002.

The benefits of being an SQA appointee are many but include:

continuing professional development (CPD) — a wider range of opportunities than I could get from own centre
opportunity to learn from other EVs and SQA staff
greater access to informed support
all training paid for — and you are paid to be there!

As for my own professional development, well I have increased confidence 'professionally' and have achieved SVQs at Level 5 in Management and in Learning and Development. I had been planning to do them for some time but putting them on my EV CPD plan made me do the work. My own staff also benefit from that learning.

I would say that if you are not yet involved as a SQA appointee then you should apply. You've a lot to gain and nothing to lose. The contract can be for as little as five days a year — but you can be offered more.

Working for SQA as and External Verifier can provide learning opportunities that are wider than what's available in any one centre.