Subjects & Qualifications

In this section

Principal Assessor (PBNC)

Contract specification

A Principal Assessor is responsible for ensuring all duties and tasks associated with external assessment activities are undertaken within the conditions, timescales and arrangements set by SQA.

The prime role is to lead, support and work (as appropriate to subject and level) with a team of SQA appointees to ensure consistent application of standards and to ensure the subject specific integrity of their teams’ decision-making in relation to the external arrangements of the course.

These activities will be under the direction of staff from the SQAs Qualification Development and Operations business directorates as appropriate. There may be a requirement to undertake duties during weekends and holiday periods in own time.

Outline of duties

Carry out marking programme and quality assurance procedures in accordance with SQA instructions*
Provide leadership and support to the examination team
Undertake marking of unmarked project or projects requiring to be remarked
Prepare an annual External Assessment Report in accordance with SQA specifications
Ensure all activities are concluded within agreed time frames and that resources are used effectively and efficiently to achieve best value
Support SQA with continuous improvement developments eg e-enablement, ensuring that appointees both understand and embrace change
Undertake the performance management activity of the examination team
Additionally, Principal Assessors may be asked to undertake the following activities. These activities will attract additional payment.

prepare performance reports for centres
undertake in-service training
participate in workshops/seminars/networking events
contribute to Understanding Standards activities

* Note: Quality Assurance procedures will run between the months of April and July each year. Assessment Appeals process will run between the months of August and November each year.

Selection Criteria

Essential characteristics

Successful candidates must:

Have experience and demonstrate competence in assessing to the national standard within the subject and level(s) linked to the appointment
Currently be delivering the course (or a closely-related course) in an SQA-approved centre or in an Institution of Further/Higher Education
Be able to engage positively with all members of their teams, providing leadership and support as required
Be able to provide accurate feedback on performance to team members in a supportive and professional manner
Be able to communicate confidently, effectively and professionally with teams, stakeholders and SQA staff both orally and in writing
Be able to work co-operatively and professionally with other appointees eg markers, external verifiers and SQA staff
Have a home computer or laptop with Broadband internet connection and a private e-mail address

Performance Measures for PBNC Principal Assessors

Each year, on completion of the duties outlined in the PBNC Principal Assessor contract specification, the PBNC Principal Assessor will be measured against the following key performance measures and informed of the outcome in relation to their performance in that year.

Complete all pre examination procedures, as per events calendar where appropriate
Complete all post examination procedures, as per events calendar
Quality Assure all materials for post examination procedures in accordance with SQA policy and instructions
Complete all reports providing feedback on candidate performance for SQA within agreed timescale
Positive engagement with all members of the examination teams through leadership and management of people
Positive engagement with all member of SQA staff
Satisfactorily fulfil the KPMs of the Marker role