Principal Verifier (Practical Metalworking & Practical Woodworking)

A Principal Verifier (PV) is responsible for communicating and maintaining national standards for the qualifications within their remit. The PV must ensure that all tasks associated with the quality assurance of internally assessed units and course assessments are carried out within the conditions, timescales and arrangements set by SQA.

These activities will be under the direction of colleagues from SQA’s Operations and Qualifications Development directorates.

Outline of duties

• Manage the assessment development of the annual National 5 practical activity including the case study. 
• Chair quality assurance meetings in relation to the practical activity and provide support during this process, ensuring that timelines are met
• Lead, direct and support a team of subject specialists to quality assurance activities in centres during visiting verification.
• Lead in the development and delivery of training for the visiting verification team
• Monitor, support and quality assure the work of the visiting verification team.
• Review the performance of team members against key performance measures.
• Assist SQA staff with subject specific enquiries, appeals and complaints.
• Contribute to the preparation for grade boundary meetings by providing intelligence on internally assessed components of course assessments (if required).
• Prepare an annual report and assist in the preparation of course reports
• PVs may be asked to undertake activities which will attract additional payment: 
  • Undertake follow up activity to resolve issues identified during quality assurance procedures
  • Participate in organised events where PV attendance/input is required
  • Develop and/or quality assure new Assessment Support packs

Selection criteria

Successful candidates must:

• currently be delivering a course in the subject area at one or more levels.
• have an in-depth understanding of the requirements across the course/levels in the subject area.
• Be able to demonstrate competence in assessment development within their subject.
• have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to engage positively with all members of their team, providing leadership and support as required. 
• be able to communicate professionally, confidently and effectively; work professionally and co-operatively with subject specialists and SQA and centre staff.
• have excellent organisational and administrative skills and provide attention to detail.
• have a home computer or laptop with broadband internet connection.

Key Performance Measures for Principal Verifiers

Each year, on completion of the duties outlined in the principal verifier contract specification, the following Key Performance Measures (KPMs) will be used to measure performance. PVs will be informed of the performance outcome when KPMs have not been achieved.

1. Ensure SQA quality assurance activity is carried out and completed within the conditions and timescales set by SQA.
2. Ensure assessment development is fit for purpose and in accordance with SQA policy and instruction and include marking instructions.
3. Train support and monitor members of the team to meet SQA verification activity.
4. Ensure accuracy and consistency of decisions made by members of the team.
5. Ensure reports written by members of the team meet quality standard.
6. Positive engagement with all members of the team through leadership and management of people.
7. Contribute to the review of performance of team members.
8. Positive engagement with all members of SQA staff and centre personnel.
9. Demonstrate behaviours outlined in the Terms and Conditions of Appointment which support SQA’s values.