Independent Quality Assurer - Dental Nursing

An independent Quality Assurer will be responsible for the review of all qualification verification reports in a timescale and in accordance with arrangements set by Qualifications Scotland.

Their primary role is to review all Qualifications Scotland Pre-Registration Dental Nursing External Verification Reports (GV94 23 & GV8T 47) and produce an annual compliance report.

The report will aid in gaining an oversight of all key aspects of the programme including achievement, areas of strength and will highlight any opportunities for improvement.

The independent report will formally separate the reviewer from Qualifications Scotland internal management and external verifiers, allowing them to assess the programme delivery objectively and without internal conflicts.

These activities will be under the direction from Qualifications Scotland, Qualification Verification team.

Outline of duties

The independent reviewer will provide a report in August/September of each year, highlighting areas of strength and any opportunities for improvement in the overall programme.

The reviewer will:

• Sample from external verification reports from the previous 12 months.
• Ensure that all external verification activity monitors centre performance in accordance with regulatory requirements (GDC Safe Practitioner Framework).
• Establish impartiality whilst ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Meet with the External Verification Team and ensure external verifiers take part in regular standardisation activities.
• Access and review onscreen assessment activity (via SOLAR)

Selection Criteria

Essential characteristics Successful candidates must:

• Be able to demonstrate experience and knowledge in the Dental industry within the last 5 years
• Have currency of knowledge and practice demonstrated by either current working practice or CPD record
• Have no involvement in the assessment or internal verification with any Qualifications Scotland approved centres delivering Dental qualifications
• Be able to communicate confidently, effectively and professionally (both orally and in writing) with customers, colleagues and stakeholders
• Be able to demonstrate excellent organisational and administrative skills and provide an attention to detail
• Be a Dental Care Professional (DCPs) who is competent in Dental Nursing
• Hold a Dental Nursing qualification recognised by the GDC for enrolment 
• Be GDC registered
• Be familiar with the Dental Nursing National Occupational Standards
• Have a home computer or laptop with broadband internet connection and a private email address
• Have excellent working knowledge of Microsoft packages, including but not limited to Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Key Performance Measures for Independent Quality Assurer

Each year, on completion of the duties outlined in the contract specification, the Independent Quality Assurer will be measured against the following key performance measures and informed of the outcome in relation to their performance in that year:

1. Complete allocated quality assurance work within conditions and timescales for Qualifications Scotland.
2. Engage with Qualifications Scotland when contacted via email. 
3. Positive engagement with all colleagues.