Item Bank Leader

An Item Bank Leader is responsible for the management of multiple-choice questions for National 5 and Higher in the Item Bank, to ensure sufficient items/questions are available to produce question papers. The Item Bank Leader is responsible for directing the production of questions and leading in the checking of items/questions, under the direction of the Qualifications Manager and/or Qualifications Officer. The Item Bank Leader liaises with the Principal Assessor for each level to plan writing activity and address shortfalls in the Item Bank.

These activities will be under the direction of the staff from SQA’s Qualifications Development Directorate. All tasks must be undertaken within the conditions, timeframes, and arrangements set by SQA. Duties are undertaken in your own time, during evenings, weekends, and holiday periods. Meetings will involve a mix of remote meetings (using Microsoft Teams) and face-to-face meetings.

Outline of duties

• Lead, direct, support, and undertake the production and quality assurance of multiple-choice questions for the National 5 and Higher, in accordance with SQA policy and specifications
• Provide the Qualifications Officer and Qualifications Manager with updates on the production of questions highlighting areas of slippage
• Monitor the Item Bank and advise the Qualifications Officer where additional items/questions are required
• Chair/oversee checking meetings for multiple-choice questions and provide support to checkers during this process
• Record and report performance of Item Writers and Item Checkers against Key Performance Measures
• Lead all activities assigned by the Qualifications Officer or Qualifications Manager to ensure they are concluded within agreed time frames and that resources are used effectively and efficiently to achieve best value
• Assist the Qualifications Officer in identifying potential question writers
• Provide training for multiple-choice question writers
• Item Bank Leaders may be asked to undertake additional activities. These activities will attract additional payment and could include the following:
  • undertake bespoke in-service training
  • participate in workshops/seminars/networking events
  • contribute to Understanding Standards activities

Selection Criteria

Successful candidates must:

• Currently be delivering the courses (or a closely-related course) and be able to demonstrate excellence in assessing to the national standard
• Have experience in other key appointee roles  demonstrating competence in assessing to the national standard within their subject and level(s)
• Be able to engage professionally and co-operatively with all members of their team(s), providing leadership and support as required
• Be able to provide accurate feedback on performance to team members in a supportive and professional manner
• Communicate professionally, confidently and effectively with stakeholders and SQA staff both orally and in writing
• Be able to work professionally and co-operatively with other appointees and SQA staff
• Be able to demonstrate good forward planning and time management skills and adhere to deadlines
• Have a home computer or laptop, camera, and microphone, and a private e-mail address

Key Performance Measures for Item Bank Leader

On completion of the duties outlined in the Item Bank Leader contract specification, the Item Bank Leader will be measured against the following key performance measures and informed of the outcome in relation to their performance.

• Ensure production and checking of multiple-choice questions by specified dates
• Report on team members’ Key Performance Measures for question production by specified dates
• Produce questions that are fit for purpose and in accordance with SQA policy and instructions

Demonstrate behaviours outlined in the Terms and Conditions of Appointment which support SQA’s values