Systems Verification Update Fiona Gunn, Quality Strategy Manager

Systems Development Visits 2015 Background: Development visits to all Scotland’s colleges carried out by Quality Enhancement Managers (QEMs) in 2015 Approach agreed by SQA/College Focus Group To support colleges in reviewing and developing their policies and procedures To prepare for the reintroduction of systems verification visits

Systems Development Visits 2015 Used updated QA criteria for 2015-18 A number of specific requirements were new Reports replicated systems verification reports Developmental action points and recommendations only – no required actions No sanctions

Strengths identified in visits Communication on SQA matters Management of external verification Resource management Candidate feedback mechanisms Candidate guidance and support Internal verification procedures

Most common action points Malpractice procedures (new requirements) Partnership arrangements (documentation) Checks on assessment sites owned by others (records – site checklists or equivalent) Conflict of interest procedures - documented Complaints escalation – SQA, SQA Accreditation, SPSO (for non-assessment related matters) Appeals procedures (regulated qualifications) – right of appeal to SQA Accreditation

Most common action points cont. Secure storage of assessments - documented procedures Retention requirements – assessment evidence and records (updated requirements relating to malpractice and appeals) Data management procedures Full coverage of SQA requirements in role of SQA Coordinator, candidate and assessor induction

Systems Verification Strategy on SV going forward developed following consultation on various options Agreed by the SQA/College Focus Group This strategy covers the period of the current QA arrangements 2015-18 A major review of QA is being carried out to determine any changes post 2018

Calendar year 2016 Systems development and consolidation Colleges continue working on action plans from systems development visits. Individual bespoke support provided to colleges from QEMs Still opportunities to ask for specific support SQA developmental support activities in relation to common issues.

Calendar year 2017 Systems verification visits Systems verification visits to all colleges, spread across the calendar year. All visits scheduled well in advance (September 2016) to allow colleges to plan their time and SQA to allocate staff resources. Consultation on best dates through verification planning discussions. Planning meetings will be held well in advance

Systems Verification Criteria All systems criteria will be covered Some criteria can be given Green ratings in advance of visits – based on SQA intelligence (including QV), documentary evidence already seen by QEMs Some criteria may be partially met in advance Visits will be focused on criteria where evidence is not available in advance – particularly where evidence of implementation within the college is required

Sources of information QA web pages www.sqa.org.uk/qualityassurance HN and vocational qualifications pages Systems verification section on left-hand menu Guide to Systems Verification 2015-18 for Centres (updated July 2016)

Sources of information Enhanced guidance on writing procedures: Malpractice (updated definition) Internal assessment appeals Complaints Conflict of interest in assessment Assessment sites (site checklists) Security of assessments Data managements