2. Systems Verification Update
Fiona Gunn,
Quality Strategy Manager

3. 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

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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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
A major review of QA is being carried out to determine any changes post 2018

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. Sources of information
QA web pages
HN and vocational qualifications pages
Systems verification section on left-hand menu
Guide to Systems Verification for Centres
(updated July 2016)

13. 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