1. National Panel Briefings for External Authenticators
ETB
National Panel Briefings for External Authenticators
2019

2. Content Introduction to the FET Sector SOLAS QQI
Introduction to the ETBs
Types of Provision
Quality Assurance
External Authentication

3. Who are SOLAS?
Solas are the State Organisation with responsibility for funding, planning and co-ordinating Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland
Tasked with building the identity and values of a world-class, integrated FET sector that is responsive to the needs of learners and the requirements of a changed and changing economy

4. Introduction to ETBs
ETBs were established following the restructuring of the Vocational Education Committees (VECs) with the functions of the Education and Training Board set out in the Education and Training Boards Act 2013.
16 Education and Training Boards throughout Ireland
Each one is charged with the statutory responsibility of education in their area from Primary, secondary, adult and further education and training.

5. Types of Provision ITABE Adult Basic Education PLC
FET Cooperation Hours
Refugee Resettlement
Skills for Work
Specialist Training
Specific Skills Training
Traineeship Training
Voluntary Literacy Tuition
VTOS
Youthreach
Adult Basic Education
Apprenticeship Training
Blended Training
Bridging & Foundation Training
BTEI
Community Education
Community Training Centres
ESOL
Evening Training

6. Who are QQI?
QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) is an independent State agency responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training services in Ireland
A part of QQI's role is to:
promote, maintain and develop the Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) which will be discussed later
approve, regulate and promote the quality of programmes offered by Providers leading to qualifications in the NFQ

7. QQI Cont.
To assist ETBs, QQI has published Core Quality Assurance Guidelines; guidelines for ETB’s to develop their internal quality assurance procedures.
QQI Sector Specific Quality Assurance Guidelines for ETB’s set out additional statutory quality assurance guidelines specific to education and training boards ETBs.

8. ETB Quality Assurance
Each Provider (ETB) is responsible for the quality of programmes including assessment and authentication
Each ETB has an agreed set of Quality Assurance Procedures with QQI
Provider registration with QQI is by agreement on how programmes and services will be quality assured by the provider – model of continuous improvement

9. Assessment of Learners
Process of judging learner achievement against the standards of knowledge, skill or competence for the purpose of attaining an award
Guidelines on best practice – Assessment Guidelines for Providers
Range of procedures required as part of the provider’s quality assurance agreement

10. Provider’s Quality Assured Assessment - Process
Key Stages
Planning and coordination of learner assessment
Authentication
Internal Verification
External Authentication
Results Approval
Process for Learner Appeals
Requesting Certification

11. External Authentication
The appointment of External Examiners in ETB’s in 2019 will be:
Organised by Quality Assurance Personnel at ETB Central Level or
Organised at local Centre Level
From both the National & Local/Regional panels as National Panel is Establishing
Local briefings will be organised by each ETB when engaged to carry out Authentication services to include: (to supplement the National Training on local processes)
The employment contract & payment process
Garda Vetting
The providers External Authentication process
*Participation in briefings and training does not guarantee assignment as an EA in any specific certification period