2. Accounting and Finance Verification Group 266 SEV Update Kim Tree October 2009

3. Highlights  HN Visiting verification –Limited activity in line with SQA sampling policy –Graded Unit 2 visits fewer than previous years as we all gain more experience in delivering this Unit.  SVQ Visiting verification –Fewer centres offering SVQ

4. Development Visits  Verification Team have undertaken a number of development visits during the last year which provide centres with some support on a one-to- one basis.  These are available for every centre for a fee of £100.  Support can be aimed at a specific Unit or a wider programme.

5. Graded Units  Limited central verification, in line with SQA sampling policy.  Most centres had used Assessment Exemplar Packs.  GU2 has a variety of case study scenarios which allows the centre to select one which is appropriate to their location.  Centres can contextualise assessment instruments.

6. Other Awards  PDA awards – 3 awards introduced in August 2008.  Delivered on evening class/part-time basis or as integral part of HNC.  Available for clients who wish to have training programme relevant to the particular workplace requirement.

7. Good Practice  Many centres contextualising assessment instruments.  Centres becoming confident to design alternative assessment instruments which are not clones of the exemplars.  Feedback from candidates interviewed during visits has been very positive about the support from centres and advice on progression.

8. Understanding Standards Exemplification of GU marking:  Graded Unit 2 ─ B grade project  Graded Unit 3 2 questions at A, B and C  Access the website – www.understandingstandards.org.uk At the foot of the scrolling menu on the right-hand side, click ‘HN Beta’. On receiving the password prompt, type in the following: Username: hnauthor Password: usw72 (HN section of Understanding Standards website secure to restrict access to staff only)www.understandingstandards.org.uk

9. Visiting Verification  Verification Team will continue with the procedure of reviewing Units across the two main areas –Cost/Management Accounting –Financial Accounting  Team review Units across – – HNC & HND – SVQ Levels 2 & 3  Team include in the HN verification, Units which fall into other frameworks.

10. Security of Assessment Exemplars  Assessment exemplars widely used by centres on an ongoing basis.  Some centres becoming less careful about security of these documents.  Exemplars must NOT be used as practice assessments.  Any centre devised assessments can be submitted for prior verification (free service).

11. 2009-2010 Session  EVs will receive their allocations of centres to visit shortly.  Centres should hear before mid-December 2009 if they can expect a routine visit for either HN or SVQ.  Visits relating to Graded Units will be arranged during the early part of 2010.  Development visits can be requested at any time.

12. General Points  VAT rate – it may become necessary to amend the VAT rate in assessment instruments after December 2009.  All assessment instruments should be kept up to date as appropriate – any doubt submit for prior verification.  Tax assessment instruments need to be kept up to date  GU3 needs to be amended in line with Tax changes.

13. The Future?  Uptake of the qualifications on the increase.  Updated framework from 2010  Have an award that continues to meet the needs of all stakeholders  More detailed EV reports

14. Contact us?  Remember that we are part of your team.  Use us as a resource.  Ask us questions and advice – we have nearly 100 years of experience amongst the team members!  Prior verification of assessment instruments gives your peace of mind.  Contact us via Jennifer Blain or via Linda Meikle or Sharon O’Neil.

15. Verification Team  The team worked very hard during 2008-09  Two new members – –Linda McAllister –Mark Slaven  One member left us –Stephen Davis  Thanks to all for their hard work over the year