Criteria for the Nomination of External Verifiers

Professional

1. Understanding of the nature of the programme and the type of student group.
2. Knowledge of the content of the programme and assessments required.
3. Evidence of experience in the subject field, either through employment or through responsibility for placement supervision over a period of time.
4. Knowledge and understanding of City & Guilds International provision of programmes in the subject field.

Personal

1. Good communication and inter-personal skills.
2. Willingness to support and advise the course team.
3. Willingness and ability to write reports which provide objective recommendations that will enable City & Guilds International to identify strengths/ weaknesses of the work being done – thus maintaining the required standards.
4. Commitment to maintaining the quality of practical assessments.
5. Ability to work with the centre in a fair impartial manner.

Commitment Required

1. Accept responsibility for a centre for a minimum of 2 years.
2. Carry out External Verifier responsibilities as agreed with the centre and City & Guilds International.
3. Support to centre by telephone/ correspondence/ visits.
4. Familiarization with City & Guilds International aims and philosophy as detailed in City & Guilds documentation.

The Role and Duties of the External Verifier

• Visiting verifiers are appointed by City & Guilds for specific programmes to ensure that all assessments undertaken within City & Guilds centres are fair, valid, consistent and meet the requirements of the programme. The External Verifier must not be employed by the centre. He/ she will be paid a fee by City & Guilds International.

External Verifiers are responsible for:

• making approval visits/ recommendations (where necessary) to confirm that organizations can satisfy the approval criteria
• helping centres to develop internal assessment and evidence evaluation systems that are fair, reliable, accessible and non-discriminatory
• ensuring that internal verifiers are undertaking their duties satisfactorily
• monitoring internal quality assurance systems and sampling, including by direct observation, assessment activities, methods and records
• checking claims for certification to ensure they are authentic, valid and supported by auditable records
• acting as a source of advice and support, including help with the interpretation of standards
• promoting best practice
• providing prompt, accurate and constructive feedback to all relevant parties on the operation of centres' assessment systems
• confirming that centres have implemented any corrective actions required
• reporting back to City & Guilds or the relevant branch office
• maintaining records of centre visits and making these available for auditing purposes