IQA Job Description: Understanding the Role and Responsibilities of an Internal Quality Assurer

The role of an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) requires distinct qualifications and a thorough grasp of assessment processes. This article provides an objective overview of the essential qualifications, skills, and responsibilities associated with the IQA position.

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IQA Job Description

Position Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) to ensure excellence in the assessment and verification process across various educational contexts. This role is pivotal in maintaining the integrity and standard of learning and assessment within Further Education, Apprenticeships, Higher Education, and Professional Training Programmes.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance: Ensure that the training delivery aligns with established criteria set by awarding bodies.
Learner Support: Provide guidance and support to ensure the learning provision meets individual needs.
Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to registration and regulatory requirements, maintaining records, and providing timely feedback.
Qualification Verification: Oversee that outcomes and assessments align with the quality benchmarks of higher learning.
Continuous Improvement: Engage with academic staff to develop and refine assessment processes.

Skills and Attributes:

Effective communication and feedback skills.
Strong leadership and supervisory abilities.
Ability to convey clear, concise information and offer constructive feedback.
Confidence in directing and supporting a team towards compliance and collective goals.

Qualifications and Experience

In the realm of Internal Quality Assurance (IQA), specific qualifications and a wealth of experience are required to ensure excellence in the assessment and verification process. Here is what you need to know about stepping into an IQA role.

Essential IQA Qualifications

To become an Internal Quality Assurer, you will need to hold recognised IQA qualifications. At a minimum, you should have either the Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice or the Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice. These qualifications prepare you to understand and conduct quality assurance processes effectively.

Assessor Qualification Requirements

Your role as an IQA also involves a strong understanding of the assessor's role, for which specific assessor qualifications are necessary. You are likely to require an Assessor Qualification like the TAQA, A1, or D32/33 awards. This ensures you possess the ability to review and provide knowledgeable feedback on assessments within your field.

Professional Development and Continued Learning

Maintaining your position as a knowledgeable and effective IQA requires commitment to professional development and continual learning. This can involve attending higher education courses, participating in relevant workshops, and staying up to date with the latest industry standards and requirements. Engaging in these activities not only refines your skills but also enhances your capability to support assessors in delivering high-quality standards.

Remember, actual requirements may vary depending on the specific field and the regulatory body governing the qualifications, so always check the precise criteria for the role you are interested in.

Recommended reading: The Role of an IQA and Skills an IQA manager should have.

IQA in Different Educational Contexts

As an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA), your role adaptively spans across various educational contexts to safeguard standards and enhance the quality of learning.

Further Education and Apprenticeships

Within the further education (FE) sector and apprenticeships, you are charged with a crucial role to assure the calibre of vocational learning and assessments. Your key responsibilities include monitoring assessors and ensuring that training delivery aligns with the established criteria set by awarding bodies. It is your duty to review the assessment strategies at training centres and validate that learners are provided with fair and consistent appraisals towards their qualifications.

Learner Support: Offer guidance and support to ensure that the learning provision meets their individual needs.
Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to registration and regulatory requirements by maintaining records and providing timely feedback.

Higher Education and Professional Training Programmes

In higher education and professional training programmes, your work as an IQA focuses on maintaining standards in a more academic environment. Here, your primary aim is to underpin the integrity of qualifications by reviewing educational frameworks and methodologies against the requisites of higher education institutions and professional bodies.

Qualification Verification: Oversee that the outcomes and assessments align with the quality benchmarks of higher learning.
Continuous Improvement: Engage with academic staff to develop and refine assessment processes to meet regulatory requirements.

Your expertise ensures that the qualifications awarded are credible and that the learners can confidently progress in their chosen career paths.

Key Skills and Attributes

To excel as an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA), you need a robust set of skills centred around effective communication and leadership. Your ability to provide insightful feedback and guide your team is crucial for maintaining compliance and achieving collective goals.

Effective Communication and Feedback

As an IQA, your communication skills are vital. You are expected to:

Convey clear, concise information to assessors and your team, ensuring everyone understands the quality requirements and procedures they must follow.
Offer constructive feedback that is both informative and motivational, helping to uphold high standards and encourage continuous improvement.

Leadership and Supervisory Skills

In your role as a supervisor or manager, you'll need to:

Direct and support your team with confidence, fostering an environment where guidance is provided, and goals are met with tenacity.
Oversee compliance with regulations, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and up-to-date, reflecting the high standards expected within your organisation.

Advancement and Career Development

Advancing in your role as an Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) involves a commitment to professional development and setting clear goals. As part of your career trajectory, it's imperative to continually enhance your qualifications, including potentially pursuing the V1 Award (or equivalent), which is aimed at those looking to move into a lead IQA role.

Developing your career can follow these steps:

Gain Experience: Start by working closely with training and assessment teams to build a comprehensive understanding of quality assurance processes.
Pursue Further Qualifications: Enhance your credibility and knowledge by obtaining higher-level qualifications related to quality assurance in education and training.

Qualifications and Progression:

Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
V1 Award: For aspiring lead IQAs, this qualification is crucial for advancement. Remember, networking with others in your field and staying abreast of industry trends are also key components of career development. This dual focus on formal qualifications and practical, on-the-ground experience will position you well for advancing in the world of educational quality assurance.