Degree and Higher Apprenticeships End-Point Assessment Policy and Procedure

Introduction

1. This document outlines Northeastern University London’s (the University’s) approach to managing the quality of End-Point Assessments (EPAs) for Degree and Higher Apprenticeships for all programmes where it undertakes the role of end-point assessment organisation (EPAO). 
2. It ensures compliance with regulatory bodies such as the Office for Students, Education and Skills Funding Agency, and Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
3. This Policy ensures the integrity and quality of Degree and Higher Apprenticeships’ End-Point Assessments at Northeastern University London.
4. This Policy delineates roles, responsibilities, and processes related to the operational management and quality assurance of EPAs delivered by the University as an EPAO.

Scope

5. This Policy applies to all apprentices employed by organisations other than the University and registered on an approved University apprenticeship with either an integrated or non-integrated end-point assessment.

General Principles

Integrated Degrees

6. For integrated degrees, suitable Independent Assessors (IAs) are recruited. IAs, while potentially current faculty members, must maintain independence.

Non Integrated Degrees

7. For non-integrated degrees, the University provides guidance to employers on selecting a suitable EPAO if the employer chooses not to appoint the University recommended EPAO.

Independent Assessors

8. The University’s end-point assessment procedures have been developed in line with the UK Quality Code External Expertise expectations, practice and guiding principles and are found in AQF11: External Examining and End-Point Assessment.
9. In addition, IAs must:
   1. Be independent and competent;
   2. Have expertise in the field and understand the EPA process;
   3. Attend necessary training and standardisation events;
   4. Where stipulated in the Apprenticeship Standard, be from an institution that is formally recognised on the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR).

End-Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs)

10. EPAOs must:
    1. Provide guidance to apprentices, employers, and training providers regarding knowledge tests, reports, professional discussions, and grading;
    2. Develop and maintain a standardised set of assessment tools;
    3. Ensure consistent and reliable assessment judgments through moderation;
    4. Develop knowledge tests in consultation with industry experts;
    5. Ensure consistency and comparability in assessments;
    6. Operate annual moderation of assessment activities;
    7. Develop compensatory assessments for learners with special requirements;
    8. Appoint and approve Independent Assessors based on knowledge, experience, and independence;
    9. Provide annual training for Independent Assessors;
    10. Hold regular standardisation events for Independent Assessors;
    11. Ensure moderators are trained and undertake regular professional development;
    12. Develop and manage a complaints and appeals procedure;
    13. Report issues to employers regarding the assessment process.

Internal Quality Assurance

11. EPAOs must ensure valid, consistent, and reliable end-point assessment decisions. This includes appointing assessors with relevant experience and adhering to all roles and responsibilities outlined. 
12. The University has a rigorous recruitment process for independent assessors. Once employed, each independent assessor goes through a University induction for the programmes they will be examining and is provided with thorough grading guidance that ensures decisions are consistent and reliable.

Minimum Requirements for EPA

For Apprentices:

13. Complete on-program training meeting Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) for a minimum of 12 months;
14. Complete required off-the-job training;
15. Understand and prepare for the EPA, meeting all gateway requirements.

For Employers:

16. Collaborate with the training provider (the University);
17. Provide opportunities for apprentices to develop KSBs;
18. Arrange and support off-the-job training;
19. Ensure apprentice readiness for EPA;
20. Confirm gateway requirements.

For End-Point Assessment Organisations:

21. Conform to APAR register requirements;
22. Understand the specifics of the degree and higher apprenticeships they assess;
23. Develop assessment materials;
24. Ensure fairness, reliability, and consistency in assessment;
25. Appoint competent assessors;
26. Standardise assessors and moderate decisions;
27. Work with employers to support apprentices;
28. Deliver training as outlined;
29. Monitor apprentice progress and readiness for EPA.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

30. The University ensures that apprentices with protected characteristics or learning support needs are neither advantaged nor disadvantaged in EPAs in order to ensure that all achievements are fair.

Appeals and Complaints

31. Apprentices who wish to appeal their EPA grade, where the University is the EPAO, can do so through the University’s Academic Appeals Policy and Procedure. If an apprentice wants to make a complaint about any element of the EPA, they can do so through the University’s omplaints Procedure for Students. If an employer wishes to make a complaint about any element of the EPA, they can do so through the Complaints Procedure for Employers.
32. Where the EPAO is external to the University, apprentices should pursue that EPAO’s appeals and complaints policy. The University provides support to help apprentices navigate external policies. 

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