EQA Services

1. IOL will receive EPAO notification from IfA and plan a schedule of desk reviews and observation visits for each EPAO.
2. A desk review of EPAO polices, processes and staff will ensure that assessments and internal quality assurance requirements, as set out in the assessment plan, for each registered EPAO, are: being carried out; operating effectively; achieving the desired outcomes; and conducted by qualified staff Observation visits will allow the EPA to review the assessment process in real time across different work environments and employer groups.
3. EQA forums will provide guidance’s and information based on the approved standards and assessment plan. IOL will look at different assessment methodology that has been used and provide a level of standardisation across the EPAO’s.
4. EPAO reports will help drive improvement in the system by identifying improvements that EPAOs can make to the delivery of EPA, or identifying areas that could improve EPA plans.
5. Annual Reports to IfA and the Trailblazer Employer Group will give feedback on how well the EPA process is working for apprentices, employers, training organisations, assessment organisations and the institute for apprenticeships.

The costs of EQA are built into the fees for End Point Assessment of an Apprentice - EQA must be run on a transparent and not-for-profit basis.

The Institute is investing in the set-up of EQA provision to ensure everything is in place for assessment organisations and employers who are already utilising the £6k funding available to support Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeships.