A1_Witness_Testimony

Witness Testimony At the initial meeting with the candidate I diagnose what the candidate already knows or can do, compared with what they need to demonstrate or learn. We both agree on an assessment plan which outlines how they will be assessed and where the assessments will take place, e.g. training centre or at the candidate’s normal place of work. We also agree on a suitable timescale taken into account their prior learning and how quickly they can demonstrate competence in the qualification. I design the training to meet the individual needs of the candidate, as all candidates are different. During the learning process I use a variety of assessment methods: * Question and answers in the form of short assignments * Direct observations on site assessing candidates carrying out tasks related to the performance criteria of the qualification * Reflective accounts from candidates describing how they performed a certain task * Witness testimony from candidates employer, work based recorder or other reliable sources * Photographic evidence is also used as supplementary evidence during observations Once I have reviewed the evidence and assessed it against the required elements of the qualification, it will allow me to make a decision to whether the candidate is competent or not yet competent. Competence can be awarded if the evidence is: * Valid * Reliable * Sufficient * Authentic * Current * Safe After assessments I allow sufficient time for appropriate feedback to be given verbally and/or written with time for the candidate to reflect or comment on the feedback. I always praise or reinforce the positives from the assessments before focusing on the weaker areas. I document all assessments so there is a clear record of what the candidate has already achieved, it also allows for proof that the assessment process follows the national standards for assessment and verification. At agreed intervals, I submit a sample of candidates portfolios to the Internal Verifier for quality purposes, to make sure that my decisions are fair and valid. I use paperwork that has a standard format, whether it is from &*£$%^&*^% or the awarding body of the qualification. As part of the quality standard I attend standardisation meetings where we discuss the changes in paperwork, policies or procedures involved with assessing candidates.