The NVQ Centre

The Black Country Connexions NVQ Assessment team may be the new guys on the block, however, in just under two years, they've proved that they've got what it takes when it comes to quality assessing.

OCR, the Awarding Body for the qualifications we deliver, has been so impressed with the NVQ programmes in place and the evidence that's being produced by candidates that it has awarded the Centre a "Very Good" for Quality. NVQ Centre Co-ordinator, Adrian Pitt says: "The only way is up now - we're gunning for an "Excellent"! As we're still relatively new to the game, OCR needs to see a larger throughput of portfolios. However, we're confident that when that day comes, all the policies and procedures are in place and the quality of assessing and evidence production is top notch."

The NVQ Centre started by offering the NVQ 4 in Advice and Guidance. It now offers the NVQ 3 in Advice and Guidance as well as the A1 award for budding assessors. Future developments in the shape of the NVQ 4 in Learning, Development and Support Services for Young People and those who Care for Them (LDSS) are currently being investigated by the Centre.

The NVQ team is made of many experienced staff who have years of experience in Advice and Guidance and Children's Services settings. There are 11 assessors currently working with nearly 30 staff, meeting with them on a monthly basis to check on progress and observe their practice. The Centre has three Internal Verifiers and holds bi-monthly Assessor and Standardisation meetings to ensure latest developments internally and externally are communicated and new and experienced assessors alike are confident with the qualifications they're assessing.

If you'd like more information about the NVQ Assessment Centre, please contact Adrian Pitt on 0121 502 7400.