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The ARC Training Consortium (ATC) is one of the largest assessment centres for the Care Sector in the UK. We specialise in supporting providers of Learning Disability Services.

Our approach to providing NVQs differs from that of many other centres: we do not offer peripatetic assessment as we feel it is best practice to support organisations to build capacity around their own assessors and internal verifiers. This promotes assessment in the workplace by people who are known to and familiar with the service users who receive support from the organisation. Thus the issues of confidentiality and the right to privacy are more easily managed. It also means that organisations which do not themselves wish to become a centre, can use the ATC to provide the administration, quality assurance and support necessary to enable their own assessors and internal verifiers to operate 'on site'.

Workplace visits can be used flexibly for a number of support activities:

• Advice about developing NVQ structures in your organisation
• Portfolio building support for A1/V1 candidates
• Direct Observation of A1/V1 candidates
• Professional discussions with A1/V1 candidates
• Assessment support of NVQ candidates at the worksite
• Verification of NVQ portfolios
• Independent assessment of A1 candidates (an award requirement)
• Direct observation of the organisation's qualified assessors/ verifiers for ongoing QA (an Awarding Body requirement)

There is a workplace support fee for either a full or half day visit. Any of the above activities may take place during these visits, dependant on the needs of the organisation. The fee also covers the management of the Awards and a newsletter called Feedback.

A1 Award (Assessor)

Candidates wishing to achieve the Assessor award (A1) will need to identify 2 NVQ candidates to assess in order to provide evidence of their competence. A1 candidates can register their NVQ candidates through the ATC.

The ATC Assessor programme involves a two day training course and a workbook. Candidates gather evidence in the workplace and complete their porfolio under the guidance of an ARC Development Officer.

This development officer also provides direct observation of assessment practice in the workplace. A telephone helpline is available to all candidates. Extra portfolio building sessions can be purchaced if required. Assessment and internal verification of the candidates' work is provided by ARC staff at the Evesham Office.

Assessors working through the ATC are required by the Awarding Body to receive standardisation support at least once a year. Standardisation events are provided by the ATC at minimal cost. They offer an opportunity for assessors to network and share good practice as well as keep up with award developments and maintain their CPD

Internal Verifier Award (V1)

Note: Each V1 candidate will need to identify two NVQ candidates to verify in order to produce evidence of their competence. V1 candidates can register their NVQ candidates through the ARC Training Consortium.

The ATC V1 programme consists of a one day training course and a workbook. It is usually run for approximately four people. The candidate is supported by an ARC Development Officer.

Internal Verifiers working through the ATC are required by the Awarding Body to receive standardisation support at least once a year. Standardisation events are offered by the ATC at minimal cost. They provide an opportunity to network and share good practice as well as to keep up with award developments and maintain their CPD.

Distance learning and in house training programmes to underpin NVQs can be accessed from the ARC Training Services based in Chesterfield.

SVQ in Scotland
ARC Scotland is an SVQ Assessment Centre - click here to see details of training in Scotland.

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