Below are testimonials from previous and current SVQ candidates relating to different aspects of the process:

Initial Thoughts:

“My only concern I suppose was fitting it in with my home life but my assessor made it very clear that this will take x amount of time. I knew what was expected of me.” (Christopher)

“My assessor was good at identifying the work I needed to complete and highlighting any areas I needed to focus on,  which I found particularly helpful given time constrains in my home life. The support meetings were regular and my assessor was able to keep me motivated.” (Ann)

“I was apprehensive to begin with but started to connect and enjoy completing my evidence, my Assessor was very easy to communicate with and very approachable.” (Angela)

Outcomes:

“I enjoyed using the VQ portfolio to complete evidence this made the whole process a lot more accessible and was user friendly. I also received good support and advice from my assessor.” (Jayne)

“I has given me more confidence in my job role, it has made me more aware of my codes of practice in how I carry out and reflect on my daily tasks within my job role.” (Ann)

“My SVQ award will help me continue to support people to the best of my ability reflecting on my practice. I enjoyed doing the award and couldn’t thank my assessor enough for all the help I received.” (Lauren)

“When I was doing my award I found it’s help me reflect on and evaluate my practice. It has definitely allowed me to become more informed and I feel more empowered in my role.” (Katarzyna)

“The award has helped me reflect on my practice throughout. I started the awards as an Assistant Manager and progressed to Manager and I believe doing the award, helped with this career progression.” (Kerrie)

“I feel more confident when recording information. I feel that I am more aware of the importance of recording and updating information accurately to ensure people’s needs and choices are followed correctly.” (Elaine)

“It has improved my reports and how I write them. It made me appreciate what I do in my role on a daily basis that even though it might be appear to be routine but I do do a lot and it has given me more confidence in my abilities.” (Cameron)

Induction:

“The sessions were very useful for new candidates to learn the various ways of recording evidence, how to use the online portfolio site and how to accumulate evidence across the various units.” (Gavin)

“I was able to gather a lot of information from my Assessor with the two induction sessions. I was able to take notes from the clear presentations shown. I feel confident in moving forward and being able to complete what is being asked of me.” (Laura)

“I feel the SVQ process was explained in great detail and gave me a good understanding of what is expected.” (Lisa)

“It was useful and gave an insight of what is to come and expect.” (Ewan)

“Everything was well explained and we were given the opportunity to ask questions at all times.” (Sharon)

 

Support Meetings:

“My Assessor was approachable, kind , understanding and very clear in the way they communicate. I found them very easy to work with and we built a great professional relationship.” (Ellen)

“I felt very supported and the assessment centre was very flexible with me throughout my award.” (Kerrie)

“I want to thank my Assessor for their unwavering support throughout my award, working through this was a very enjoyable and left me feeling very accomplished. My Assessor’s knowledge of my award was so thorough, I felt they really respected me and my input. My Assessor encouraged me into a good routine to work on my award as soon after our support meetings as possible My Assessor was very prompt to reply to any enquiries I made and a pleasure to have met.” (Joanne)

Observations:

“The observations went really smoothly but I think that’s because of the good working relationship, and being comfortable with your assessor.” (Samantha)

Candidate Testimonials:

Tracey Boyle, Senior Home Help

Paula Crooks, Night Shift Supervisor

 

“In this field of work, many of the employees have not had the opportunity to gain formal qualifications but have instead worked their way though the different stages of care work.  By working through a vocational award; being able to explain in a structured way your knowledge and experience give carers and managers the opportunity to become qualified to a level which is recognised professionally.  In turn, this is helping to create a professional workforce which creates an environment where Service Users are absolutely at the centre of what we try to achieve.” (Ann)

“Completing the award has given the staff member a better understanding of her role as personal carer and enhanced her confidence.” (Arlene)

“The staff member has embraced her VQ Award and has become more aware of her practice, in respect of implementing theory and knowledge.” (Kerrie)

“The staff member has become more confident in her own assessment and has improved in her writing skills. I feel this award has supported her in coaching her appropriate literacy and language that is essential for this role. it has also given her the confidence within herself, that she is a great social care worker and by writing down her evidence of practice, it has supported her to realise her true potential and drive her forward for a permanent position.” (Samantha)

“This has given the staff member confidence and enhanced her knowledge in all area’s of care and supervision.” (Arlene)

 

SQA Qualification Verification – Reports 2023, 2024 and 2025
In the last three Qualification Verification Reports produced by the SQA, high confidence was identified in the maintenance of SQA standards regarding the centre’s resources, candidate support and internal assessment and verification.

SQA Systems Verification – Visit Report 2023
The Assessment Centre achieved High Confidence identified in the systems that support the maintenance of SQA standards for Management of a Centre, Resources, Candidate Support, Internal Assessment and Verification, External Assessment and Data Management.

Examples of good practice include…

EVs spoke to candidates who were highly complementary about their Assessors and the processes in place. Candidates were happy with the mechanisms for communicating with their Assessor, the speed with which their Assessors replied to them and gave feedback on their work and the support, planning and feedback given.

Candidates mentioned how comfortable their Assessor’s made observations after being nervous about this evidence gathering method. Candidates commented how their Assessor had really motivated them; goals were set at each meeting which was appreciated as it gave focus.

Candidates commented on how easily they found navigating around the centre’s e-portfolio system – VQ folio and the ways this can support candidates, assist Assessors and enable good Internal Verification practices. The EVs were impressed at the support in place so candidates could access this system.

It was also recognised the centre makes reasonable adjustment for neurodiverse candidates. Assessors adjust their ways of working to meet all candidate needs, not just those with an identified need for adjustments. This included using candidates preferred method of communication, adapting their planning methods, deadlines and evidence gathering strategies, and ensuring they were accessible and approachable.

The centre demonstrates an awareness of the changing health and social care context, new challenges and new opportunities. With plans in place to ensure centre staff practice is kept up to date and displayed a high level of understanding of and commitment to the need to be qualified and competent to assess individual units along with an award.

The EVs discussed the growing challenge of AI, and the centre’s response to this. The centre is currently putting into place reasonable checks to ensure reflective accounts are authentic and valid, and using multiple evidence gathering strategies to ensure candidates meet the standards.

Summary of Feedback to the Centre following 2025 SQA Qualification Verification visits:

The assessment centre is very well organised with excellent Assessors and Internal Verifiers (IVs) who understand and follow SQA guidance. The feedback from candidates was positive and the assessment decisions sampled were all correct. EVs saw evidence of good, clear planning, support and feedback via the VQfolio e-portfolio system, evidence of high-quality feedback from IVs and there are policies and procedure in place that can support good practice.

The centre manager is actively involved in quality mechanisms internally and outside the centre and regularly updates the team on changes. This can be seen in the team’s positive preparation for the new standards, and their awareness of new qualifications.

This is currently a good example of a centre delivering high quality qualifications fully following SQA requirements.

Andrew Clydesdale
SVQ and Career Pathways Manager

andrew.clydesdale@falkirk.gov.uk / 07921 942 211

The Foundry, 4 Central Park Ave, Central Blvd, Larbert FK5 4RU