The assessor may be the NQSW’s line manager or an external assessor and may provide reflective and/or case supervision.
The ASYE assessor must be a registered and experienced social worker who may or may not be a Practice Educator (who holds PEPS1/PEPS2). The assessor may be the NQSW’s line manager or an external assessor and may provide reflective and/or case supervision. The ASYE assessor must work closely with the NQSW’s line manager.
The role of the assessor is to:
- support the NQSW in the development of their social work practice
- provide ongoing developmental feedback to promote practice change
- undertake an assessment of the NQSW’s progressive development, leading to a pass/fail recommendation at the end of the programme for which they are professionally accountable
- ensure that the NQSW receives the support set out in the Standards for Employers of Social Workers (together with the NQSW’s line manager).
More information about the assessor’s roles and responsibilities is set out in the support and assessment agreement.
Change of assessor
Where there is to be a change in the NQSW’s assessor, the current assessor should liaise with the ASYE co-ordinator and the NQSW’s operational team manage to develop a plan to ensure the continuing support the NQSW.
There should be a formal handover with the NQSW and the circumstances of the change in the assessor recorded in the next review report.
Supporting a failing NQSW
If any concerns are raised about the progress, performance, and capability of the NQSW, the assessor should liaise with the ASYE co-ordinator and/or senior manager, workforce development and human resources (HR).
A support and action plan should be put in place and the process should be formally managed in accordance with the organisation’s performance/capability/disciplinary procedures.
If the concerns are of a serious nature and/or there are fitness to practice issues it is best practice to consider the concerns with the principal social worker/senior manager to decide the appropriate way forward, which may include approaching Social Work England.
Final pass/fail recommendation
An assessor will assess the NQSW’s progress throughout the programme, with formal recorded assessments at the three, six, nine and twelve months milestones. Any concerns in relation to practice should be shared promptly in a transparent way and form part of a support and action plan to address them.
A pass/fail recommendation should be recorded at the final review. The panel will review the evidence in support of the recommendation and make a decision on behalf of the organisation to confirm, or not confirm, the assessor’s recommendation.
If the panel declines to confirm the assessor’s recommendation, the organisation’s processes and procedures will determine the subsequent course of action.
The pass/fail recommendation should be:
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accurate - consistent with the expectations of the relevant PQS (KSS) (and the PCF at ASYE level)
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valid - based on evidence that reflects the breadth and depth of the NQSW’s work throughout the year and their progressive development
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sufficient - based on a sufficiently broad and varied range of different types of evidence (giving an holistic overview of the NQSW’s progress)
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robust - based on evidence that is checked and consistent and leads to a defensible judgement
Assessors forum
Tuesday 19 March, 14:00-16:00, via Zoom
This forum brings together ASYE assessors' from across the country and is an opportunity to share thoughts and ideas about what you think works well with the ASYE and where there are areas for improvement. It’s open to anyone who is assessing NQSWs from both adults and child and family services. The meetings often explore ASYE developments and is an opportunity for ASYE assessors and coordinators to learn from and support each other.
Book your place for this date and future ones
Research in Practice (RiP) and Community Care Inform (CCI)
Your organisation may be a member of Research in Practice and/or Community Care Inform. If so you will be able to access some useful information related to your role as a NQSW and your ASYE.
Access your CCI log in for child and family or adult services dependent on your organisation’s subscription rights.