FAQ's: Consultancy
What is the QM Consultancy Service?
As part of the REC’s ongoing commitment to the effective delivery of the DfES Quality Mark the REC has introduced a consultancy service that will equip teacher supply agencies/LEAs with the necessary tools and knowledge to assist with the preparation and compilation of their Quality Mark application.
What will the consultancy service provide?
The consultancy will be for one day and the consultants will: -
- Provide a detailed analysis of each standard that will be supported by explanatory guidance notes
- Observe the agency’s existing processes and offer guidance on best practice and areas that will require review in order to meet with Quality Mark standard
- Provide model policies and supporting documents in paper format and on CD
- Compile and produce a report within 10 working days of the visit which details the consultants findings and offers recommendations and a supporting action plan on how to move forward,
- Provide on-going support during the application process
Will you prepare the application on our behalf?
No. The best person to define what the agency does is you and we aim to focus on what you do well and help you build on areas that may require clarification or improvement.
How much will the service cost and what does it include?
It will cost £750 plus VAT and expenses for a one-day visit.
Am I guaranteed to get the Quality Mark?
No. Once we receive your application it will follow the same rigorous assessment process as all other applications. You will be advantaged by knowing the type of information and level of detail that we require, and by adopting or adapting our model policies you will know that these meet with our requirements. It is still possible that we will require further clarification on some issues but on the whole the assessment process should be much swifter.
The success of the application will centre on the file sampling that takes place during the assessment visit at the end of the application process. So while you may have all the correct documentation in place and produce the appropriate written evidence, if you are failing to follow procedures we will be unable to award you with the Quality Mark until you are able to assure us that your application is a demonstrable reflection of your day-to-day working practices.
Who will carry out the consultancy visit?
Angie Nicholls who is one of the Professional Standard Assessors for the Quality Mark and are employed by the REC.
What will happen during the visit?
Once your pre-consultancy questionnaire has been assessed, Angie Nicholls will contact you to discuss the visit along with any areas that may require further clarification. Whilst we have an agenda for the day, it is essentially ‘your day’ and therefore can be designed to meet any specific requirements you may have.
The consultancy will be a two-way exchange of information either on a one to one basis or with the entire office or team - whichever is preferable. It will be a combination of a formal presentation on the QM, followed by detailed explanatory guidance on what is expected on each standard. We will review your processes and suggest ways in which you can build and develop these to fall in line with Quality Mark requirements and best practice.
It would be useful if we undertook a file sampling exercise to ensure that any documented procedures that you have are being adhered to and this will help us identify any key areas that will need to be reviewed.
At the end of the day we will give you a folder and a CD containing explanatory guidance, model policies and supporting forms that you can adopt or develop to fall into line with your own procedures.
And after?
You will be sent a report that will detail our findings supported by an action plan and this can be used as a reference document during the compilation of your QM application.
