The British Psychological Society
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    • Vacancy for Assessors - Qualification in Forensic Psychology (Stage 2)

    The Board is keen to hear from forensic psychologists who would like to become an Assessor.

    The Forensic Psychology Qualifications Board is responsible for the assessment of the society's Stage 2 Qualification in Forensic Psychology (QFP), which provides one of the routes to gaining eligibility to apply for Chartered membership of the BPS, Full membership of the Division of Forensic Psychology, and registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

    The Qualification in Forensic Psychology launched a new route in July 2021, and there is now an opportunity for Assessors to assess on both versions of the Qualification.

    Overview of the role

    • To assess candidate submissions in the required format, ensuring doctoral level standard is maintained at all times.
    • To provide assessment reports with detailed developmental feedback by set deadlines.
    • To make assessment decisions that are robust, fair and equitable.
    • Where necessary, engage in the assessment arbitration process, including provision of all relevant information to the Assessment Deputy and/or Head of Assessment in order to allow for a fully informed and unbiased final assessment decision to be made.
    • To participate in and successfully complete Assessor training as required.
    • To engage in an annual review process and positively engage with the Head of Assessment feedback.
    • To assess candidates' competence through required assessments.
    • To ensure that their own specialist knowledge remains current.
    • To comply with all relevant codes and policies.

    Person Specification

    • A minimum of two years' experience as a Chartered Psychologist with the Society and as a registered forensic psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council.
    • Full membership of the Division of Forensic Psychology.
    • Experience assessing work at postgraduate level in forensic psychology or evaluating professional practice against clear competency frameworks
    • Knowledge and understanding of assessment processes.
    • Ability to assess against a set of standards.
    • Knowledge of professional standards of training for the Qualification in Forensic Psychology (Stage 2).

    Personal Qualities

    • Ability to work independently.
    • Excellent written skills.
    • Attention to detail.
    • Good communication skills.
    • Good time management skills.
    • Ability to work to deadlines.

    Commitment

    Assessors will be expected to mark across both the 2011 and 2021 route of the Qualification and are expected to take a minimum of 2 submissions per month (2011 route). Whilst the 2011 route has monthly submissions, the 2021 route will work as follows:

    2021 Route

    Candidates can enrol at set points each calendar year, choosing to enrol on either a 2, 3 or 4-year track. Candidates will submit at specific submission points dependent on which track they choose. Assessors will be contacted following candidate enrolment to plan Assessor pairings in advance. Assessors will be required to conduct assessments as required by the BPS.

    Once Assessors are allocated to a candidate, it is the expectation that the Assessor will be available for each of that candidates' submissions and conduct an oral examination (viva) at the end of the qualification.

    Assessors will be expected to undertake the assessment and return the Assessor report form to the Society's office within 15 days of receiving the submission. It is important you are able to commit to the timelines set out by the BPS, as failure to do so will result in serious delays for the candidates.

    Payment

    This position attracts a payment per submission assessed of £132.66 for the 2011 route and, a set rate of £966.60 for the 2021 route, which, as outlined above, involves assessment of the candidate throughout their enrolment period on the Qualification.

    This post does not require attendance at Board meetings.

    How to apply

    If you are interested in applying for this post please submit a Statement of Interest form online.

    You will also need to submit a CV to accompany your application to [email protected].

    Assessors are required to attend Induction Training upon appointment as well as mandatory training days as required. They will also be subject to a role review.

    Those who meet the required specification will be invited for interview via Zoom (on a date to be confirmed).