4.3.3 Proposed Quality Assurance System
The TPQF quality assurance system needs to supports three key elements:
• listing/publication of the occupational standards (units of competence, qualifications and assessment tools)
• quality of assessment process & assessment decisions (assessment centre and assessor/examiners)
• reported results (OS database).
Note: With the focus of this work-programme on the occupational standards and assessment process (assessment centres), quality assurance of the OS database was discussed only in passing.
Using the NZQA’s EQAF as a model, an integrated system with four process components of: entry, monitoring, evaluation/audit/review and managing risk has been designed. The proposed model has at its core the Assessment Centres and Occupational Standards.
To support the focus on increased accountability, self-assessment/internal audit is a key element of the system. Through these processes, occupational standards developers and assessment centres will be required to provide evidence which demonstrates how they have assured the quality of their outputs and achieved the outcomes being sought. This evidence can, and should, also be used by them to improve their own performance. This evidence will be used by the QAB in their part of the quality assurance process and supports an evidence-based approach to decision-making. This approach seeks to develop and enhance a quality culture throughout the system.
The key components of the quality assurance system, and their role, are represented in Diagram Two – Proposed Quality Assurance System v.1.0.