External assessments
External assessment information.
External assessors make sure that the assessment of social work training is fair and consistent across the UK. Every training provider is assigned one or more external assessor. They verify that decisions about whether or not students have passed the course are correct and that the assessment processes were fair, consistent and valid.
External assessors are chosen for their relevant experience in social work practice and education and their expertise in assessment.
The GSCC co-ordinates external assessment on behalf of the four social care regulatory councils of the UK. We hold meetings where external assessors can share their experience and check that assessment practice is consistent throughout the UK.
External assessors provide an objective overview of assessment by sampling and forming a judgement on the sufficiency and the standard of evidence provided by students.
External assessors operate to the guidance in the external assessment manuals and report to the GSCC and the training provider. Copies of the guidance manual and the report forms can be download from the external assessments resource page.
USEFUL DOCUMENTS