Specialist Assessor - Exam Access Arrangements

Derby City Council; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS pension

Hybrid working

Career development

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Derby City Council is seeking a Specialist Exams Assessor at the DALS Learning Centres in Derby. The role focuses on carrying out specialist assessments, advising on access arrangements and ensuring compliance with exam regulations to help every learner achieve their potential.

You will work with learners, tutors and examination bodies to coordinate arrangements, maintain records and stay updated on JCQ rules while promoting inclusive assessment practices.

Qualifications

• Experience of carrying out specialist assessments and making recommendations for exam access arrangements and reasonable adjustments.
• Strong knowledge of assessment processes, exam regulations and current guidance relating to access arrangements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with learners, tutors and external agencies.
• Experience of producing clear, accurate reports and maintaining confidential learner records.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied caseload and work to deadlines.
• Experience of using digital systems to record, manage and report information accurately.
• An understanding of equality, inclusion and the barriers that learners with additional needs may face.

Responsibilities

• Carry out specialist assessments to identify learners' needs and determine appropriate exam access arrangements.
• Prepare detailed assessment reports and recommendations in line with awarding body and regulatory requirements.
• Advise tutors, managers and support staff on access arrangements, reasonable adjustments and inclusive assessment practices.
• Liaise with learners, examination staff and awarding organisations to coordinate approved access arrangements.
• Maintain accurate learner records and assessment documentation, ensuring confidentiality and compliance.
• Keep up to date with changes to JCQ examination regulations, guidance and best practice.
• Support quality assurance processes and contribute to audits, inspections and compliance reviews.
• Promote equality of opportunity by helping to remove barriers to learning and assessment for learners with additional needs.

Skills

Specialist assessments

Exam access arrangements

Report writing

Confidential records

Communication

Equality and inclusion

Tools

Digital systems

Job description

Salary: £31,015 - £33,673 a year pro rata

Location: DALS Learning Centres (Derby City)

Hours: 100 hours per year

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday between 8am - 5pm

Contract Type: Permanent

DBS Requirement: Yes

Closing Date: Sunday 15th November 2026

The Opportunity

If you're looking for a role where your expertise can make a real difference, the Specialist Exams Assessor could be the opportunity for you. You'll support learners by carrying out specialist assessments, recommending appropriate access arrangements and helping to ensure all learners have the opportunity to achieve their potential.

Working closely with learners, tutors and awarding organisations, you'll provide expert advice, maintain compliance with exam regulations and promote an inclusive learning environment where every learner can succeed.

What you'll be doing

• Carry out specialist assessments to identify learners' needs and determine appropriate exam access arrangements.


• Prepare detailed assessment reports and recommendations in line with awarding body and regulatory requirements.


• Advise tutors, managers and support staff on access arrangements, reasonable adjustments and inclusive assessment practices.


• Liaise with learners, examination staff and awarding organisations to coordinate approved access arrangements.


• Maintain accurate learner records and assessment documentation, ensuring confidentiality and compliance.


• Keep up to date with changes to JCQ examination regulations, guidance and best practice.


• Support quality assurance processes and contribute to audits, inspections and compliance reviews.


• Promote equality of opportunity by helping to remove barriers to learning and assessment for learners with additional needs.

About you

• Experience of carrying out specialist assessments and making recommendations for exam access arrangements and reasonable adjustments.


• Strong knowledge of assessment processes, exam regulations and current guidance relating to access arrangements.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with learners, tutors and external agencies.


• Experience of producing clear, accurate reports and maintaining confidential learner records.


• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied caseload and work to deadlines.


• Experience of using digital systems to record, manage and report information accurately.


• An understanding of equality, inclusion and the barriers that learners with additional needs may face.


• A professional, empathetic and learner-focused approach, with a commitment to helping all learners achieve their potential.

Who We Are

At Derby City Council, we're proud to deliver over 250 essential services that support our residents, communities and businesses. Guided by our vision to create an Inclusive, Green, Growing and Vibrant City, we put people at the heart of everything we do.

Our values shape how we work every day. We believe in Great People, One Team, we're Bold in embracing change, Strong in delivering for our communities, and We Care about making a positive difference.

Join us and you'll be part of an ambitious, collaborative organisation where you can develop your career while helping to shape Derby's future.

Why join Derby City Council?

At Derby City Council, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference while building a rewarding career in an organisation that values, supports and invests in its people. Alongside the opportunity to help shape the future of Derby, you'll benefit from a comprehensive range of employee benefits, including:

Financial Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) - a secure, defined benefit pension with life cover


• Team Derby Rewards - discounts across a wide range of retail, leisure and lifestyle brands


• Tusker Car Benefit Scheme - a salary sacrifice scheme for leasing a brand-new, fully maintained and insured vehicle

Work-Life Balance

• Generous annual leave, starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days after five years' service (plus bank holidays, depending on your contract)


• The option to purchase additional annual leave


• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements for many roles


• Flexible retirement options, where eligible


• Support for colleagues with caring responsibilities

Learning and Development

• Learning and development opportunities, with regular career conversations to support your growth


• Leadership and management development programmes, mentoring and professional qualifications


• Modern workspaces designed to support collaboration, productivity and wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support and a year-round wellbeing calendar


• Free annual flu vaccinations


• Cycle2Work Scheme and free cycle training

Community and Inclusion

• Up to 15 hours of volunteering leave each year


• Recognition through initiatives including the Here for Derby Awards and Long Service Awards


• The opportunity to join one of our Employee Networks, including LGBTQ+, Disabled Employees and Carers, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Employees, and Neurodiversity

Some benefits are dependent on your role, contract or length of service.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Derby City Council, we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we serve.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role can choose to apply through our Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

We are also proud to hold the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, recognising our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families. Members of the Armed Forces community, veterans and their close family members who meet the essential criteria are also eligible for our Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including during your application, interview or onboarding, we'll work with you to provide the support you need.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or need assistance with your application, please contact the Recruitment Team on 01332 640844 (Relay UK: 18001 01332 640844) or email [e-mail].

Where a DBS requirement is indicated at the top of this advert, the successful candidate will be subject to the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of our safer recruitment process.

Where a Market Rate Supplement is indicated at the top of this advert, it is paid in addition to the basic salary and is subject to regular review. The supplement may be reduced or withdrawn and will reduce in line with incremental progression and pay awards.

The Council has a legal obligation to consider suitable redeployment opportunities for employees at risk of redundancy. Consequently, this vacancy may be withdrawn before the advertised closing date if it is filled through the Council's redeployment process.