Call for Assessors for the Qualification in Counselling Psychology (Pre-2018 Route & 2018 Route)

The Counselling Psychology Qualification Leadership Team is concerned with the assessment of the Society's Qualification in Counselling Psychology (QCoP) (also known as the 'independent route") to gaining eligibility to apply for Chartered Membership of the Society and Full Membership of the Division of Counselling Psychology, and eligibility to apply to the Health and Care Professions Council for registration as a Counselling Psychologist.

A new route was introduced in 2018 which superseded the existing training pathway in 2023.

The two routes have been running concurrently and the assessment team assess both.

The assessment team consists of a minimum of 10 assessors and is renewed every three years. 

Pre-2018 Route (Closed in 2023)

The Qualification comprises a range of units, including Documentary Evidence Units which involve submission of requisite documentary evidence fulfilling certain requirements, and Assessment Units which involve submission of pieces of written work, culminating in a viva examination at the end of the process.  

2018 Route

The post- 2018 route consists of the same units of assessment, grouped into portfolios rather than as standalone pieces of work. 

About this role

The Counselling Psychology Qualification Leadership Team is seeking to appoint assessors to undertake the assessment of submissions against the published criteria for both routes.

Currently there are eight assessment points in the year, but your availability will be checked prior to the allocation of work. 

The assessment of written work is carried out electronically, and the role of assessor will also include viva examinations usually held in March, June, October and January. via Zoom. 

For the pre-2018 Route Assessors receive payment for each unit of work marked, with the payment per unit varying according to the individual unit.

For the 2018 route Assessors receive payment for each portfolio marked.

This post does not require attendance at Board meetings.

In the first two years a new assessor is paired, by the Head of Assessments, with a more experienced assessor. 

Appointment to the role of assessor lasts for three years and there is an expectation that an assessor will be willing to mark any range of units. 

Assessors are also required to engage in an annual paper-based appraisal. 

If you are interested in applying for this role, please refer to the details below. 

Job description

The Assessor is required to:

• Check for dual relationships prior to allocation of candidate work and report these to the Qualifications Officer;
• Check that they have access to all of their allocated work (via online BPS portal) shortly after the Qualifications Officer has confirmed that it has been made available;
• Liaise with their co-assessor and agree arrangements for discussing marks and writing up the feedback;
• Discuss with their co-assessor and moderator any unexpected events relevant to assessment process;
• Ensure that all candidate feedback is internally consistent and appropriately and fully completed by the deadline;
• Send for moderation all refers, passes, disagreements, and undecided results;
• Attend the annual assessor training workshop;
• Highlight any improvements that may be needed in the assessment process and procedures where relevant.
• Complete an annual paper-based appraisal

Person specification:

• Chartered Psychologist for a minimum of two years
• Full Member of the Division of Counselling Psychology
• Registered as a Counselling Psychologist with the HCPC
• Experience of teaching, assessing or supervising at postgraduate level

Newly appointed assessors must attend the annual training day for assessors (usually held in Spring and Autumn of each year).

In order to remain an assessor, assessors must attend at least one assessor training day per year in order to stay up to date with current practices. 

How to apply

In order to apply to become an assessor, please apply with a Statement of Interest and accompanying CV. 

A reference will be sought from the referee that you name on your Statement of Interest form.

The Qualification Leadership Team would welcome applications from both experienced QCoP assessors and those new to the role.

Complete a statement of interest

If you are interested in applying for the role please contact Nathaniel Rawes, Assessment & Awards Officer at [email protected] and cc [email protected].

An informal discussion can be arranged if required with the Head of Assessments, Dr Ketan Patel, please get in touch.