External review of Modern Apprenticeships

Published 20/06/2023. Last updated 08/01/2025

Arrangements for the external review of Modern Apprenticeships

External review methodology

Aims and objectives of external review - HM Inspectors will work with providers and key stakeholders to:

provide assurance to Scottish Ministers, the public and other stakeholders of the quality of MA provision
support providers in using effective quality improvement and enhancement approaches to deliver the highest quality of provision and improve outcomes for apprentices
draw on the impact of each provider’s own quality assurance and enhancement approaches to evidence improvement
involve Associate Assessors (AAs) as peers in contributing to external review
apply productive engagement approaches that are responsive to the needs of apprentices, staff and key stakeholders
minimise requirements for providers to produce additional documentation
take account of the views of apprentices, staff, and key stakeholders to assess performance
apply proportionate and differentiated approaches to allocate time and resources to where they are most needed
provide constructive and appropriately detailed feedback
promote capacity building within and between institutions and their key stakeholders, and
complement internal review, self-assessment procedures, and any Skills Development Scotland (SDS) contract monitoring arrangements.

In realising the above aims, external reviews of MA provision will sample breadth and depth of provision that is proportionate to the scale and scope of delivery across Scotland.

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External review of Modern Apprenticeships

Published 20/06/2023. Last updated 08/01/2025

Arrangements for the external review of Modern Apprenticeships

External review methodology

Aims and objectives of external review - HM Inspectors will work with providers and key stakeholders to:

provide assurance to Scottish Ministers, the public and other stakeholders of the quality of MA provision
support providers in using effective quality improvement and enhancement approaches to deliver the highest quality of provision and improve outcomes for apprentices
draw on the impact of each provider’s own quality assurance and enhancement approaches to evidence improvement
involve Associate Assessors (AAs) as peers in contributing to external review
apply productive engagement approaches that are responsive to the needs of apprentices, staff and key stakeholders
minimise requirements for providers to produce additional documentation
take account of the views of apprentices, staff, and key stakeholders to assess performance
apply proportionate and differentiated approaches to allocate time and resources to where they are most needed
provide constructive and appropriately detailed feedback
promote capacity building within and between institutions and their key stakeholders, and
complement internal review, self-assessment procedures, and any Skills Development Scotland (SDS) contract monitoring arrangements.

In realising the above aims, external reviews of MA provision will sample breadth and depth of provision that is proportionate to the scale and scope of delivery across Scotland.