Updated Skills for Care assessment principles for training centres

Skills for Care has recently updated its Shared Assessment Principles, setting clear expectations for assessment and internal quality assurance across health, social care, and early years qualifications. For training centres, these updates ensure that assessment processes are fair, robust, and reflect real-world practice and upholding the quality and credibility of qualifications.

Key updates at a glance:

• Initial assessment and recognition of prior learning (RPL): Centres should ensure learners’ prior experience is recognised and that reasonable adjustments are in place where needed.
• Evidence-based decisions: All assessment decisions must be justified and based on clear, verifiable evidence.
• Direct observation for skills: Skills-based assessments should primarily use observation in the workplace or a simulated environment.
• Assessor competence: Assessors must be occupationally competent and understand the sector context.
• Internal quality assurance (IQA): Centres must have effective IQA processes to ensure consistency, accuracy and compliance.
• Inclusive, learner-centred approach: Assessments should be fair, inclusive and support learner success.
• Technology and AI: Guidance is included for safe, ethical use of digital tools in assessment.

Aligning with the updated principles helps centres:

• Deliver assessments that are consistent, credible and compliant.
• Support learners effectively, recognising prior learning and individual needs.
• Demonstrate quality and professionalism to regulators, employers and learners.

Centres should review their practices, policies and procedures to ensure they are compliant with the updated principles.