Case study: From flexible worker to full-time colleague

Claire joined us as a flexible worker and soon progressed to a role in Assessment Delivery. After two years in that position, she became our Assessment Production Manager. We spoke to Claire about her journey with us so far

Why did you join NCFE as a flexible worker?

I joined NCFE as an External Quality Assurer (EQA), after a recommendation from an EQA who I had been working with during my own organisation’s quality assurance visits. A position became available for a North East-based external contractor for sport, exercise, and leisure. So, I applied and went through the application and induction process. The induction process was very engaging. We worked through various qualifications, looked at a range of quality checks that would be required, and completed role-play scenarios on giving and receiving feedback. I was responsible for many centres, from large further education (FE) colleges to small training providers based all over the North East, working across a wide range of sport and exercise programmes. In September 2018 I was also approached by the Product Development team to review a suite of newly-developed fitness qualifications.

What did you find the benefits were of being a flexible worker at NCFE?

The one thing that stuck out from the induction and initial training programmes was that you were fully welcomed into NCFE. Even though I was a contractor, I was still treated with the same professionalism and respect as any colleague.

I was provided with annual training for the EQA role, as well as standardisation training for the sport, exercise and leisure specialisms. I also had access to the EQA Officers, so if I had any queries about a provider, even during a visit, they were readily available.

Can you tell us about your journey from being a flexible worker to becoming a full-time NCFE employee?

I left my role in a FE college in January 2019 – after 18 years –to become a full-time employee at NCFE, as Assessment Production Officer within the Assessment team. I remained in that post until November 2019, when I applied and received a promotion to Lead Assessment Production Officer.

This role was engaging immediately, as I was assigned to the T Level qualifications, which were in development at that time. To take the first wave of Technical Qualification assessments and move them into the live production process was challenging but rewarding. In January 2021, I applied and received a promotion to Assessment Production Manager. I now have the responsibility and accountability for managing the teams that produce all live external assessments that are launched and issued by NCFE.