BISMA Teaching & Assessment Team Induction and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Policy

BISMA Teaching & Assessment Team Induction and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all members of the teaching and assessment team receive appropriate induction and ongoing professional development to perform their roles effectively and maintain professional competence. BISMA is committed to supporting professional development and promoting continuous improvement across all areas of teaching, assessment, and quality assurance.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all members of the BISMA teaching and assessment team, including:

• Tutors
• Assessors
• Internal Quality Assurers (IQAs)
• Associate Tutors
• Associate Assessors
• Associate IQAs

All individuals involved in the delivery, assessment, or quality assurance of qualifications on behalf of BISMA are expected to comply with this policy.

3. Induction

All new members of the teaching and assessment team must complete an induction before carrying out their duties independently. The induction process helps individuals understand their role, responsibilities, and the standards expected by BISMA.

The induction may include:

• Introduction to BISMA
  Individuals will be provided with information about BISMA, its qualifications, systems, procedures, and organisational structure.
• Roles and Responsibilities
  Individuals will receive guidance on their specific role and the duties they are expected to carry out.
• Health and Safety
  Individuals will be informed of relevant health and safety procedures and emergency arrangements.
• Safeguarding
  Individuals will be introduced to BISMA’s safeguarding responsibilities and reporting procedures.
• Equality and Diversity
  Individuals will be informed of BISMA’s commitment to fair treatment, inclusion, and equal opportunities.
• Data Protection (GDPR)
  Individuals will receive guidance on handling personal information securely and in accordance with data protection legislation.
• Relevant Policies and Procedures
  Individuals will be made aware of policies relevant to their role and responsibilities.
• Awarding Organisation Requirements
  Where applicable, individuals will be informed of the requirements set by awarding organisations and regulatory bodies.
• Role-Specific Training
  Additional training may be provided to ensure individuals are competent to perform their role.

Induction records may be maintained by BISMA as evidence that the induction process has been completed.

4. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

BISMA encourages all members of the teaching and assessment team to undertake regular CPD to maintain and improve their knowledge, skills, and occupational competence.

Examples of CPD activities include:

• Training Courses
  Formal training courses can help individuals develop new skills and maintain professional competence.
• Webinars and Workshops
  Attendance at webinars and workshops can support ongoing professional development and awareness of industry developments.
• Industry Research and Reading
  Individuals may undertake independent study by reading industry publications, guidance documents, and professional resources.
• Professional Qualifications
  Individuals may complete additional qualifications relevant to their role or area of expertise.
• Standardisation Meetings
  Participation in standardisation activities helps maintain consistency in assessment and quality assurance decisions.
• Occupational Practice
  Continuing to work within the industry can help individuals maintain current occupational knowledge and experience.
• Internal Training Sessions
  BISMA may provide internal training to support professional development and organisational requirements.
• Awarding Organisation Training
  Individuals may attend training provided by awarding organisations to remain up to date with qualification requirements.

5. Responsibilities of the Teaching & Assessment Team

Members of the teaching and assessment team are responsible for:

• Completing their Induction
  Individuals should actively participate in the induction process and familiarise themselves with BISMA’s requirements.
• Maintaining Professional Competence
  Individuals should ensure that their knowledge and skills remain current and appropriate for their role.
• Participating in Relevant CPD Activities
  Individuals are encouraged to engage in professional development opportunities that support their role and responsibilities.
• Complying with BISMA Policies and Procedures
  Individuals must follow all relevant policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

6. BISMA Responsibilities

BISMA will:

• Provide Appropriate Induction for New Team Members
  BISMA will ensure that new members of the teaching and assessment team receive sufficient information and guidance to carry out their role effectively.
• Support Professional Development Where Appropriate
  BISMA may provide training opportunities, guidance, and support to assist professional development.
• Promote Continuous Improvement
  BISMA aims to encourage a culture of learning and professional growth.
• Maintain Induction and Training Records
  BISMA may keep records of induction and training activities for quality assurance and compliance purposes.

7. Monitoring

Professional competence and development may be monitored through:

• Standardisation Activities
  Participation in standardisation meetings and quality assurance activities may be reviewed.
• Quality Assurance Processes
  Internal quality assurance activities may identify training or development needs.
• Performance Reviews
  Discussions with managers may be used to identify strengths, achievements, and areas for development.
• Team Meetings
  Meetings may be used to communicate updates and support continuous improvement.

8. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by changes to legislation, awarding organisation requirements, regulatory guidance, or BISMA procedures.

Related Policies

• Malpractice and Maladministration Policy
• Conflicts of Interest Policy
• Safeguarding Policy
• Equality and Diversity Policy
• Plagiarism Policy 
• Complaints Policy 
• Whistleblowing Policy 
• Sanctions Policy 
• Learner Appeals Policy
• Staff Induction and CPD Policy 
• Learner Registration and Certification Policy 
• Learner Induction Policy 
• Internal Quality Assurance Policy 
• Data Protection Policy 
• Code of Conduct
• Health and Safety Policy