Improvement Leader Level 6

Version 1.0  |  ST0556

Overview

End-Point Assessment (EPA) is the final assessment for an apprentice. An apprentice cannot achieve their apprenticeship without passing the End-Point Assessment.

EPA is an opportunity for an apprentice to showcase what they have learnt during their apprenticeship as an Improvement Leader. This assessment includes a Professional Discussion underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence and a Dissertation, Presentation and Questioning.

The End-Point Assessment for Improvement Leader Level 6 can be carried out remotely or face-to-face. EPA must be completed within a 20-week period after Gateway.

Gateway

Gateway requirements for a Improvement Leader Level 6 apprentices are:

• Evidence of achieving relevant maths and English qualifications if required by funding regulations or the employer

• A Portfolio of Evidence demonstrating completion of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) required

• Agreed dissertation title, rationale and scope with the EPAO and employer, based on improvement strategy in their business

• Typically 14-18months on programme

Assessment Methods

Professional Discussion Underpinned by Portfolio of Evidence

The Professional Discussionnderpinned is conducted between the apprentice and an independent assessor, with a technical expert present solely for clarification purposes. This discussion lasts between 2 hours and 2 hours and 20 minutes, and is designed to assess the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) mapped to this method. Questions are based on the evidence contained within the apprentice’s portfolio, which may include materials such as a training session video. Throughout the discussion, the apprentice is permitted to refer to their portfolio to support their responses.

Dissertation, Presentation & Questioning

This component requires the apprentice to produce a dissertation of 4,000 to 4,500 words for the main body, accompanied by a summary and relevant appendices. This work focuses on the development and deployment of an improvement strategy within their business context. The title and scope of the dissertation are agreed at the Gateway stage, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and the apprenticeship standard.

Results

Results are communicated within 10 working days of the final assessment. Apprentices who fail one or more EPA method may re-sit or re-take, with employer agreement.

Re-sits/re-takes are not offered to move from Pass to higher grades. Maximum grade for re-sit/re-take is Pass, unless exceptional circumstances are identified.