Becoming an Associate

Becoming a Framework Solutions Associate: the process in detail

To make sure that Framework Solutions Ltd meets the quality requirements of its mission statement and its PTE registration and accreditation obligations, the procedures and processes required to become an Associate are comprehensive and rigorous.

We require our Associates to comply with all Framework Solutions Ltd policies and procedures and to confirm that commitment through a contract for the provision of services in accordance with standards defined by Framework Solutions Ltd.

That contract requires prospective users of the assessment relationship service to meet all Framework Solutions Ltd requirements before they are approved to use the service, and to adopt moderation procedures agreed with Framework Solutions Ltd to ensure those requirements continue to be met for the duration of the contract.

Framework Solutions Ltd is committed to providing assessment relationship services which enable trainers, training organisations and trainees to access the benefits which come from successful completion of NQF-based training. Prospective Associates must commit time, effort and resources to comply with our requirements. But we are confident that the advantages of the service will justify that commitment.

The stages of the process are:

1. Make contact with Framework Solutions Ltd to discuss your needs.

The Framework Solutions Ltd assessment services aim to enable training providers who deliver training but are not NZQA accredited, to offer assessment services for NQF credit.

By working within the Framework Solutions Ltd quality management system individual Associates can offer assessment opportunities to their clients/trainees/colleagues and have the results processed through Framework Solutions Ltd.

The Framework Solutions Ltd input will vary between situations. It could range from simply providing all assessment services to your programme or preparing you and your programme to implement assessment under our guidance.

If you wish to concentrate on training delivery and do not wish to get involved in assessment, Framework Solutions Ltd could design and provide all the assessment related support for you.

If your programme is already aligned to unit standards, assessment material is already available and you are a trained assessor and you wish to undertake assessment yourself, little direct input will be needed. In this situation Associates will seek access to the assessment administration, recording and reporting facilities Framework Solutions Ltd offers.

If your programme has not been aligned to unit standards, assessment material needs to be developed and you require assessor training or the services of an assessor, more direct input will be needed to prepare you for assessment. In this situation Associates will seek assistance to customise their training programme, design the assessment requirements and identify best ways to assess candidates.

The initial contact with Framework Solutions Ltd should be through the Managing Director and is an opportunity to begin to define your needs and explore ways you and Framework Solutions Ltd can work together to meet those needs. It may take some time to work out the exact nature of our working relationship.

2. Get to know the ITO(s), and/or the industry you will have to work with and get their support.

We believe that Associates wanting to use Framework Solutions Ltd assessment services must be working with, or start to work with the ITO(s) or the industry(ies) that relates to their area of expertise, or training. This will help you get to know or further your knowledge about:

• The role and responsibilities of the ITO(s) in NQF based training.
• The key contact people in the ITO(s) and can begin building a working relationship with them.
• The current focus and training/assessment priorities for the ITO(s).
• Any requirements the ITO(s) place on training and assessment.
• Details on the training needs of the relevant industry sector.

We have found that Associates who have this information prior to negotiations with us are much clearer about the benefits and requirements of the NQF system. This usually means a speedier accreditation scope extension process with NZQA if required, and a faster negotiation process with Framework Solutions Ltd for the use of our assessment services. This lowers the costs for the Associate.

3. Apply to establish an Associate relationship with Framework Solutions Ltd.

At this stage we ask you to make a formal written application to become an Associate of Framework Solutions Ltd.

The selection of Associates is a key factor in the Framework Solutions Ltd quality management system. To this point we have discussed your needs on an informal basis and we now need you to complete an Application for Associate Status (Appendix 1) and submit to the Managing Director who will advise the Board of Framework Solutions Ltd:

The Managing Director of Framework Solutions Ltd will consider the material you present against our Criteria for Selecting Associates (The Criteria for Selecting Associates is attached as Appendix 2). A Framework Solutions Ltd representative may contact referees.

As part of that application you are required to agree to accept the Framework Solutions Ltd Code of Conduct. Please check this carefully and be sure you are prepared to abide by its requirements if you become a Framework Solutions Ltd Associate. (The Code of Conduct is attached as Appendix 3)

You will appreciate that Framework Solutions Ltd reserves the right to agree to enter Associate relationships only with those we feel are capable of complying with our quality management system.

4. Participate in a Framework Solutions Ltd Associate Orientation Programme.

Before you or Framework Solutions Ltd can make a commitment to forming an assessment relationship and to become an Associate of Framework Solutions Ltd, it is imperative that you have a clear understanding of what is involved and how that Associate status is established and maintained.

Framework Solutions Ltd requires each individual or organisation seeking Associate status for the purpose of using our accreditation services to participate in a Framework Solutions Ltd orientation programme.

• What must be completed before the Associate status can be established.
• The policies and procedures which define our quality management requirements and the rules for the operation of the assessment services relationship you will establish with Framework Solutions Ltd.
• The requirements to ensure Framework Solutions Ltd internal and external moderation commitments are met.
• How you as an Associate provide data and information so Framework Solutions Ltd can meet its entire compliance requirements for NZQA, TEC and MOE.
• All other issues to be addressed in preparation for establishment of Associate status.

The staff will outline the process for development of the assessment relationship. Generally the phases in that development are as follows, but will vary depending on your present stage of preparation for use of our assessment services.

Phase 1: Evaluation of your programme scope and design

In this phase Framework Solutions Ltd works with you to ensure that your proposed programme complies with ITO requirements and the selected unit standards fall within the Scope of Framework Solutions Ltd accreditation.

Phase 2: Evaluation of your assessment design/practice

In this phase the source and/or development of assessment materials will be addressed and procedures required to meet ITO and Framework Solutions Ltd requirements established. Prospective Associates are expected to be familiar with relevant AMAP(S), and moderation requirements.

Phase 3: Reviewing your training delivery

In this phase Framework Solutions Ltd must be sure that the way you provide training creates opportunities for participants to prepare for achievement of positive assessment outcomes.

Phase 4: Making sure you are ready to assess

In this phase Framework Solutions Ltd must be sure that the you have in place all systems and procedures to implement assessment and process results in accordance with ITO and Framework Solutions Ltd requirements.

Phase 5: Checking that things are going well

Framework Solutions Ltd must monitor the assessment services you provide through an agreed moderation programme to ensure ITO and Framework Solutions Ltd requirements are being met.

At the end of the Orientation programme we want you to know what is involved in establishing an assessment services relationship with Framework Solutions Ltd and be in a position to decide whether you want to take the next step.

Framework Solutions Ltd will not charge for the Orientation programme, however the applicant will be required to pay for any travel expenses involved in this step. Normally this would be travel to Wellington, return same day.

Where Framework Solutions Ltd arranges the programme location and venue away from its Wellington Head Office, you will be responsible for all costs you (and your colleagues where appropriate) incur in attending the Orientation programme as well as Framework Solutions Ltd staff.

5. Agree to take the next step and work with Framework Solutions Ltd to establish an assessment relationship.

At this stage we seek an agreement to work towards the establishment of an assessment relationship. This is not a contract but an agreement to identify what has to be done for you and/or your organisation to be ready to provide assessment services in Association with Framework Solutions Ltd and for us to present you with a proposal for getting to that point.

Framework Solutions Ltd will discuss your case, and prepare for your consideration and present a fully costed proposal for the work involved in

• Preparing you/your organisation to offer assessment services.
• You/your organisation becoming a Framework Solutions Ltd Associate.
• Maintaining your associate status and meeting the ongoing requirements of Framework Solutions Ltd and any ITO(s) involved.

This agreement will be present to the Board of Directors for their approval. Approval from the Board will enable a formal contract to be signed between the two parties.

6. Agree on the work to be done and sign a contract for completion of that work.

The proposal Framework Solutions Ltd develops for you, and any agreed amendments to that proposal, will form part of a contract established between you/your organisation and Framework Solutions Ltd for completion of the work identified. The contract will specify

• Which standards can be assessed.
• Who can assess them.
• How your relationship with Framework Solutions Ltd will be monitored and reviewed.
• Our joint responsibilities for moderation.

On completion of that contract to the satisfaction of both parties, Framework Solutions Ltd will offer you/your organisation Associate status with Framework Solutions Ltd and a contract for provision of assessment services through that Associate status.
A key part of that contract will be definition of the charges Framework Solutions Ltd will make to you as an Associate to

• Establish the Associate status.
• Process the results of assessments you complete.
• Monitor your provision of assessment services.
• Maintain and manage your Associate status.
• Provide professional liability insurance cover for your work as an Associate of Framework Solutions Ltd.

The charges for these services are structured as follows:

REGISTRATION FEE

An annual Registration Fee is charged for the establishment and maintenance of the Associate relationship. The first charge will be made on signing of the first contract on a pro rata basis. Subsequent annual charges will be made on the basis of a year beginning first April.

The annual fee is $ 1500.00 plus GST. The fee is for a financial year (April – March) and will be pro-rata for those who join during the year.

GETTING YOUR TRAINEES REGISTERED WITH THE NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FRAMEWORK

There is now no charge to register candidates onto the NQF. The hook-on number or National Student Index (NSI) number is required before Framework Solutions Ltd can report any candidate results.

Framework Solutions Ltd AUDITING OF YOUR ASSESSMENT PROVISION AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF OUR QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Framework Solutions Ltd will not charge for the work involved in checking that you or your organisation is complying with the requirements of our contract with you. However, where Framework Solutions Ltd, as part of its auditing work, identifies any revisions, developments or any other changes you must make to meet our policy and accreditation requirements, the work to be done will be detailed as the basis of a signed agreement. You/your organisation will be charged for any costs incurred by Framework Solutions Ltd in having those agreed requirements met.

MAINTAINING/RENEWING YOUR Framework Solutions Ltd ASSOCIATE STATUS.

Framework Solutions Ltd can only contract for the provision of assessment services while it holds NZQA registration and accreditation as a PTE. We are therefore required to limit the duration of contracts with Associates to the duration of that registration and accreditation. The duration of the contract and any charges to be made for contract renewal will be agreed between you and Framework Solutions Ltd and will be detailed in the contract.

MANAGING TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT WORK UNDERTAKEN BY ASSOCIATES

Framework Solutions Ltd will charge a management fee of 15% for all contract work undertaken by the Associate that is in relation to the registration and accreditation status of Framework Solutions Ltd. Should NZQA increase its credit reporting fee from the current (November 2005) rate of $ 1.00 per credit (GST inclusive) Framework Solutions Ltd will invoice associates an amount matching the increase. This increase will come into effect immediately to coincide with any NZQA credit reporting increase. Framework Solutions Ltd does not charge Associates extra or any separate fees for the reporting of credit.

ARRANGING EXTENSIONS OF SCOPE

Where an Associate wishes to use an accreditation scope outside that already granted to Framework Solutions Ltd by NZQA, Framework Solutions Ltd will seek a contribution from the Associate to achieve this extension. Associates will be expected to attend any visits arranged by NZQA at their own cost. Where an Associate inadvertently uses a unit standard or standards outside of the Framework Solutions Ltd scope at that time, Framework Solutions Ltd will seek payment in full for all charges involved in seeking an extension of scope retrospectively.

FEES FOR THE USE OF Framework Solutions Ltd NZQA APPROVED AND ACCREDITED COURSES

Where an Associate wishes to use a Framework Solutions Ltd approved and accredited course i.e. an ESOL course an annual fee for the use of that course will apply. This fee is currently set at $ 1000.00 per annum plus GST. These fees will be reviewed annually. Where an Associate develops and registers its own courses through Framework Solutions Ltd the Associate will be responsible for all course development and registration costs. Obviously they will not be charged for the use of that course.

When that contract has been signed you/your organisation can offer assessment services in Association with Framework Solutions Ltd!

7. Meet all requirements and provide assessment services for your trainees.

All systems are go! You are now able to provide assessment services for your trainees and begin to process the results through Framework Solutions Ltd. You may find that some initial hiccups occur and some of the carefully planned procedures require fine-tuning to get things flowing smoothly. Framework Solutions Ltd will maintain contact with you and be available to provide assistance where needed. In the unlikely event of Framework Solutions Ltd involvement in the settling-in process becoming significant, we will negotiate payment of the costs involved with you.

8. Comply with ongoing reporting and moderation requirements.

As we have mentioned in previous sections, Framework Solutions Ltd must ensure that reporting and moderation requirements established as part of its registration and accreditation are met.

We will work with you to ensure that each stage of the credit reporting process is clear and that you are aware of the procedures in place to ensure you manage the candidate requirements and your part of the process efficiently.

Agreements on when, how and costs involved to achieve moderation requirements will be included in the contract you establish with us and we will work with you to ensure the requirements of that agreement are met. We see the moderation process as an ongoing opportunity to share in the development of the service you/your organisation provides and for growth of your professional relationship with us.