rics.org 1
Published by: RICS, Parliament Square, London SW1P 3AD All rights in this publication, including full copyright or publishing right, content and design, are owned by RICS, except where otherwise described. Any dispute arising out of this publication is subject to the law and jurisdiction of England and Wales.
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Contents
Background
A Associate Assessment B The people C The pathway and its competencies D Competency definitions and evidence in detail E The Managed Learning Environment (MLE) F Associate Assessment process from the Candidates perspective G Associate Assessment from the Assessors perspective 04 05 08 09 17 18 19
Appendix
Managed Learning Environment (MLE) User Guide 35
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Background
Section A Associate Assessment
Associate Assessment is the process by which those with relevant work experience or vocational/academic qualifications (or a combination of these) can gain Associate membership of RICS (AssocRICS). Associate is a high-value grade of membership in its own right. It also provides a stepping stone to advance to full professional qualification (MRICS). The Associate qualification is gained by submitting workplace evidence for assessment by RICS, and undertaking structured development. All the evidence is assembled and stored using the RICS online Managed Learning Environment (MLE). As an Associate Assessor, you are responsible for ensuring that only those with a proven level of competence can succeed in achieving the Associate qualification. This guide explains what Associate Candidates must do to get to the point of Associate Assessment in Quantity Surveying and Construction. It then sets out how you should approach your task, what criteria you should apply when considering evidence, and what processes you should follow before, during and after Associate Assessment.
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Section B The people
There are two key parties in the Associate Assessment process: the Associate Candidate and the Associate Assessors. 1. Associate Candidate The Associate Candidates you will assess are following the Quantity Surveying and Construction pathway. They are likely to be involved in a range of services, from cost consultancy to contract management. They will generally be working under supervision, but using many of the core technical skills of the quantity surveyor. Some quantity surveying activities such as producing and submitting reports to clients lifecycle and whole-life costing benchmarking are more likely to be performed by a Chartered Surveyor. However, an Associate should be contributing significantly towards these tasks. Associate Candidates will come from a variety of backgrounds in terms of their education and experience. They will all have experience of working in the sector. The diagram at figure 1 shows you the various routes by which a person can obtain the Associate qualification. Associate Assessment is open to those with four years relevant experience. If a candidate has a qualification that is relevant and of an appropriate level, it reduces the length of experience s/he needs in order to be eligible for Associate Assessment. For example, with an approved HND or relevant NVQ level 3, the experience requirement is two years; with a relevant degree it is one. The candidates will be from one of two sectors building or engineering. Within their sector they will be in one of three practice areas contractor, private or public. They will also have a specialism within that (such as civil engineering, nuclear, railways etc). RICS will ensure that Associate Assessors are matched as closely as possible to candidates. The following are typical profiles of Associate Candidates in the Quantity Surveying and Construction pathway. Evidence from the NVQ3 can be used towards the Associate Assessment. This candidate could however do a relevant NVQ3 a vocational qualification undertaken while working, which would normally take about two years. Having an NVQ3 reduces the required length of experience for the Associate qualification from four years to two. She could therefore come forward for assessment as soon as she gains the NVQ, using her NVQ evidence towards her Associate Assessment (see section 9). Profile 2 Left school at 18 Company management development programme (relevant NVQ 3) Site office assistant (4 years) Intermediate Quantity Surveyor 8 years experience to date. To be eligible for Associate Assessment Minimum 2 years experience required (because of relevant NVQ3) But 8 years experience means 2 years already completed Eligible for Associate Assessment immediately. To be eligible for Associate Assessment No relevant qualification Must therefore gain a minimum four years experience before Associate Assessment Register as Associate Candidate now, and assemble evidence over the next four years. Profile 1 Just started as a junior cost estimator for large contractor Left 6th form with A Levels In-house management development towards Associate qualification.
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Profile 3 Graduate with surveying-related degree (BSc in Construction Management, not RICS accredited) Contractors Quantity Surveyor 12 months experience to date. To be eligible for Associate Assessment Minimum 12 months experience required: already achieved Eligible for Associate Assessment immediately Evidence from degree could be used towards Associate Assessment (see section 9). 2. Associate Assessors You are one of two assessors. Before you carry out your first Associate Assessment, you must have satisfied RICS that you meet the role profile, completed RICS Associate Assessor training, and signed a service level agreement. You will act as either Associate Assessor an AssocRICS, MRICS or FRICS1 who assesses submitted evidence and decides whether the Associate Candidate has met the requirements of the pathway Lead Associate Assessor as above, but with the extra responsibility of writing the feedback for referred candidates, and managing the contact with the co-assessor before a decision is reached. All trained Associate Assessors will take their turn as the Lead Associate Assessor whether you are Lead in any particular case is a matter of random selection. You will have undertaken, as part of the service level agreement, to complete at least six assessments per year. Other parties you will see reference to are Associate Supporter who is required to verify the evidence submitted this is a non mandatory role but is considered best practice for candidates who are building up their experience and evidence over a number of years. Associate Proposer who endorses the application by signing a declaration form at Associate Assessment. This is a mandatory role. You will have no contact with either of them RICS staff will carry out all necessary checks to make sure the correct procedures have been followed.
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Subject to a detailed role profile provided by RICS which can be downloaded from the Associate Assessor online community
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Background
Figure 1: Routes to the Associate qualification
Requirements
Minimum 4 years experience
Associate Assessment
Relevant degree
Ethics Module
Associate (AssocRICS)
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Section C The pathway and its competencies
RICS has defined the competencies for the Quantity Surveying and Construction pathway, as follows. To do this the Associate Candidate supplies Six technical competencies the technical skills needed for this pathway. The technical competencies candidates must achieve for AssocRICS in Quantity Surveying and Construction are Construction technology and environmental services Contract practice Procurement and tendering Project financial control and reporting Quantification and costing of construction works Plus EITHER Commercial management of construction (Those working in a contracting or commercial environment will probably choose this competency) OR Design economics and cost planning (Those working in a consulting environment within either the public or private sector will probably choose this competency). Eight mandatory competencies the softer skills that all responsible practitioners need, regardless of their RICS pathway. These competencies are essential: they demonstrate ability to work with colleagues, meet client requirements, self-manage and act with honesty and integrity. They are Client care Communication and negotiation Conduct rules, ethics and professional practice Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures Data management Health and safety Sustainability Teamworking. 1. written evidence 24 pieces of written work taken from his/her everyday role, four for each technical competency (the written evidence will also demonstrate the mandatory competencies) 2. commentary a 300 word explanation for each piece of written evidence and why it has been chosen 3. structured development record a description of learning activities The Associate Candidate also completes the RICS online ethics module. This is the method RICS uses to inform candidates about RICS ethics and test them online on the subject. It is explained in more detail in section 14. How does the candidate demonstrate the competencies? The Associate Candidate must satisfy you that s/he has achieved all the technical and mandatory competencies required for the pathway.
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Section D Competency definitions and evidence in detail
On the following pages is a table setting out the definitions of the competencies, and describing the evidence the Associate Candidate must submit to show s/he has achieved each of them.
This competency covers the commercial management of construction works. Candidates should have an awareness of the way in which their work relates to how commercial competitiveness balances against profitability. An awareness of the financial processes used to achieve profitability is required, as well as how these integrate with the overall delivery of the project.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of management of construction projects. Apply your knowledge to the financial management of construction projects, including regular monitoring and reporting on cash flow and profitability.
Knowledge identifying and understanding the components that make up the cost of the project to the contractor understanding of the effect that the design and construction processes have on the cost awareness of the techniques used to reconcile the cost against income awareness of the techniques to financially manage subcontractors and suppliers understanding the use of cashflows. Activities collecting of data for reports carrying out cost to completion exercises preparing cashflows preparing reports such as liability statements, cost to complete and cost value reconciliations applying value engineering processes preparing and submitting cost data for in-house and/ or external use in relation to areas such as cost of preliminaries, comparative cost of different construction techniques and taxation allowances.
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Background
This competency covers the design and construction of buildings and other structures. Candidates should have an awareness of the design and construction processes commonly used in the industry. They should have a detailed knowledge of construction solutions relevant to their projects.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of design and construction relating to your chosen field of practice. Apply your knowledge to the design and construction processes.
Knowledge the stages of design from inception to completion impact of current legislation and regulations (both national and international) how the various elements of the structure work and interrelate the process of constructing the works operational and maintenance processes post contract. Activities appreciating how design processes vary for different types of building such as clear span requirements for warehousing or acoustic requirements for accommodation understanding alternative construction details in relation to functional elements of the design such as different types of piling or structural frame solutions.
Evidence should demonstrate involvement with the preparation of the following 1. Information required schedule (from one of the lead designers at a given design stage) 2. Cost study comparing different design solutions 3. Query lists to designers 4. Measurement of works in progress on site for Interim Valuation purposes. Documentation must clearly show the candidates involvement with the piece of work and how they dealt with matters such as co-ordination issues design standards/regulation sustainable construction disability requirements pre-fabricated construction solutions.
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Contract practice
Description Requirements Examples of likely knowledge, skills and experience Evidence You must provide four different documents as evidence for each competency. This column sets out the requirements of these documents. It is for you to ensure that the documents provide evidence of the knowledge, skills and experience in column three.
This competency covers the various forms of contract used in the construction industry. Candidates should have an awareness of all of the main standard forms of contract and an understanding of contract law, legislation and the specific forms of contract they have used.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various forms of contract used in the construction industry and/or your area of business. Apply your knowledge of the use of the various standard forms of contract at project level, including the implications and obligations that apply to the parties to the contract.
Knowledge basic contract law and legislation contract documentation the various standard forms of contract and sub-contract when different forms would be used basic contractual mechanisms and procedures at various stages of the contract third party rights including relevant legislation and the use of collateral warranties. Activities producing contract documentation carrying out the contractual mechanisms and procedures relevant to the financial management aspects of the project, such as change procedures, valuations and final accounts understanding general contractual provisions such as insurances, retention, bonds, liquidated and ascertained damages, early possession, practical completion and other common contractual mechanisms.
Evidence should demonstrate involvement with the preparation of the following 1. Preliminaries, Employers Requirements or Works Information Document 2. Completion of contract details 3. Interim valuation (including statement of retention and valuation recommendation) 4. Statement of Final Account. Documentation must clearly show the candidates involvement with the piece of work and how they dealt with matters such as queries in preparing prelims/ER/WID insurance provisions ascertained damages variations assessing preliminary items adjustment and agreement of valuations/final accounts unfixed materials on/off site taxation.
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This competency covers the impact of design and other factors on cost throughout the life of the building and the control of cost during the pre-contract stage. It covers the candidates understanding of and involvement with the techniques used to manage and control costs during the design development phase of a project.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main factors that affect design economics over the whole life of a building. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how cost planning assists in the financial control of projects during the design development stage. Apply your knowledge to the cost management of design development on a project from feasibility to design completion. Prepare and submit cost data to in-house and/or external data collection agencies.
Knowledge factors affecting design economics over the life of a building how cost planning assists in the financial control of projects the various stages of cost planning sources of cost data adjustments to cost data for factors including location, specification, time and market forces. Activities producing estimates and cost plans applying value engineering processes preparing and submitting cost data to in-house and/or external data collection agencies.
Evidence should demonstrate involvement with the preparation of the following 1. Feasibility or detailed estimate 2. Functional element of a cost plan or a whole cost plan, including a reconciliation of design development allowances 3. Value engineering of design options 4. Cost analysis for a functional element/whole project. Documentation must clearly show the candidates involvement with the piece of work and how they dealt with matters such as measurement of areas or elemental quantities sourcing of cost data adjustment of cost data calculation of unit rates preliminaries, overheads and profit professional and other fees inflation risk allowances inclusions and exclusions design efficiency, eg wall/floor ratios.
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This competency covers the way a project is structured and delivered in terms of risk allocation and contractual relationships, and how tendering processes are used to establish a contract price. Candidates should have a clear understanding of the different types of procurement and tendering commonly used and the advantages and disadvantages of each to the parties involved. They should also have a detailed working knowledge of the procurement routes and tendering procedures used on their projects.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main types of procurement. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the tendering and negotiation processes involved in procurement. Apply your knowledge to the implementation of the procurement routes selected for your projects and to carrying out tendering and negotiation processes relevant to them.
Knowledge the main types of procurement used in both the public and private sectors, both nationally and internationally tendering and negotiation processes involved in procurement ancillary processes such as partnering and framework agreements codes of practice and procedures commonly used. Activities implementing procurement routes such as traditional, design and build, management forms, term and serial contracting and other types producing and/or compiling tender documentation such as letter of invitation, form of tender, health and safety documentation, design documentation and contractual details carrying out of tendering and negotiation processes such as single and two stage tendering, the use of codes of practice and electronic tendering.
Evidence should demonstrate involvement with the preparation of the following 1. Compiling a tender list including pre-qualification 2. Preparation of tender documentation in line with the chosen procurement route and issuing tender documents 3. Management of the tender process, through to tender opening and tender evaluation utilising the appropriate tendering procedures 4. Agreement/negotiation of a contract sum. Documentation must clearly show the candidates involvement with the piece of work and how they dealt with matters such as contractors queries late tenders errors omissions/qualifications adjustment of tenders.
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This competency covers the effective cost control of construction projects during the construction phase. Candidates should be aware of the principles of controlling and reporting costs on any construction project. They should have an understanding of the control and reporting processes used on their projects (please note: for surveyors working in contracting this competency covers externally issued cost advice).
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the effective control of costs during a project. Demonstrate understanding of the legal and contractual constraints and the effect of time and quality on the cost of a project. Apply your knowledge to the management of project costs. This should include the preparation and presentation of financial reports on the performance of a project at appropriate intervals to provide effective forecasting of costs, risks and their financial implications.
Knowledge the effective control of costs during the construction phase of a project the legal and contractual constraints on the cost of a project such as changes in building legislation and design risk allocation the reporting and forecasting of costs during the construction phase the principles of contingencies/ risk allowances. Activities managing project costs during the construction phase reporting and forecasting costs for different procurement routes and client types using cashflows in financial management managing provisional sums/risk allowances.
Evidence should demonstrate involvement with the preparation of the following 1. Monitoring and updating cashflows 2. Change control registers including expenditure of provisional sums 3. Expenditure of risk items/risk register 4. Data for cost reports. Documentation must clearly show the candidates involvement with the piece of work and how they dealt with matters such as reconciling interim payments against cost forecasts reconciling interim payments against predicted cashflows and progress on site authentication of actual costs reporting regimes and protocols final accounts.
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This competency covers the measurement and definition of construction works in order to value and control costs. It covers the candidates understanding and involvement with the various methods of quantifying and pricing construction works used throughout a project. Note The measurement and costing of works for estimates and cost plans is dealt with under the competency Design economics and cost planning.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of quantification and costing of construction works as a basis for the financial management of contracts. Apply your knowledge to the quantification and costing of construction works, including the use of appropriate standard methods of measurement and forms of cost analysis. Carry out measurement and costing of works at all stages of the construction process.
Knowledge the quantification of construction works (including both measurement and definition) the various standard methods of measurement the costing of construction works the measurement of buildings and structures to agreed standards. Examples quantifying construction works at the various stages of a project producing pricing documents such as bills of quantities, schedules of activities/works, schedules of rates or contract sum analyses carrying out the costing of construction works by methods such as tendered rates, quotations or dayworks.
Evidence should demonstrate involvement with the preparation of the following 1. Manual or computerised take offs/measurement or re-measurement of site works 2. Pricing documents such as: bills of quantities, schedule of activities / works, schedule of rates, builders quantities, variation accounts 3. Valuation of variations using tendered rates, fair valuation/ rates for new items of work, quotations, or dayworks 4. Agreement/negotiation of variations. Documentation must clearly show the candidates involvement with the piece of work and how they dealt with matters such as design queries / Q&A sheets to take lists quantity checks building up rates from first principles inflation prime cost and provisional sums preliminaries, overheads and profit within variations professional and other fees within variations.
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Background
Mandatory competencies
Title Requirement
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice of client care including the concept of identifying all clients/colleagues/third parties who are your clients and the behaviours that are appropriate to establish good client relationships the systems and procedures that are appropriate for managing the process of client care, including complaints the requirement to collect data, analyse and define the needs of clients. Demonstrate practical application of the principles and practice of client care in your area of practice.
Client Care
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of effective oral, written, graphic and presentation skills including the methods and techniques that are appropriate to specific situations. Demonstrate practical application of these skills in a variety of situations, specifically including where negotiation is involved. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role and significance of RICS and its functions. Also an appreciation of your personal professional role and societys expectations of professional practice and RICS code of conduct and conduct regulations, including the general principles of law and the legal system, as applicable in your country of practice. Demonstrate practical application in your area of practice, being able to justify actions at all times and demonstrate personal commitment to the rules of conduct, and RICS ethical standards. Demonstrate that you have applied these in the context of advising clients.
Conduct rules, ethics and professional practice *Although this is achieved through the RICS ethics module you should still refer to it (where applicable) in any 300-word commentary
Conflict avoidance, management and dispute resolution procedures
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the techniques for conflict avoidance, conflict management and dispute resolution procedures including for example adjudication and arbitration, appropriate to your pathway.
Data management
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the sources of information and data, and of the systems applicable to your area of practice, including the methodologies and techniques most appropriate to collect, collate and store data.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and responsibilities imposed by law, codes of practice and other regulations appropriate to your area of practice. Demonstrate practical application of health and safety issues and the requirements for compliance, in your area of practice.
Sustainability
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of why and how sustainability seeks to balance economic, environmental and social objectives at global, national and local levels, in the context of land, property and the built environment.
Teamworking
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles, behaviour and dynamics of working in a team.
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Background
Section E The Managed Learning Environment (MLE)
The MLE is an online resource which is accessed by both the Associate Candidate and the Associate Assessors. It enables Associate Candidates to upload and manage their evidence, write 300-word commentaries and record structured development for the Associate Assessment. The Associate Candidate builds up, piece by piece, evidence to show knowledge and skills. When s/he has built up a complete portfolio s/he applies for Associate Assessment. You will then be invited to access the portfolio, using the MLE, and assess it online. Finally, the candidate will be given the result pass or refer and will provide feedback through the MLE if s/he is referred. The feedback explains in detail why the assessors do not consider the candidate has met the competency requirements in full; and sets out what further evidence s/he needs to produce in order to reach the standard. MLE guide At the end of this guide, there is a comprehensive Associate Assessor guide to using the MLE.
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Section F Associate Assessment process from the Candidates perspective
The Associate Candidate goes through three stages to reach Associate Assessment. Registration The Associate Candidate tells RICS about his/her qualifications and experience, and RICS diagnoses whether more experience is required before Associate Assessment. You will not have to make any assessment of the Associate Candidates qualifications and length of experience: you will always proceed on the understanding that s/he has met the requirements and is eligible for Associate Assessment. The Registration system and RICS staff will have ensured, by the time you become involved, that the candidate meets the criteria for eligibility. They will have checked that the correct number of pieces of evidence and commentaries have been submitted and that the dates on the evidence are acceptable. They will have verified that the proposer and supporter meet the requirements and that the candidate has provided evidence of any relevant qualifications. Assembling evidence In the online Managed Learning Environment (MLE) the Associate Candidate puts his/her portfolio of evidence together four pieces of written evidence for each technical competency (making 24 pieces of evidence in all) a 300-word commentary for each piece of evidence a record of 48 hours structured development linked to the competencies. You will have no personal contact with the Associate Candidate or his/her supporter/proposer. Associate Assessment The Associate Candidate decides when the portfolio is complete, and submits it via the MLE. The record of evidence is then locked, and you and your fellow Associate Assessor log on to the MLE and view the portfolio. This is the point at which you become involved. You evaluate all the evidence and decide whether the candidate has met the requirements for all the mandatory and technical competencies. If so, the Associate Candidate has passed the Associate Assessment and will become an Associate Member of RICS (AssocRICS). If not, you identify the shortfalls and the Lead Associate Assessor sets them out in feedback, which is given to the Associate Candidate via the MLE. The timescale for Associate Assessment is four weeks from the date the candidate is accepted for assessment. In order to ensure RICS meets these timescales you are given ten working days to complete the assessment.
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Background
Section G Associate Assessment from the Assessors perspective
There are six basic steps to the assessment process, set out in Figure 2 below.
1 Initial contact access MLE to check for conflicts of interest - if none, and available to assess, agree to take on assessment
3 Detailed assessment of written evidence, commentaries and structured development competency by competency
4 Contact with co-assessor. Discussion. If decision is to refer, decide on feedback, what evidence can be banked and what you require the candidate to submit for his/her next assessment
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Once you have accepted an Associate Assessment you have TEN WORKING DAYS in which to review all the evidence yourself discuss it with your fellow Associate Assessor decide whether to pass or refer if refer, decide which pieces of evidence are acceptable and may be banked if refer, agree what further evidence is required and agree a feedback report which will be communicated by RICS to the Associate Candidate via the MLE. The timeline at Figure 3 shows how long you have for each step. Figure 3: Timeline
Working day
Action
2 1 Offered assessement accept or reject
3 Preliminary read-through 4
8 Discuss and decide outcome if you refer, decide what evidence banked and what goes in feedback
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Contract Practice
Code
Work-based
Purpose To develop my knowledge of the use of the various standard forms of contract.
Learning outcomes It is fundamental to a QS to understand various forms of contracts and potential contractual scenarios, including the implications and obligation that apply to the parties to the contract.
Code
Private
Purpose Learn more about the main elements of a construction project and how they interrelate.
Learning outcomes I needed to refresh my knowledge and awareness of the design and construction processes commonly used in the industry. I achieved my objective by expanding my knowledge of learning more about construction solutions relevant to projects.
Code
Organised
Purpose Strengthen my knowledge of procurement and tendering; how much it was being applied in practice and to further my understanding on the procurement options.
Description CPD Lecture - outlining the main forms of procurement as well as knowledge and understanding of the tendering and negotiation processes involved in procurement.
Learning outcomes I learnt that with procurement options, there are so many variables which determine the option that is eventually chosen, there is no standard way of analysing it but certain options will be better suited to certain projects.
Code
Work-based
Purpose The course aimed at making delegates familiar with relevant health and safety legislation and industry standards associated with preparing risk assessments, work package plans, and task briefings.
Description Course delivered at my workplace over 9 hours by a combination of online materials, demonstration and hands-on tutoring.
Learning outcomes The course provided a brief understanding of the company procedures and legal requirements regarding these subjects. It increased my knowledge of how these systems work and my role in relation to them, as a key component to the business target of zero harm.
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Step 4 Discussion
When both Associate Assessors have had time to read all the evidence and make their notes, the Lead Assessor will contact the co-Assessor. The first contact must be made within one week of accepting the assessment this will generally be only to set a time and date for the detailed discussion. Contact can be by any method Associate Assessors should agree between themselves at the outset what means of communication they prefer. RICS recommends, however, that assessors discuss each portfolio by telephone because this enables the fullest exchange of views. The assessors must then undertake a detailed discussion and evaluation of the evidence, which should take place at the latest by DAY 8 after accepting the assessment. During the discussion you will compare your assessment of the evidence. You will discuss the Associate Candidates submission in the round. You should work towards agreement. Associate Assessors will develop different ways of working and, provided you can show that you have given proper and thorough consideration to the evidence, RICS does not prescribe an approach. However, the question you are addressing is whether the Associate Candidate has satisfied you that s/he is, overall, competent to practise as an Associate. A suggested way of structuring the discussion is to take it competency by competency for each competency, first consider the pieces of documentary evidence individually identify any that are satisfactory identify any that are outstandingly good identify any that are clearly below standard for each satisfactory (or better) item, note if it demonstrates another technical competency and note what it contributes in terms of evidence for the mandatory competencies consider the commentary that accompanies each document and note if it contributes further evidence of technical competence for each commentary, note which mandatory competencies are covered, and ensure that the candidate has covered all the mandatory competencies review the structured development record and note where it supplements the documentary evidence at the end of this process, review what you have noted for each competency (technical and mandatory) consider, for example, whether there is an outstanding piece of evidence that could compensate for a less satisfactory one decide in the round, taking a balanced view, whether the candidate has satisfied you that the requirements have been met if so, the candidate has passed if not, clearly identify the individual items of evidence that are below standard these will be referred to in the feedback clearly identify the satisfactory evidence, which the candidate can bank.
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Banked evidence If an Associate Candidate is referred, your feedback must identify which individual pieces of evidence were satisfactory. Those pieces of evidence you identify as satisfactory are banked by the candidate for 12 months from the date on which the result is posted on the MLE. For example, suppose for one of the technical competencies two pieces of evidence were satisfactory and two were not. Although the candidate will be referred on that competency, the two satisfactory pieces will be banked so, when s/he submits for re-assessment, only two new pieces will be needed for that competency. The Associate Assessors at the next attempt will still assess that competency on the basis of all four pieces of evidence, but they will not question the two banked pieces. Provided the two new pieces of evidence are satisfactory, the candidate will have achieved that competency. Previously referred candidates RICS will notify you if the Associate Candidate you are assessing has been previously referred. Candidates can submit for re-assessment as soon as they have assembled the new or updated evidence required in a feedback report, and a minimum of four weeks has passed since the previous Associate Assessment. (If the Associate Assessors specify that the candidate must complete a longer period of additional experience, s/he cannot re-submit for Associate Assessment until that period has been completed). RICS aims to use at least one of the previous assessors for the re-assessment. When assessing a previously referred candidate, you may not question any banked evidence, even if you do not agree with the original Associate Assessors view. You must simply accept that that evidence is satisfactory, and assess the candidate on the basis of the new/additional evidence submitted. If you think the original assessment was poor you should however notify RICS through the MLE.
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be competency specific identify specific pieces of evidence which were not acceptable give detailed reasons why give general guidance and suggestions for improvement including seeking other/additional experience specify how many new pieces of evidence are required. Normally, to remedy a deficiency, you will suggest something along one of the following lines provide a further piece of evidence for [competency x] to demonstrate more clearly your skills in gain further experience in and provide evidence undertake [x amount of] structured development to raise your level of competence in Again, there are no hard and fast rules, and you can prescribe whatever you consider reasonable, provided it is achievable without creating potential problems for the candidate at work it does not require more than 12 months further experience, so that it does not cause unreasonable delay for the candidate in coming forward for re-assessment and s/he will be able to use banked evidence (see below) it is proportionate.
The only exception to this is where the two original assessors have not agreed, and the candidate is referred as a result of the casting vote of a third assessor. In this case, the third assessor prepares the feedback report.
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Appendix
Overview
How the candidate uses the MLE The system allows candidates to upload documents and link each one to a technical competency With each document they submit a commentary explaining how it demonstrates the competency concerned, and how it demonstrates other technical and/or mandatory competencies. Candidates also add Structured Development. This is a log of the activities they have carried out in the last year to demonstrate that they have undertaken 48 hours structured development against their chosen pathway The evidence consists of For a candidate to submit a portfolio assessment they must have added four pieces of workplace evidence against each technical competency, together with a 300 word commentary for each. The evidence, taken in the round, must also demonstrate the mandatory competencies. Work towards achieving the mandatory and technical competencies is also shown by the structured development record. In addition to the evidence above, which you assess, candidates must have uploaded a scanned copy of their relevant qualification, their work experience and a minimum of two declaration forms, to satisfy RICS of their eligibility for Associate Assessment. This material is checked by RICS staff.
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1.3 My details 1. When you first enter the MLE you need to check your details. On the header bar at the top click on My Details. 2. You can then edit your telephone number and email if required. It is important that these are kept up to date, to enable assessors to contact each other during the assessment. 3. Please note: if you update details in the MLE, those details are not updated on any other RICS system. If you want your details to be changed in all RICS systems then go to www.rics.org/mydetails
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8. If you select Accept, do not enter any text in the notes field. 9. Any candidates you have accepted will now appear under the heading Assessment and then Assessment for Evaluation.
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2. In the column View there are the following headings Evidence click to view the evidence submitted and add comments for your own personal use Structured Development click to view the entries against structured development Summary click to view details of qualifications and work experience.
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5 Decision 5.1 Adding the result 1. Once you have had an offline conversation with your fellow assessor, click Evaluate next to the candidates name in the Assessments for Evaluation screen (you can also access this view via the tab Informal sign off).
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6 Referral and feedback 6.1 Group Leader Outcome - Adding Feedback Feedback Screen 1 1. If the candidate is referred, the Lead Assessor must add feedback in the form of a report. To access the report format go to Assessments and then Group Leader Outcomes. 2. Click on Add Outcome next to the candidates name.
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2. If you need to view any previous feedback, go to Assessment and then Group Leader Outcomes. 3. Once RICS has made the feedback live to the candidate, it will then be shown on screen (including any amendments RICS staff may have made).
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Advancing standards in land, property and construction. RICS is the worlds leading qualification when it comes to professional standards in land, property and construction. In a world where more and more people, governments, banks and commercial organisations demand greater certainty of professional standards and ethics, attaining RICS status is the recognised mark of property professionalism. Over 100 000 property professionals working in the major established and emerging economies of the world have already recognised the importance of securing RICS status by becoming members. RICS is an independent professional body originally established in the UK by Royal Charter. Since 1868, RICS has been committed to setting and upholding the highest standards of excellence and integrity providing impartial, authoritative advice on key issues affecting businesses and society. RICS is a regulator of both its individual members and firms enabling it to maintain the highest standards and providing the basis for unparalleled client confidence in the sector. RICS has a worldwide network. For further information simply contact the relevant RICS office or our Contact Centre.
Europe (excluding United Kingdom) Rue Ducale 67 1000 Brussels Belgium T +32 2 733 10 19 F +32 2 742 97 48 ricseurope@rics.org
Asia Room 1804 Hopewell Centre 183 Queens Road East Wanchai Hong Kong T +852 2537 7117 F +852 2537 2756 ricsasia@rics.org
Americas 60 East 42nd Street Suite 2918 New York, NY 10165 USA T +1 212 847 7400 F +1 212 847 7401 ricsamericas@rics.org
Oceania Suite 2, Level 16 1 Castlereagh Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia T +61 2 9216 2333 F +61 2 9232 5591 info@rics.org.au
United Kingdom Parliament Square London SW1P 3AD United Kingdom T +44 (0)870 333 1600 F +44 (0)207 334 3811 contactrics@rics.org
Africa POBox 3400 Witkoppen 2068 South Africa T +27 11 467 2857 F +27 86 514 0655 ricsafrica@rics.org
Middle East Office F07, Block 11 Dubai Knowledge Village Dubai United Arab Emirates T +971 4 375 3074 F +971 4 427 2498 ricsmiddleeast@rics.org
India 48 & 49 Centrum Plaza Sector Road Sector 53, Gurgaon 122002 India T +91 124 459 5400 F +91 124 459 5402 ricsindia@rics.org
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