investors in people internal review - Staffordshire University

INVESTORS IN PEOPLE INTERNAL REVIEW
This paper seeks to clarify the process, roles and terminology in respect of Internal
Review.
With Internal Review there are two options of how this can be approached, either
one big review or a “rolling review” whereby there is a sequence of planned smaller
reviews, each giving rise to feedback and a report, with a final report and feedback
based on the overall outcomes at the end of the programme of reviews. This final
report also goes to the West Midlands Quality Centre.
With a “rolling review” approach, any issues that might mean that the Standard is
not met can be identified and dealt with more quickly, and any examples of good
practice can also be identified and shared.
Roles and Responsibilities
Internal Review Co-Ordinator
Responsible for the internal oversight and project management of the Internal
Review assessment on behalf of the organisation. Key roles include internal project
management, negotiation, co-ordination, communication with the Internal Review
team, administration and helping with the logistics. The Internal Review Coordinator
may also collate the Personal Development Plans (for Internal Review)
and/or training needs for the Internal Review Team, ensuring that a central
function can manage the continuous development needs of the team in conjunction
with the Managing Assessor.
Managing Assessor (Jane Blackstock)
The Managing Assessor is appointed by the Quality Centre to manage the Internal
Review process and ultimately decide whether or not the organisation continues to
meet the requirements of the Standard. The role involves the approval of Internal
Reviewers as being competent to undertake Internal Reviews, the continuing
Quality Assurance of the competence of Internal Reviewers in the role, and helping
with the identification of any training or development needs, the Quality Assurance
of the Internal Review process, carrying out “strategic” level and senior
management team interviews, in conjunction with the Internal Review team making
a decision about continuing recognition, the production of a consolidated report at
the end of the Internal Review process , giving feedback to the senior management
team.
Internal Reviewer
In agreement, and in conjunction, with the Managing Assessor:
o
o
o
o
Planning individual reviews, including the interview sample
Collecting evidence on behalf of the Managing Assessor
In conjunction with the Managing Assessor, making decisions regarding whether
the Standard is met
Preparing written reports

o
In conjunction with the Managing Assessor, giving feedback following Internal
Review
Procedures and Responsibilities
Approval of Internal Reviewers
The Managing Assessor is responsible, together with the Quality Centre, for the
approval of Internal Reviewers. Following initial training the Internal Reviewer
must carry out a Practice Review. Some Internal Reviewers have found value in
being observed by the Managing Assessor whilst carrying out the practice
interviews. A written report is prepared for the Managing Assessor. There follows
an interview with the Managing Assessor and a Knowledge Test. At the
recommendation of the Managing Assessor the Quality Centre registers the Internal
Reviewer and issues a certificate. If the Internal Reviewer has not been observed
during the practice interviews then the Managing Assessor must observe the
Internal Reviewer on their first review.
Continuing Quality Assurance of Internal Reviewers
Each Internal Reviewer should have a Personal Development Plan showing further
development or training needed. Needs may be identified as a result of carrying
out reviews, observation, discussion with the Managing Assessor or Internal Review
Co-Ordinator. The Managing Assessor will observe the Internal Reviewer from time
to time, review interview notes and carry out an annual review of the Internal
Reviewer.
Carrying out the Review
Internal Reviewers for individual reviews will be selected by the Internal Review Co-
Ordinator and the Managing Assessor.
All on-site review dates, and any proposed changes, must be agreed with the
Internal Review Co-Ordinator, Managing Assessor and any other Internal Reviewer
who may be involved with that review.
The scoping of the review and the proposed sample must be agreed with the
Managing Assessor before the selected sample is forwarded to the unit being
reviewed.
Any input from the Managing Assessor must be agreed before the review plan is
completed.
The Internal Reviewer(s) should send a written outline review plan to the unit coordinator
within the agreed timescale showing:
• Dates on-site
• Times of start, finish, how long for lunch
• Who the Reviewer(s) will be
• How many rooms are needed (quiet, confidential environment)
• Who has been selected for interview and how long the interview will be
• How to organise interviews, i.e. back-to-back, breaks, any groups, telephone
interviews
• How to agree substitutions
Staffordshire University
Internal Review Procedure
Page 2 of 3
October 2006

• Asking that people receive due notice so that they can be on time
• Stress that interviews are informal and confidential
• Any agreed arrangements for feedback
• When you would like the final interview schedules by.
(If the local co-ordinator wants to add in more people than you have selected, or
people that you have specifically not selected, you should discuss this with the
Managing Assessor.)
If any issues arise during the review these must be discussed with the Managing
Assessor or Internal Review Co-ordinator.
Any good practices identified should be forwarded to the Internal Review Co-
Ordinator and Managing Director.
The outcome of the review must be discussed with the Managing Assessor before
any feedback, either informal or formal, is given to the unit being reviewed.
The final report must be agreed with the Managing Assessor
The Managing Assessor should be involved in any feedback to the unit being
reviewed.
Jane Blackstock
Managing Assessor
Staffordshire University
Internal Review Procedure
Page 3 of 3
October 2006