Qualification Guide OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance Version 1.3 12/07/2016
2 OCN OCN London London Qualification Qualification Guide Guide OCN London Qualification Guide OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance Qualification No: 600/9606/8 Making Making learning learning matter matter
OCN London Qualification Guide 3 OCN London aims to support learning and widening opportunities by recognising achievement through credit-based courses and qualifications, promoting high standards of excellence and inclusiveness. We are proud of our long-term role and unique history in providing responsive, innovative learning solutions and qualifications for disadvantaged groups to meet the needs of learners not met by other Awarding Organisations. At the heart of what OCN London offers is: A commitment to inclusive credit-based learning; Facilitating the creative use of credit with responsive, demand-led qualification development; Ensuring a robust business base through increasing learner registration/credit achievement and providing high quality service and support; Respect for and encouragement of diversity - in learners and learning approaches, partners and settings; Developing people, capacity and resources that will ensure effective business partnerships. OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance Version 1.3 12/07/2016
4 OCN London Qualification Guide Contents Section Page 1 General Information 5 2 Qualification Overview 6 Qualification level Purpose of the qualification Who the qualifications are for Entry guidance Additional information Progression and related qualifications 3 Structure of the Qualification Rules of Combination for achieving the qualification Qualification units 11 4 Assessment and Moderation 12 Assessment process Devising Assessments Marking assessment activities Standardisation Learners with particular requirements Requirements for assessors 5 Qualification Units 16 Appendix A: OCNLR Assessment Guidance 21 Appendix B: Ofqual Level Descriptors 25 Making learning matter
OCN London Qualification Guide 5 1 General Information This qualification guide contains details of everything you need to know about the OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance. It makes reference to the curriculum areas covered, identifies the learners for whom the qualification has been developed and specifies the rules of combination for achievement of the qualification. The guide also covers any important aspects of assessment and verification that are particular to this qualification. The guide should be used by all of those involved in the delivery and assessment of these qualifications. The Curriculum Development Manager (CDM) for your centre will provide support and advice on how to seek approval to offer these qualifications. Please contact the main switchboard for the name of your CDM if you do not already know it. If you are not yet an OCN London Approved Centre but wish to use this Qualification, then please contact the Administrative team at OCN London for details of the Centre Approval Application process. Helpful Hint for this Guide The contents of this guide are bookmarked. The best way to use it is to download the PDF file then click on the *Adobe symbol to enable bookmarks and use them to navigate through the document: Follow this link to enable bookmarks in Adobe Reader * OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance Version 1.3 12/07/2016
6 OCN London Qualification Guide 2 Qualification Overview The OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance provides a basic introduction to the sector and includes units which have been mapped to ENTO National Occupational Standards for Advice and Guidance (2006) and the Matrix Standard. The qualification will prove beneficial in four critical areas: The organisation or institution to which the learner is attached will benefit, as the learner s practice becomes more informed. The community member in contact with the learner will receive better information from someone who is aware of the boundaries underpinning practice in information, advice or guidance. The learner will be more aware of the role of information, advice or guidance, and the boundaries of their role in relation to this. The learner will be more aware of the skills needed and further study required to engage in an information, advice or guidance role. The qualification was developed with: Employment National Training Organisation (ENTO) Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) Children s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) National Citizens Advice Bureau Museums, Libraries and Archive Council and the local Library Service Private Training Providers FE Colleges Advice UK Careers Education Sector Schools and 14-19 education service providers The OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance qualification is accredited by the qualifications regulators for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and are part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework. Making learning matter
OCN London Qualification Guide 7 2.1 Qualification level The OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance can be achieved at Level 1. Level 1 Qualification Number: 600/9606/8 Qualification credit value: 6 Operational start date: 1 July 2013 Review date: 30 September 2019 Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 54 Assessment requirements: Internally assessed, internally and externally verified 2.2 Purpose of the qualification The purpose of the qualification is to provide the learner with an understanding of the role of an Information, Advice and Guidance worker and the skills used in this area. In achieving the qualification learners will have understood the contexts for the delivery of information, advice or guidance and the importance of effective communication skills in information, advice or guidance delivery. In achieving the qualification learners will acquire an understanding of advice and guidance in the context of their own organisation as well as the importance of relevant policies to the Information, Advice or Guidance role. 2.3 Who the qualifications are for The OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance is aimed at those workers (either paid or unpaid) who are starting out in an information, advice role or whose role involves general signposting or referral to guidance. The qualification is particularly suitable for those who are: OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance Version 1.3 12/07/2016
8 OCN London Qualification Guide Involved in general signposting in a paid or unpaid capacity in communities, who have not been involved in mainstream education for some time, and who would benefit from developing confidence through a relevant introductory programme of study. Interested in information, advice or guidance delivery and who, although not involved in this area at present, would benefit from a relevant introductory programme. New to a work role in the information, advice or guidance sector which includes general signposting, for whom this programme would prove a useful induction programme. The qualification would be particularly useful for: Volunteers/paid workers within a broad range information or advice giving contexts Learning Champions Volunteers in local communities who are involved in a signposting or referral role Library and information staff Support staff in 14-19 educational establishments. Making learning matter
OCN London Qualification Guide 9 2.4 Entry guidance The minimum age for access to the qualification is 19 years. 2.5 Additional information Entry Requirements There are no formal entry requirements as such but learners will be expected to be able to: Read and interpret given tasks Write answers that are clear, logical and understandable Organise relevant information clearly and coherently 2.6 Progression and related qualifications The OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance enables progression to employment, further learning opportunities within employment, or further study. The qualification meets the Foundation Learning strategy by: Providing learners with the potential and capacity to progress to Level 2 achievement Encouraging learners to re-engage with learning Raising learners confidence in their ability to achieve Enabling meaningful progression into employment or further education Providing an introduction to a particular sector Providing learners with generic skills and specific knowledge and understanding of the information, advice or guidance sector in a range of contexts Equipping learners with job specific skills Equipping learners with generic employability skills. The OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance relates academically to GCSE subjects such as sociology, psychology, English and citizenship and learners will be able to progress to: OCNLR Level 2 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance Version 1.3 12/07/2016
10 OCN London Qualification Guide OCNLR Level 2 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance A Level 2 competence qualification in Advice and Guidance Other appropriate Level 2 provision. Making learning matter
OCN London Qualification Guide 11 3 Structure of the Qualification 3.1 Rules of Combination for achieving the qualification The OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance comprises of 2 mandatory units and no optional units. In order to gain the Award the learner must achieve 6 credits at Level 1. 3.2 Qualification units OCNLR Unit Code Ofqual Unit Reference Number Unit Title HB7/1/LQ/002 J/502/7980 Introduction to Skills - Delivering Information, Advice or Guidance HB7/1/LQ/003 L/502/7981 Introduction to Underpinning Principles of Information, Advice or Guidance Mandatory or Optional Credit Value Level GLH Mandatory 3 1 27 Mandatory 3 1 27 For Unit Content click on the Unit Title above from Section 5: Qualification Units OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance Version 1.3 12/07/2016
12 OCN London Qualification Guide 4 Assessment and Moderation 4.1 Assessment process The assessment process for the OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance qualification is as follows: The learners are assessed through activities that are internally set by tutor assessors; The activities must be designed to enable learners to meet the assessment criteria of the unit; Learners portfolios of assessed evidence must be internally verified at the Centre; The portfolios of assessed evidence will be externally verified by an OCN London Quality Reviewer. There is no additional external assessment for this qualification. 4.2 Devising assessments Each unit has a supplementary page with information on the types of assessment activities that can (indicated as Optional) and/or must (indicated as Prescribed) be used to assess learners against the unit. Tutor assessors must always refer to this page before devising assessment tasks. Extracts from the OCN London assessment guidance relevant to the units in this qualification are in the Appendix to this qualification guide. The guidance includes a general description of the activity and the type of evidence that is appropriate. The activity or activities set must enable the learners to meet the standards detailed in the assessment criteria. Please contact OCN London for further guidance on devising appropriate assessments. Centre devised assessments should be scrutinised by the Internal Verifier before use to ensure that they are fit for purpose. Centre devised assessments will be scrutinised by the external verifier to ensure reliability and validity of assessment. Making learning matter
OCN London Qualification Guide 13 4.4 Marking assessment activities Each activity must be marked against the identified assessment criteria in the unit and judged to be either achieved or not achieved. Assessors need to ensure that the work in a learner s portfolio is: Authentic it is the result of the learner s own performance or activity; Sufficient enabling the assessor to make a consistent and reliable judgement; Adequate appropriate to the level. Where a series of activities are set, learners must demonstrate the achievement of the required standard identified in the assessment criteria in all activities. All of the assessment criteria in a unit must be met before the unit is deemed achieved. The unit achievement is not graded. Units are either achieved or not achieved. 4.5 Standardisation Standardisation is a process that promotes consistency in the understanding and application of standards, it: Establishes statements on the standard of evidence required to meet assessment criteria for units in OCN London qualifications; Identifies good practice in assessment; Makes recommendations on assessment practice. It is a requirement of the Centre Approval Process that each Centre offering the units from the qualification must contribute assessment materials and learners evidence for national standardisation if requested. OCN London will notify Centres of the required sample for national standardisation purposes. Assessment materials, learners evidence and tutor feedback will be collected by Quality Reviewers on behalf of OCN London. Outcomes from national standardisation will be available to Centres OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance Version 1.3 12/07/2016
14 OCN London Qualification Guide through OCN London. 4.6 Learners with particular requirements If you have learners with particular requirements you should refer to the Access to Fair Assessment Policy and Procedure which can be found on our website at: Access to Fair Assessment Policy and Procedure and gives clear guidance on the reasonable adjustments and arrangements that can be made to take account of disability or learning difficulty, without compromising the achievement of the assessment criteria. 4.7 Requirements for assessors Assessors of the qualification are expected to be: Sufficiently competent In addition to being qualified to make assessment decisions, each assessor must be capable of carrying out the full requirements within the competency units they are assessing. This occupational competence should be maintained annually through clearly demonstrable continuing learning and professional development. Sufficiently knowledgeable Each assessor should possess relevant knowledge and understanding, and be able to assess this in units designed to test specific knowledge and understanding, or in units where knowledge and understanding are components of competency. Making learning matter
OCN London Qualification Guide 15 5 Qualification Units OCNLR Level 1 Award in OCNLR Information, Level Advice 1 Award or Guidance in Information, Version Advice 1.3 12/07/2016 or Guidance
16 OCN London Qualification Guide OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance Unit Title: Introduction to Skills - Delivering Information, Advice or Guidance Level: One Credit Value: 3 GLH: 27 OCNLR Unit Code: Ofqual Unit Reference Number: HB7/1/LQ/002 J/502/7980 This unit has 3 learning outcomes LEARNING OUTCOMES The learner will: 1. Understand appropriate contexts for the delivery of information, advice or guidance. 2. Demonstrate awareness of the importance of effective communication skills in information, advice or guidance delivery. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The learner can: 1.1. Identify appropriate contexts for information, advice or guidance delivery and list reasons why they are appropriate. 1.2. Identify organisations that deliver information, advice or guidance. 1.3. Give an example of an organisation, other than your own, and the context in which it offers information, advice or guidance. 2.1. Identify how to work with clients in a supportive and non-discriminatory manner. 2.2. Identify, and give examples of, appropriate questioning styles to encourage effective communication with clients. 2.3. Identify, and give examples of, effective listening skills. 2.4. Identify, and give examples of, effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills. 2.5. Describe the purpose of, and need for, accurate recording and record keeping. Making learning matter
OCN London Qualification Guide 17 3. Demonstrate good practice when referring or signposting clients. 3.1. Identify when referral or signposting may be appropriate. 3.2. State the difference between referring and signposting clients. 3.3. Refer and signpost clients in a supportive and appropriate manner. 3.4. Identify ways to obtain feedback from clients regarding quality of service and appropriateness of referrals or signposting. Assessment The grid below gives details of the assessment activities to be used with the unit attached. Please refer to the OCN London Assessment Definitions document for definitions of each activity and the expectations for assessment practice and evidence for verification. P = Prescribed This assessment method must be used to assess all or part of the unit. O = Optional This assessment method could be used to assess all or part of the unit. Case Study O Production of artefact Essay Project O Group discussion O Reflective log or diary Oral question and answer O Report Performance / exhibition Role play / simulation O Practical demonstration Written description O Practice file O Written question and answer / test / exam O OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance Version 1.3 12/07/2016
18 OCN London Qualification Guide Unit Title: Introduction to Underpinning Principles of Information, Advice or Guidance Level: One Credit Value: 3 GLH: 27 OCNLR Unit Code: Ofqual Unit Reference Number: HB7/1/LQ/003 L/502/7981 This unit has 4 learning outcomes LEARNING OUTCOMES The learner will: 1. Understand the scope of advice and guidance in the context of own organisation. 2. Demonstrate awareness of role within own organisation. 3. Understand how to establish clients information, advice or guidance requirements. 4. Understand the importance of relevant policies to the information, advice or guidance role. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The learner can: 1.1. Identify ways in which information, advice or guidance is given in the context of own organisation. 2.1. Outline the key features of own role in meeting clients information, advice or guidance requirements. 3.1. Identify ways of establishing information, advice or guidance requirements with clients. 3.2. List barriers faced by clients using information, advice or guidance services. 3.3. Select appropriate information sources or agencies for a specific client. 4.1. Identify key features of relevant policies such as equality and diversity, confidentiality and complaints. Making learning matter
OCN London Qualification Guide 19 Assessment The grid below gives details of the assessment activities to be used with the unit attached. Please refer to the OCN London Assessment Definitions document for definitions of each activity and the expectations for assessment practice and evidence for verification. P = Prescribed This assessment method must be used to assess all or part of the unit. O = Optional This assessment method could be used to assess all or part of the unit. Case Study O Production of artefact Essay Project O Group discussion O Reflective log or diary Oral question and answer O Report Performance / exhibition Role play / simulation O Practical demonstration Written description O Practice file O Written question and answer / test / exam O OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance Version 1.3 12/07/2016
20 OCN London Qualification Guide Appendix A OCNLR Assessment Guidance Case Study Consideration of a particular, relevant situation or example, selected by the tutor or by learners, which enables learners to apply knowledge to specific situations. May be used as a collective / group activity and discussed in a group of learners or may be used with individual learners as a written activity through case study materials and learner responses. Level One Activity Assessed by Evidence Case studies should be limited in range, familiar and require a narrow range of knowledge. Discussion should be structured and involve a limited degree of judgement (group or one-to-one). Written work should be structured and involve a limited degree of judgement. Assessed through tutor observation, discussion or tutor assessment of written work. Evidence could include tutor record of observation, summary of class discussion, learner notes, audio-visual / photographic record, written work. Group discussion Discussion of a topic or situation selected by the tutor or by learners, to enable learners to share knowledge and thoughts and to assess their learning. Level One Activity Assessed by Evidence Discussions should be limited in range, cover topics that are familiar to the learner. These should require a narrow range of skills. The discussion should be structured and involve a limited degree of learner choice. Assessed through tutor, peer observation, one to one tutorial discussion and self-assessment. Evidence could include tutor record of observation, learner notes, tutor lesson plan, tutorial notes, audio-visual record and learner log. Making learning matter
OCN London Qualification Guide 21 Oral question and answer Specific, open or closed questions for immediate response. Can range from quite formal questions in, for example, an oral test, to a quick, fun way of finding out where learners are up to, for example, a quiz. Allows responses and questions from learners and immediate feedback from tutor. Level One Activity Assessed by Evidence Process should be informal and should include both open and closed questions covering a narrow range of knowledge. Learners should be encouraged by the use of supplementary questions. Assessed by tutor. Evidence could include tutor record / notes or audio-visual record. Practice file A structured collection of documents from real situations such as work or voluntary activity, which evidence the application of knowledge and / or skills. The documents should be mapped to specific learning outcome/s in a unit of assessment. May need a short explanation of how the particular document evidences achievement of a specific learning outcome. Level One Activity Practice evidence should demonstrate the application of a narrow range of skills and / or knowledge. Learners should be given detailed guidance on what documents would be appropriate, how the evidence should be presented, and on mapping to learning outcomes. Assessed by Assessed through discussion with the tutor. Evidence Evidence could include documents, learner notes and tutor comments. OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance Version 1.3 12/07/2016
22 OCN London Qualification Guide Project A specific task involving private study and research for individuals or groups. Normally involves selection of a topic, planning, finding information and presenting results orally or in writing. Level One Activity Assessed by Evidence Task should be selected with support from tutor to allow the demonstration of knowledge and skills in a range of predictable, structured and familiar contexts. Assessed through tutor observation and questioning during at the end of the process. Evidence could include tutor record, learner notes, plans, reports, learner log or audio-visual / photographic record. Role play / simulation Use of a situation selected by the tutor or by learners, to enable learners to practice and apply skills and to explore attitudes. Level One Activity Assessed by Evidence Role-plays should be limited in range, be familiar and require a narrow range of skills. Role-plays should be structured and involve limited degree of learner choice. Assessed through, tutor / peer observation, one to one tutorial, discussion and self-assessment. Evidence could include tutor record of observation, learner notes, tutor lesson plan, tutorial notes, audio-visual / photographic record or learner log. Making learning matter
OCN London Qualification Guide 23 Written description Consideration of a particular subject, situation or example selected by the tutor or by learners, which enables learners to apply knowledge to specific situations and to present them in written format. Level One Activity Subjects should be limited in range, be familiar and require a narrow range of knowledge. Written work should be structured and involve limited degree of judgement. Assessed by Assessed through tutor assessment and discussion. Evidence Evidence could include tutor record of observation, summary of discussion and feedback or completed work. Written question and answer / Test / Exam Specific, open and closed questions for immediate response from tutor. Can range from formal exams and tests, to a quick, fun way of finding out where learners are up to, for example, a quiz. Level One Activity Process should be informal and non-threatening. Questions should encourage learners to make use of knowledge rather than just testing recall. Assessed by Assessed by tutor or external marker (for exams / tests). Evidence Evidence to include written responses and may also include learner responses and tutor feedback. OCNLR Level 1 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance Version 1.3 12/07/2016
24 OCN London Qualification Guide Appendix B Ofqual Level Descriptors Level Summary Knowledge and understanding Application and action Autonomy and accountability 3 Achievement at Level 1 reflects the ability to use relevant knowledge, skills and procedures to complete routine tasks. It includes responsibility for completing tasks and procedures subject to direction or guidance. Use knowledge of facts, procedures and ideas to complete welldefined, routine tasks. Be aware of information relevant to the area of study or work. Complete well-defined routine tasks. Use relevant skills and procedures. Select and use relevant information. Identify whether actions have been effective. Take responsibility for completing tasks and procedures subject to direction or guidance as needed Making learning matter
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