Introduction

In carrying out our work, we regularly rely upon the assistance of subject experts to:

  • review qualifications to ensure that qualifications comply with our requirements
  • ensure that qualifications and the Welsh qualifications system are effective for meeting the reasonable needs of learners in Wales
  • promote public confidence in qualifications and the Welsh qualifications system

We use experts such as experienced practitioners, examiners, academics and professionals in assessment and from vocational industries.

Roles and responsibilities

The experts we use have detailed knowledge and experience of education and assessment and of how qualifications are taught and assessed. This can include in general and vocational qualifications settings.

A subject expert in the context of the approvals work for the National 14-16 qualifications will undertake the role of a qualification reviewer. A qualification reviewer is a professional who evaluates educational qualifications to ensure they meet specific standards and are fit for purpose.  

We allocate work to subject experts considering:

  • the area of expertise required
  • potential conflicts of interest
  • whether the expert has previously advised in respect of the matter
  • availability to complete the work

Work may:

  • vary from a few days to longer periods covering exam series
  •  include working in teams or performing tasks independently
  • be conducted remotely or require attendance at the QW offices

The nature of the work will depend on the specific requirements set out in the Statement of Work.

Pay and benefits

Contracted experts are paid a day rate of either £300 or £400 inclusive of VAT, depending on the nature of the activity. These rates have been set following extensive bench-marking and we continually monitor market rates.

We award contracts for a period of up to three years with the option to extend for up to a further 12 months. The contracts allow us to ‘call off’ further work across the organisation from an expert depending on their skill set. We do not commit to offering further work to an expert under their contract.

Our experts are not considered employees but are independent contractors.

We advertise subject expert opportunities through www.sell2wales.gov.wales, Welsh Government's contracting platform, and our social media channels.

How to apply

To apply you need to:

  • register as a supplier on Sell2Wales
  • download the response template
  • complete the template with your experience and criteria
  • upload your completed template and CV before the deadline

We may conduct telephone interviews as part of our assessment. You will receive our decision in writing, including feedback if unsuccessful. All contracts are subject to our subject expert services terms and conditions.

How to register as a supplier

Registration is free and takes just a few minutes. You can apply either as an individual or through your organisation, with no obligation to apply for contracts.

Once registered, you'll receive notifications about opportunities with Qualifications Wales and other relevant contracts.

To make the most of these alerts, simply complete your profile by selecting your product categories and preferred geographical work areas. This ensures you only see opportunities that match your expertise and location preferences.

Further guidance is available here:

What is the Sell2Wales Postbox?

New Supplier - Registering your account with SOC

My Profile (Public Profile)

Sell2Wales overview guide 2021

Search for Tenders

Please note, we do not require applicants to hold a Dun & Bradstreet Number to apply for this role. To register as a supplier without a DUNs number, please leave this field blank and then click “look up.” A check box will appear which allows you to tick it and bypass this requirement and register as a supplier. 

For detailed guidance, visit: Website Help and Support - Sell2Wales (gov.wales).

Working as a subject expert

We will assess and score your work based on:

  • assessment ability and subject expertise where required
  • quality of report writing
  • professional conduct
  • communication and timeliness

Contracts and Additional Work Contracts typically run for three years with set work days. Additional work may be offered but can be declined without penalty. Each assignment includes a Statement of Work detailing requirements, timeline and rate.

Payment

You must complete our supplier form with contact and bank details for payment processing.

Payment guidelines for general subject experts:

  • receive PO number for each assignment
  • quote PO on invoices and attach expense receipts
  • responsible for own tax arrangements

Payment guidelines for subject experts who are practitioners:

  • consultancy fees paid only for work outside school hours
  • school hours work paid via £189 teacher release fee
  • option for payment through school payroll
  • must agree time commitments with employer

We publish contract details on our website and share payment information with our finance system. See our privacy notice at: Privacy Policy | Qualifications Wales

Please email Procurement@Qualifications.wales for any contractual queries.