Expression of interest Panel of Assessors for PHECC Recognition of Overseas Qualifications (ROQs)

The Role of PHECC

The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) is an independent statutory body with the responsibility to set the standards for education, training and operations for pre-hospital emergency care in Ireland.

PHECC is the statutory regulator for pre-hospital emergency care practitioners in Ireland and the primary goal is to protect the public. Among PHECC’s statutory functions is to publish clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), recognise institutions to provide pre-hospital emergency care training and education, maintaining a statutory register of practitioners and recognise pre-hospital emergency care service providers to implement CPGs. PHECC is an awarding body for qualifications and may award the National Qualification in Emergency Medical Technology (NQEMT) at EMT, paramedic or advanced paramedic levels following successful completion of PHECC examinations or through Recognition of Oversea Qualifications (ROQs).

PHECC is advised and assisted by several committees, one of which is the Education and Standards Committee.


Title

Assessor Panel member for reviewing of Recognition of Overseas Qualifications (ROQs) application(s) for the awarding of a PHECC National Qualification in Emergency Medical Technology (NQEMT) at the appropriate levels of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Paramedic (P) and Advanced Paramedic (AP).


Role

Expression of Interest (EOI) relates to panel of assessors who will participate in reviews of application(s) for Recognition of Overseas Qualifications (ROQs). Applications will be scrutinised and verified to ensure all the application criteria, processes and procedures submitted are consistent with pertaining policies and guidelines in Ireland and the EU regulations.


Summary

You are invited to apply for appointment as an assessor for Recognition of Overseas Qualifications applications (ROQs), that will participate in reviewing, assessing and verifying applications and supporting documentation, submitted from overseas applicants seeking the awarding of a PHECC NQEMT status at appropriate level.


Internal Assessment

The main purpose of the assessment is for PHECC to verify compliance with the requirements of Council Policy POL002, the Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive (2005/36/EC) and PHECC Education & Training Standards, which have been approved by Council. Assessors play a key role in this crucial activity.


Roles and Responsibilities

Conduct each review in accordance with Council Policy for Recognition of Overseas Qualifications, PHECC Education and Training Standards and PHECC Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs).


Assessment Detail

  • To carry out a detailed assessment of applications for recognition of professional qualifications obtained overseas pursuant to Council policy, based on Irish Regulations and EU directives.
  • To complete a comprehensive written assessment on every application.
  • The assessment will include making a recommendation for every application with the requirement to explain and justify such recommendations.
  • To execute the assessment in a fair and non-discriminatory way, using all available information supplied by the applicant and PHECC.
  • To carry out their work in an efficient manner including compliance with the specified time frames.
  • Work with strict adherence to client/applicant privacy and confidentiality (including data protection) at all times.
  • To understand the importance of upholding public interest as per PHECC statutory functions.


Time Commitment

The required time commitment will be subject to the volume of applications submitted to PHECC. Currently, due to the covid-19 situation, there have been a large number of applications submitted to PHECC. Assessors should be prepared to undertake and return assessments within 10 days of receiving an application. Engagement with relevant PHECC staff on additional requirement from an assessor post submission.

Successful applicants should be able to commence the assessor function immediately.


Tenure

Membership of the ROQs Assessor Panel will be for a period of up to 3 years in the first instance, with the opportunity of further time extensions.


Induction and Training

An induction programme will be provided to equip you to undertake the role. Attendance is mandatory with updates as required.


Remuneration

  • You will be reimbursed at €150 per ROQ review and will be paid per schedule of payments.
  • Training/induction activities will attract travel payments only.
  • Payment is made via a PHECC appointed third party payment service.
  • See Appendix 2 – Schedule of Payments.


Conflict of Interest

This role requires integrity and sensitivity in dealing with confidential matters. Successful applicants must maintain the confidentiality of information about applicants and pertinent stakeholders on the application documentation.

Personal or professional relationships with Council or Committee members, Recognised Institutions and/or licensed CPG providers, or with PHECC staff, may be perceived as a conflict of interest and should be declared on application.

Successful applicants will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement and immediately declare any conflict (or perceived conflict) of interest regarding any assigned assessments.

Failure to declare conflicts of interest may lead to removal from any assessor panel that has been formed. PHECC reserve the right to remove assessors from the panel at the annual review point without a right of appeal.


Application Process

Applicants will be required to submit a cover letter of application describing extensively, how their skills and experiences meet the requirements of the role (see Appendix 1 – Assessor Specification) and a current Curriculum Vitae should be included.

Shortlisting of candidates may take place on the basis of the information detailed in their application and CV. An informal interview may take place.

Applications (and any informal queries) should be emailed to Brendan Cawley, Education Programme Manager, at b.cawley@phecc.ie.

Closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday May 4th 2020. Applications received before this date will be reviewed on submission.


APPENDIX 1 – ASSESSOR SPECIFICATION

Essential Qualifications and Registrations
(As per TOR009_Qualification Assessors Panel Terms of Reference)

  • PHECC registrant at Advanced Paramedic level for a minimum of 5 years. PHECC registrant at Paramedic level for a minimum of 5 years or Alternatively, a registered medical practitioner or registered general nurse for a minimum of 5 years with academic or clinical practice within paramedicine.
  • Should hold a Level 9 Qualification (National Framework of Qualifications).
  • Must successfully complete the PHECC ROQ training and development programme.
  • Must maintain currency with PHECC Education and Training Standards and CPGs at all practitioner levels.
  • Must be available to assess a minimum of 5 applications on an annual basis.
  • Must attend an annual panel meeting, and any additional meeting(s) organised for the purpose of Recognition of Qualifications activities.
  • Demonstrate ability to work as part of a team.
  • Must be competent working with technology, have an email address and access to electronic communications.
  • Panel including the Chair will be reviewed every 3 years or earlier as necessary.


Essential Experience and Knowledge

  • Experience quality assuring and/or regulating education and training services, encompassing the concepts of assessment, quality management systems and quality standards.
  • Knowledge and experience of developing, implementing or monitoring quality assurance and improvement programmes within the education and training sector.
  • Experience developing, reviewing and analysing policies and procedures.
  • Experience of identifying, gathering, synthesising and recording appropriate information and evidence to inform decision making.
  • Ability to bring objectivity and scrutiny to the governance of the ROQ assessor role.
  • Be able to work effectively as a team member.

Essential Skills and Competencies

  • Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Be proficient in the use of IT systems and familiar with using Digital Technology.
  • Demonstrate understanding of others' contributions, collaborative report writing and ability to challenge and negotiate when necessary.
  • Have highly developed interpersonal skills with proven ability to establish credible and effective working relationships.


Desirable Experience and Knowledge

  • Be a PHECC Tutor or Facilitator
  • Have experience, a special interest or extended training in pre-hospital emergency care.
  • Be knowledgeable in PHECC Education and Training Standards to apply them to the review process.
  • Have experience in EMS provision in other countries.


APPENDIX 2 – SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS

 

Application Assessment Type Payment to Assessor
   
Recognition of Overseas Qualifications Applications €150 per assessment 
   
Other
Travel (per km) Per current Dept. Expenditure & Reform Circular for mileage based on engine size 
   
Notes:
Professional Services Withholding Tax (PSWT) will be withheld at a rate of 20% and paid to Revenue.

Panel members are responsible for making their own claim for refund directly to revenue (if applicable).

Panel members must supply PHECC with bank account details including IBAN and BIC and a tax clearance certificate as appropriate.