Operations or Departmental Manager – Level 5
Standard Number
ST0385 – Version 1.2
Maximum Funding
£7,000
Prices from: £975
(Discounts available based on volume)
Standard Overview
An Operations or departmental manager is someone who manages teams and/or projects, and achieving operational or departmental goals and objectives, as part of the delivery of the organisations strategy. They are accountable to a more senior manager or business owner. Working in the private, public or third sector and in all sizes of organisation, specific responsibilities and job titles will vary, but the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed will be the same.
Key responsibilities may include creating and delivering operational plans, managing projects, leading and managing teams, managing change, financial and resource management, talent management, coaching and mentoring. Roles may include: Operations manager, Regional manager, Divisional manager, Department manager and Specialist managers.
Facilitation of Assessment
DSW has always had a ‘digital by default’ approach to end-point assessment; this allows us to provide greater flexibility for all stakeholders while reducing fees and our carbon footprint.
- Interviews and presentations are conducted using web conferencing platforms and we’re flexible enough to use a platform of the employer’s choosing when required.
- Written exams, MCQs and Case Studies are carried out online using an invigilated assessment platform
- Portfolios and Projects are submitted to DSW in digital format for assessment
- Our assessments are also administered using an online platform, epaPRO, which provides training providers with access to results, reports and dashboards.
This is all supported by named account managers and operations contacts who are here to support you at each step of the EPA journey.
Assessment Methods
Professional Discussion Underpinned by Portfolio of Evidence
- Unassessed portfolio of evidence developed over the course of the on-programme period and submitted at gateway
- Professional discussion assesses the apprentice’s understanding and application of the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours
- Duration of 60 minutes (+/-10%)
- Minimum of 6 discussion points based on the evidence seen in the portfolio
Project Proposal with Presentation and Questioning
- Proposal for a project that will be fully implemented in the future
- Project proposal cannot be started until after gateway, must be completed over 12 weeks
- Maximum word count: 4,000 words (+/- 10%)
- Presentation and questioning typical timing
- Presentation 20 minutes
- Questioning 40 minutes)
For more details, visit the IfATE website.
Grading
There are two graded assessment methods:
- Professional Discussion underpinned by Portfolio of Evidence
- Project Proposal, Presentation and Questioning
Each Assessment method is graded either a Distinction, Pass or Fail as follows:
| EPA Component | Fail | Pass | Distinction |
| Professional Discussion underpinned by Portfolio of Evidence | Pass descriptors not met | The Apprentice must meet all 12 Pass descriptors which are mapped to this assessment method at Pass level. | In addition to the Pass descriptors, the Apprentice must meet all 6 Distinction descriptors which are mapped to this assessment method at Distinction level. |
| Project Proposal, Presentation and Questioning | Pass descriptors not met | The Apprentice must meet all 11 Pass descriptors which are mapped to this assessment method at Pass level. | In addition to the Pass descriptors, the Apprentice must meet all 4 Distinction descriptors which are mapped to this assessment method at Distinction level. |
Resources
We provide a range of recourses to support the apprentice, training provider and employer prepare for end-point assessment:
- Toolkit
- Overview video
- Service overview
- Relevant webinars
Benefits and Support
DSW is a leading EPAO trusted by some of the UK’s largest employers and apprenticeship training providers to assess apprentices across a portfolio of more than 35 standards.
We combine first-class customer support, leading assessment technology and assessment expertise to deliver an EPA experience which our clients tell us is unequalled.
Benefits include:
- Assessor allocated ahead of gateway to guarantee availability and fast turnaround
- Planning meeting scheduled within 1 working day of Gateway
- Results issued within 5 working days
- Competitive pricing, reduced resit fees and no registration fees
- Dedicated account manager and operations contact
- Quality-assured assessors with extensive sector and assessment experience
- Truly collaborative, partnership approach and dedicated DSW human touch support team
- Delivery of a great learner experience with flexibility to accommodate varied learner environments
- Support materials – Guides, toolkits, webinars and use of digital platforms make EPA efficient and easy
- Engaged with other EPAOs and sector bodies to lead the standardisation of assessment methods and raise professional standards