Risk-Based IQA: Smarter Sampling for Fair and Consistent Assessment

Risk-based Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) recognises that not all assessors, qualifications or learners carry the same level of risk. Some situations require close monitoring and detailed sampling, while others only need a lighter-touch check.

The purpose is to use IQA resources intelligently, while protecting the integrity of assessment decisions and ensuring every learner receives a fair and consistent outcome.

What Risk-Based IQA Really Means

A risk-based approach does not mean lowering standards. It means focusing attention where the likelihood of error, inconsistency or non-compliance is higher.

When applied properly, risk-based IQA improves overall quality by:

• Identifying issues earlier
• Providing targeted support where it is most needed
• Reducing unnecessary duplication in low-risk areas
• Maintaining confidence in assessment decisions

Common Risk Factors in Internal Quality Assurance

1) Inexperienced or New Assessors

One of the most common risk factors is an assessor who is new to the role or new to the centre. They may still be learning systems, processes and expected standards.

In these cases, increased sampling and observation can:

• Support development
• Build confidence
• Prevent avoidable errors becoming embedded

2) Qualification Complexity and Regulatory Requirements

Qualifications with higher regulatory requirements, more detailed evidence expectations, or greater scope for misinterpretation naturally require closer IQA oversight.

This helps ensure assessment decisions are accurate, compliant and consistently applied.

3) Past Performance and Reliability

Past performance should influence sampling levels. Assessors who consistently produce accurate, timely and reliable assessments may require less sampling.

Where there have been issues with decisions, deadlines or record-keeping, higher levels of IQA should remain in place until improvement is clearly demonstrated.

4) Learner-Related Risk Factors

Learner-related factors can increase risk and require closer scrutiny to protect fairness and consistency, including:

• Complex evidence sets
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• Mixed evidence types
• Previous appeals or complaints

5) Delivery and Assessment Methods

Delivery methods can also affect risk. Remote, blended or e-portfolio-only delivery can increase the risk of missing or misinterpreting evidence, which often results in higher sampling levels.

Using a Risk Profile to Plan Sampling

Risk-based IQA is usually managed through a risk profile that categorises assessors and qualifications as low, medium or high risk.

This profile should be reviewed regularly and updated as circumstances change (for example, staffing changes, new qualifications, recurring issues, or shifts in delivery methods).

How Sampling Plans Should Work

Sampling plans should flow directly from the risk profile:

• High risk areas receive greater scrutiny
• Medium risk areas receive balanced oversight
• Low risk areas receive proportionate sampling to maintain confidence without unnecessary duplication

Fairness and Transparency in Risk-Based IQA

Risk-based IQA must always be fair and transparent. Assessors should understand why different sampling levels are applied and be confident that decisions are evidence-based, not personal.

Conclusion: The Goal Stays the Same

Ultimately, risk-based IQA improves both quality and efficiency. It supports new assessors, maintains confidence in experienced ones, and ensures time and effort are focused where they have the greatest impact.

The goal remains the same: fair, accurate and consistent assessment decisions for every learner.