Qualification Specification Higher Apprenticeship in Retail Management Level 4 (England) Version 2.0 (July 2016)
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This qualification specification covers the following qualifications: Qualification Title Qualification Number Gateway Qualifications Level 4 Diploma In Retail Management 601/6738/5 Gateway Qualifications Level 4 Diploma In Retail Knowledge 601/6743/9 Page 2 of 21
About this qualification specification This qualification specification is intended for Tutors, Assessors, Internal Quality Assurers, Centre Quality Managers and other staff within Gateway Qualifications recognised centres and/or prospective centres. It sets out what is required of the learner in order to achieve the qualification. It also contains information specific to managing and delivering the qualification(s) including specific quality assurance requirements. The guide should be read in conjunction with the Gateway Qualifications Centre Handbook and other publications available on the website which contain more detailed guidance on assessment and verification practice. In order to offer this qualification, you must be a Gateway Qualifications recognised centre. If your centre is not yet recognised, please contact our Development Team to discuss becoming Gateway Qualifications Recognised Centre: Telephone: 01206 911211 Email: enquiries@gatewayqualifications.org.uk Website: www.gatewayqualifications.org.uk/recognition Page 3 of 21
Contents 1. Qualification Information... 5 1.1 About the qualifications... 5 1.2 Objective... 5 1.3 Key Facts... 6 1.4 Funding... 6 1.5 Achievement methodology... 6 1.6 Geographical Coverage... 6 1.7 Progression Opportunities... 7 1.8 Relationship with other frameworks... 7 2 Learner Entry Requirements... 8 2.1 Age... 8 2.2 Prior Qualifications or Units... 8 2.3 Prior Skills/Knowledge/Understanding... 8 2.4 Restrictions... 8 2.5 Access to qualifications for learners with disabilities or specific needs... 8 2.6 Additional Requirements/Guidance... 9 2.7 Recruiting Learners with Integrity... 9 3 Achieving the Qualification... 10 3.1 Qualification Structure (Rules of Combination and Unit List)... 10 For information on Recognition of Prior Learning/Exempt and Equivalent units please see section 3.2 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)/Exemptions/Equivalencies... 10 Gateway Qualifications Level 4 Diploma in Retail Management... 10 Gateway Qualifications Level 4 Diploma in Retail Knowledge... 12 3.2 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)/Exemptions/Equivalencies... 14 3.3 Links to other qualifications... 14 4 Assessment and Quality Assurance... 15 4.1 Method of Assessment... 15 4.2 Assessment Materials... 15 4.3 Qualification-Specific Centre Requirements... 15 4.4 Qualification-Specific Tutor/Assessor Requirements... 16 4.5 Qualification-Specific Quality Assurance Requirements... 17 4.6 Additional Requirements/Guidance... 17 4.7 Functional Skills... 18 5 What to do next... 20 6 Gateway Qualifications... 20 Page 4 of 21
1. Qualification Information 1.1 About the qualifications The qualifications have been approved by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) that regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England. The aim of these qualifications is to support the aims and objectives of the Higher Apprenticeship in Retail Management Apprenticeship Framework. Higher Apprenticeship in Retail Management The Gateway Qualifications Level 4 Diploma In Retail Management meets the competence qualification requirements and the Gateway Qualifications Level 4 Diploma In Retail Knowledge meets the knowledge qualification requirements of this pathway. The UKCES Report Sector Skills Insights Retail (July 2012) highlights that the retail sector will require staff to acquire higher level skills at levels 4 and 5 to meet future challenges brought on by technological advances, changing customer behaviour patterns, including greater use of e-retailing, and raised expectations that the in-store shopping experience should be more attractive and appealing. The units included in both qualifications aim to provide an opportunity for Apprenticeships to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to address these challenges. Across the UK there are approximately 4.5 million managers and senior officials, including 1.75 million working within small and medium enterprises. To keep pace with demand, around 400,000 new managers and leaders are needed each year. The level 4 qualifications in Retail Management combine business and management skills with the specialist knowledge required by retail managers. Modules for teaching and assessment are designed to enhance knowledge and the ability to operate in this fast paced and rewarding environment. A key reason why the Level 4 apprenticeship pathway has been developed so that learners will have a structured and recognised programme to follow which will provide opportunities to progress their career and learning in higher level jobs in the retail industry. By providing nationally recognised qualifications, employability skills and a career route into management, staff are more likely to be motivated to stay. This in turn helps businesses to increase their productivity and remain profitable. 1.2 Objective The objective of the Gateway Qualifications Level 4 Hospitality qualifications is to confirm competence in an occupational role to the standards specified within the Apprenticeship Framework for Hospitality (England). Page 5 of 21
1.3 Key Facts Qualification Title in full Gateway Qualifications Level 4 Diploma In Retail Management Gateway Qualifications Level 4 Diploma In Retail Knowledge Credit Value Min and Max Guided Learning Hours 40 180-215 50 180-253 1 credit is 10 hours of notional learning time. Learning time is defined as the time taken by learners at the level of the unit, on average, to complete the learning outcomes of the unit to the standard determined by the assessment criteria. Guided Learning Hours is the number of hours of teacher-supervised or directed study time required to teach a qualification or unit of a qualification. Some learners will be able to achieve these units in a shorter time, other learners, particularly those with additional support requirements will take much longer. 1.4 Funding For information regarding potential sources of funding please visit the following websites; The Education Funding Agency http://www.gov.uk/efa The Skills Funding Agency https://www.gov.uk/sfa or, contact your local funding office. 1.5 Achievement methodology The qualification will be awarded to learners who successfully achieve an approved combination of units through a Portfolio of Evidence that has been successfully verified and monitored through Gateway Qualifications Quality Assurance process. Achievement is therefore determined by successful completion of unit assessment with no further requirement for additional/summative assessment. 1.6 Geographical Coverage The qualifications have been approved by Ofqual to be offered in England. Page 6 of 21
1.7 Progression Opportunities Those completing the Level 4 qualifications as part of a Higher Apprenticeship in Retail Management could progress onto: Pathway 1: Hospitality Services Higher Apprenticeship in Leadership and Management Higher Education 1.8 Relationship with other frameworks The Gateway Qualifications Level 4 retail qualifications relate to the National Occupational Standards (NOS) developed by People 1 st. They provide a significant amount of knowledge, understanding and skills development that underpins occupational competence in the retail sector. Relevant units within the qualification have been carefully developed according to the relevant standards as appropriate and/or in conjunction with Users of qualifications Page 7 of 21
2 Learner Entry Requirements 2.1 Age The approved age range for these qualifications is: 18+. 2.2 Prior Qualifications or Units There is no requirement for learners to have achieved prior qualifications or units. 2.3 Prior Skills/Knowledge/Understanding There is no requirement for learners to have prior skills, knowledge or understanding. Employers are looking to attract apprentices who have a strong interest in a career in management. They expect applicants to demonstrate a "can do" attitude and have at least basic numeracy, literacy and communication skills on which the Apprenticeship will build. Entrants will come from a diverse range of backgrounds and will have a range of experience and, in some cases, prior qualifications and awards which may count towards the achievement of an Apprenticeship. 2.4 Restrictions There are no restrictions to entry. 2.5 Access to qualifications for learners with disabilities or specific needs It is Gateway Qualifications aim that there shall be equal opportunities within this organisation and in all the services it provides and within its recognised centres and via the services they provide and so meet the organisation s legal responsibilities to prevent discrimination. In particular it is the organisation s intention that there should be no discrimination on the grounds of a protected characteristic including age, disability, gender assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation. It is acknowledged that this is not an exhaustive list. Gateway Qualifications and recognised centres have a responsibility to ensure that the process of assessment is robust and fair and allows the learner to show what they know and can do without compromising the assessment criteria. Details on how to make adjustments for learners is set out in the Reasonable Adjustment and Special Considerations Policy. Page 8 of 21
2.6 Additional Requirements/Guidance There are no additional rules or guidance regarding learner entry requirements. 2.7 Recruiting Learners with Integrity It is vital that centres recruit with integrity with regard to qualifications. Centres must ensure that learners have the correct information and advice on their selected qualification(s) and that the qualification(s) will meet their needs. The recruitment process must include the centre assessing each potential learner and making justifiable and professional judgements about the learner s potential to successfully complete the assessment and achieve the qualification. Such an assessment must identify, where appropriate, the support that will be made available to the learner to facilitate access to the qualification(s). Page 9 of 21
3 Achieving the Qualification 3.1 Qualification Structure (Rules of Combination and Unit List) The knowledge, skills and understanding that will be assessed as part of the qualification are set out within the unit specifications. These include the learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria. To obtain unit information, please contact Gateway Qualifications who will enable access to our unit library. For information on Recognition of Prior Learning/Exempt and Equivalent units please see section 3.2 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)/Exemptions/Equivalencies Gateway Qualifications Level 4 Diploma in Retail Management Learners must achieve a minimum of 40 credits. A minimum of 27 credits must be achieved at Level 4 or above, of which 20 credits must come from the units in the Mandatory Group M. The remaining 20 credits must come from Optional Group O with a maximum of 13 credits at Level 3. Mandatory Units Learners must achieve 20 credits from this group. Unit Reference Number Title Level Credit Value A/504/9992 Manage customer service in retail Level 4 10 40 L/504/9995 Retail management skills Level 4 10 40 Optional Units Learners must achieve a minimum of 20 credits from this group with a maximum of 13 credits at Level 3. Unit Reference Number Title Level Credit Value F/502/1482 Graphics in the Retail Environment Level 4 6 30 H/504/9999 Installing window displays for retail Level 4 7 40 L/505/0001 In-store visual merchandising for successful retail Level 4 6 30 Y/505/0003 Project management skills Level 4 7 30 R/501/8389 Design Development, Creativity and Business Development Level 4 6 40 T/502/1463 Independent Strategic Retail Management Project Level 4 12 90 D/600/9690 Support individuals to develop and take responsibility for their performance Level 4 4 20 F/600/9679 Address performance problems affecting team members Level 4 3 20 L/600/9619 Manage risk in own area of responsibility Level 4 4 25 T/600/9601 Provide leadership and direction for own area of responsibility Level 4 5 30 A/504/3089 Using Digital Channels, Platforms and Social Networks to Deliver Marketing Communications - Level 4 7 40 GLH GLH Page 10 of 21
Unit Reference Number Title Level Credit Value Advertising J/600/9702 Promote the use of technology within an organisation Level 5 6 30 Y/600/9588 Develop and evaluate operational plans for own area of responsibility Level 5 6 25 M/503/5720 Help customers to choose specialist products in a retail environment Level 3 8 34 M/503/5734 Monitor and maintain health and safety in a retail environment Level 3 13 60 A/503/5669 Audit stock levels and stock inventories in a retail environment Level 3 6 28 H/503/5682 Organise and monitor the storage of stock in a retail environment Level 3 6 27 D/503/5731 Contribute to the continuous improvement of retail operations within own area of responsibility Level 3 10 47 H/503/5732 Manage the prevention of wastage and loss in a retail environment Level 3 11 50 Y/503/9325 Social Networking Management for a Business Level 3 7 38 GLH Page 11 of 21
Gateway Qualifications Level 4 Diploma in Retail Knowledge Learners must achieve a minimum of 50 credits. A minimum of 30 credits must be achieved at Level 4 or above, of which 20 credits must come from the Level 4 Mandatory units in Group A and a minimum of 10 credits from the Level 4 Optional units in Group B. The remaining 20 credits can come from the Optional Level 3, 4 or 5 units in Groups B and/or C. Mandatory Units Learners must achieve 20 credits from the Level 4 units in this group. Unit Reference Number Title Level Credit Value D/504/9922 Understanding customer service in retail Level 4 10 30 M/504/9925 Understanding the retail environment Level 4 10 30 Level 4 Optional Units Learners must achieve 30 credits from the optional units in Group B and/or C, of which a minimum of 10 credits must be at Level 4. Unit Reference Number Title Level Credit Value M/504/5373 Understand How to Manage Work Activities to Improve Business Performance Level 4 11 43 J/504/9929 Understanding retail concepts and outlet design Level 4 6 30 F/504/9931 Intellectual property management Level 4 7 40 H/504/9937 Understanding the sourcing environment in retail Level 4 12 60 K/504/9938 Understand project management skills Level 4 6 20 M/504/9939 Understanding in-store visual merchandising for successful retail Level 4 5 20 H/504/9940 Understanding buying in retail Level 4 4 30 K/504/9941 Understanding the management of the installation of window displays for successful retail Level 4 4 20 Y/501/8393 Doing Business Globally Level 4 7 50 K/601/0955 Marketing Intelligence Level 4 15 60 J/601/1109 The Internet and E-Business Level 4 15 60 T/504/9943 Finance for non-finance managers Level 4 12 90 K/502/1346 Merchandising for Retail Success Level 4 9 90 Level 3 and Level 5 Optional Units Learners must achieve a minimum of 30 credits from the Optional units in Groups B and/or C, of which a minimum of 10 credits must be from Group B. Unit Reference Number Title Level Credit Value L/502/5826 Understanding the management of stock in a retail business Level 3 3 16 M/502/5818 Understanding security and loss prevention in a retail business Level 3 3 15 H/502/5802 Understanding how the effectiveness of store Level 3 3 23 GLH GLH GLH Page 12 of 21
Unit Reference Number Title Level Credit Value operations can be improved M/502/5432 Internet Marketing in Business Level 3 10 60 R/503/9324 Principles of Social Media within a Business Level 3 6 42 R/602/1366 Principles of Management and Leadership Level 5 10 60 D/602/1466 Developing Successful Business Teams Level 5 5 30 M/602/1469 Managing Staff Performance Level 5 5 30 K/602/2054 Management Decision Making Level 5 10 60 M/602/1438 Leadership in Your Organisation Level 5 5 30 GLH Page 13 of 21
3.2 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)/Exemptions/Equivalencies Recognition of prior learning is an assessment method leading to the award of credit. The process involves considering if a learner can meet the specified assessment requirements for a unit through knowledge, understanding or skills that they possess already as a consequence of which they do not need to undertake a course of learning. Centres are encouraged to recognise the previous achievements and experiences, both formal, e.g. through accredited units or qualifications, or informal, e.g. through continuous learning. This involves the recognition of achievement from a range of activities that will have been assessed through any valid method of assessment. When using the process of the recognition of prior learning, it is essential that the assessment requirements of a specific unit or, more exceptionally, a qualification have been met. The evidence of learning provided must be sufficient, reliable, authentic and valid. There are no exempt or equivalent units identified for these qualifications. 3.3 Links to other qualifications These qualifications form part of the Higher Apprenticeship in Retail Management. Page 14 of 21
4 Assessment and Quality Assurance The following are in addition to the standard assessment and quality assurance requirements set out in the Gateway Qualifications Centre Handbook. 4.1 Method of Assessment The method of assessment for the qualification(s) is through a portfolio of evidence. Skills formation in the retail sector, as delivered through staff induction and ongoing training and development programmes, reflects the unique character and culture of the organisation. To this end, the assessment systems for both competence-based and the knowledge-based qualifications should, where possible, be integrated with organisations' training and HR models for developing and recognising the knowledge and competence of their workforce. The sector s competence-based qualifications recognise competence in the workplace. Evidence of competence should therefore come from workplace activity and aim to reflect attainment within an organisational context. Observation should be the principle method to assess individuals at Level 2, but other methods such as professional discussion and assignments may be appropriate to assess achievement at Levels 3 and above. 4.2 Assessment Materials There are no specific assessment materials provided for this qualification. 4.3 Qualification-Specific Centre Requirements Centres must ensure that they have the appropriate resources in place when delivering performance units from vocational areas. Assessment for competence-based units must always be carried out in a retail environment except where a Realistic Working Environment (as defined below) is permitted for simulation. Simulation is allowed only where: assessment criteria require the learner to respond to an emergency; a unit covers a limited selection of basic functions which need not involve interacting with customers; a unit originates from another SSC or SSB and the originator expressly allows simulation to be used for that unit. A list of those units for which simulation is allowed is appended to this document. Evidence generated from simulated activities will not be acceptable for any other unit. Page 15 of 21
Where simulation is used the sector requires that: Simulation must be undertaken in a Realistic Working Environment Realistic Working Environments must: "provide an environment that replicates the key characteristics of the workplace in which the skill to be assessed is normally employed". A Realistic Working Environment (for the purpose of simulated work activities) is regarded as one that replicates a real working environment. For example, a college shop that operates on a commercial basis (i.e. it has a profit and loss account) is acceptable for retail environments but a shop laid out in a classroom environment is not. However, in order to prevent any barriers to achievement, simulated activity may be used for assessment purposes within a real working environment. 4.4 Qualification-Specific Tutor/Assessor Requirements Tutor/Assessors must be fully qualified and experienced in the subject area in which they are delivering, details of which must be provided to Gateway Qualifications as part of the Qualification Approval application. Peripatetic assessors must hold or be working towards the appropriate regulatory authority approved qualifications for assessment. The services offered by the peripatetic assessor must complement the activity of a line manager or owner/manager and the competence of a candidate employed in the retail sector may not be confirmed without the participation of a line manager or owner/manager in the process. It is also requested that specific reference be made to auditing this provision, within external verification processes. Occupational competence of assessors Assessors in the retail sector should have an in-depth knowledge of, and be competent in performing, the occupational requirements of the generic competence-based units as well as any specialist units for which they do not use expert witness testimony. This competence will have been acquired either in direct employment in the occupational role to which the unit relates, or in employment as a manager, supervisor or in-house trainer of employees carrying out the role. It is unlikely that occupational competence will have been achieved in less than twelve months of employment as a retail assistant, or less than six months in a managerial position, but individuals with less experience could be considered as assessors if sufficiently occupationally competent. All assessors, if not currently employed within a retail organisation, will need to prove they have a current working knowledge of the sector they are assessing. This can be demonstrated by maintaining records of evidence from occupational updating activities such as: - Internal or external work experience - Internal or external work shadowing opportunities Page 16 of 21
Other relevant CPD activities with the prior approval of Gateway Qualifications. 4.5 Qualification-Specific Quality Assurance Requirements Internal quality assurers must hold or be working towards the appropriate regulatory authority approved qualifications for internal quality assurance. The services offered by a peripatetic assessor must complement the activity of a line manager or owner/manager and the competence of a candidate employed in the retail sector may not be confirmed without the participation of a line manager or owner/manager in the process. It is also requested that specific reference be made to auditing this provision, within internal quality assurance processes. Internal Quality Assurers (or equivalent quality assurance experts) in the retail sector must have a current understanding of the structure, content and occupational requirements of the units that they are internally quality assuring. This understanding will have been acquired while working directly within the relevant occupational area in either an operational or a support function. The level of understanding should be sufficient to allow the Internal Quality Assurance to judge whether the assessor has fully assessed learners against all the assessment criteria in the unit. It is unlikely that a person could have gained this level of understanding in less than six months of being employed in the retail sector, but individuals with less experience could be considered as Internal Quality Assurers if they have the required level of understanding. All internal quality assurers, if not currently employed within a retail organisation, will need to prove they have a current working knowledge of the sector they are verifying. This can be demonstrated by maintaining records of evidence from occupational updating activities such as: - Internal or external work experience - Internal or external work shadowing opportunities Other relevant CPD activities with the prior approval of Gateway Qualifications. 4.6 Additional Requirements/Guidance The role of supervisors and managers in the assessment process Wherever possible, assessment should be conducted by supervisors and/or managers in a workplace environment. Where the skill or capability of these individuals is inadequate to deliver the requirements of the organisation or the quality infrastructure, services external to the work unit or organisation may be introduced (peripatetic assessors). If the candidate is employed in the retail sector, in no circumstances may a competence-based qualification for the retail sector be delivered without the involvement of the candidate s line manager or the owner/manager to confirm the candidate s competence. Page 17 of 21
Where in-store line managers carry out the assessment or internal verification roles, retail stores with the agreement of Gateway Qualifications may choose between: a achieving the appropriate regulatory authority approved qualifications for assessment and internal verification OR b demonstrating that training and development activity undertaken by the employer to prepare, validate and review these assessment/verification roles, maps 100% to the National Occupational Standards on which these qualifications are based. The mapping process must be agreed by the Awarding Organisation as providing the equivalent level of rigour and robustness as the achievement of the qualification. The role of expert witnesses in the assessment process There are a number of specialist sub-sectors in retail. Consequently the sector has competence-based units relating to specialisms such as bakery, beauty consultancy and visual merchandising. In many cases assessors will not have the requisite experience of these specialist areas. In these instances the assessor must use an expert witness to provide evidence in confirming to the candidate s competence. An expert witness is an experienced peer of the candidate, or the candidate s line manager. The expert witness is not consulted as a professional assessor, but as someone who is expert in the occupation to be assessed. The assessor will make the final judgement. A list is appended of those units for which expert witness testimony is required, should the assessor lack the necessary occupational competence. Occupational competence of expert witnesses Expert witnesses can be drawn from a wide range of people who can attest to performance in the workplace, including line managers and experienced colleagues from inside the candidate s organisation. Skillsmart Retail requires that expert witnesses have proven practical experience and knowledge relating to the content of the unit being assessed. It is unlikely that someone could become an expert in their entire job role in less than six to twelve months of being employed in the retail sector. They could, however, very quickly become an expert in the content of a single unit if this was the focus of their job role. The assessor should make a judgement as to the level of expertise held by a potential expert witness and, where necessary, confirm this with a member of the store management team. 4.7 Functional Skills Functional Skills are not a requirement of the Higher Apprenticeships. Page 18 of 21
4.8 Employee Rights and Responsibilities (ERR) Employee Rights and Responsibilities do not form part of the Higher Apprenticeships. 4.9 Total Guided Learning Hours for the Apprenticeship Guided learning hours and on and off the job hours are not a requirement for the Higher Apprenticeship. 4.10 Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) Personal learning and thinking skills are not a part of the Higher Apprenticeship. Page 19 of 21
5 What to do next For existing centres please contact your named Development Manager or Development Officer. For organisations, not yet registered as Gateway Qualifications centre please contact: Gateway Qualifications Gateway House 3 Tollgate Business Park COLCHESTER CO3 8AB Tel: 01206 911211 Email: enquiries@gatewayqualifications.org.uk 6 Gateway Qualifications Gateway Qualifications, a not for profit registered charity, is an Awarding Organisation based in Colchester, Essex. We work with learning providers and industry experts to design and develop qualifications that benefit the learner and the employer. We support flexible, responsive and quality assured learning opportunities whether it s in the classroom, at work, in the community or through distance learning. We are recognised by Ofqual, to design, develop and submit qualifications to the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Page 20 of 21
Gateway Qualifications Gateway House 3 Tollgate Business Park Colchester CO3 8AB 01206 911211 enquiries@gatewayqualifications.org.uk www.gatewayqualifications.org.uk