Assessors
Assessors are a valued and essential part of the accreditation process. They bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise to the accreditation team.
What do peer assessors do?
Peer assessors are paid positions with the responsibility to conduct on-site assessments of facilities and services.
The accreditation programs have has a hybrid (peer- and staff-based) assessment methodology. During on-site assessments, assessors evaluate the service’s level of performance to achieving the accreditation standards.
Being a peer assessor can provide benefits that include:
- professional and personal development
- networking opportunities within their field throughout BC
- the opportunity to share knowledge, experience and ideas with other facilities
Assessment team
Assessors are recruited based on their subject matter expertise. They are trained according to ISO and ISQua standards.
An assessment team can include the following:
- an accreditation assessment officer(s)
- peer assessors (medical, administrative and technical)
- a lead assessor responsible for assessment activities and leading opening and closing meetings
An assessment team may vary in size depending on the size and complexity of the services provided.
Assessor qualifications
Assessors are required to participate in educational and competency assessment activities to stay up-to-date with the ongoing activities of the accreditation programs.
All assessors complete a mandatory comprehensive training program that consists of the following:
- self-directed course preparation
- two day on-site training at the ºÚÁÏÉç office
- a certification exam and competency requirement
Assessors must be current and meet the following competency requirements:
- maintenance of professional experience and education in the assessor’s area of expertise
- knowledge of relevant procedures
- understanding of operational management
- analytical approach
- ability to evaluate critically
- communication skills
- commitment to the accreditation process
- participation in assessment activities
- participation in assessment programs-offered educational activities
- completion of competency assessments and case studies