Eco-Schools Scotland periodically runs Assessor Training sessions for those interested in becoming volunteer assessors for Green Flag assessments. These sessions are fairly informal, offer the chance to meet other assessors and are often valuable "networking" occasions.
We would really like to hear from people who would like to share in the success of Eco-Schools and use some of their past experience to review those schools who have applied for an Eco-Schools award. Contact us for more details.
Assessors are required to be "police checked" via Disclosure Scotland before they are able to visit schools and advice on how to do this is provided as part of the training session.
Our next Assessor Training Session is on Thursday 09th September 2010 at the Raploch Centre in Stirling. Please contact Helen MacKinven with your details if you'd like to reserve a place.
The assessor's task is to ensure that the school being assessed for its Green Flag Award has fulfilled the criteria for that Award. This is clearly laid down in the Eco-Schools Handbook.
Assessors work in pairs or threes and the school visit usually lasts for about half a day. The school being assessed is asked to organise a programme to allow the assessors to see evidence of the Eco-Schools activities and to meet with and talk to the headteacher, staff, pupils and others involved in the project.
To help in your assessment, assessors are provided with a copy of the school’s written application prior to the visit and a standard form to complete immediately after the visit. Completion of this form is usually undertaken with your co-assessor(s) over lunch or coffee, away from the school itself.
Assessors are not asked to make the final decision on whether the school should receive its Award, although, obviously, their recommendation will be very important in influencing this final decision.
The assessments can take place at any time throughout the school year, although the busiest times tend to be the Spring and Summer terms. The timing of the visit will be by agreement between the assessors and the school.
The number of assessments that assessors will be asked to help out with will depend upon the number of schools applying in their area and the number of days that they are able to commit to Eco-Schools but generally should not exceed two or three in a term.
Assessors can, however, put a limit on the number of assessments, distance of travel and the type of school they are happy to visit.
Those interested in becoming an assessor will be invited to attend a day-long Assessor Training Session. These days are usually organised on a regional basis and are as informal and enjoyable as possible. They offer assessors a chance to meet other assessors and are often valuable ‘networking’ occasions.
Our assessors are also now required to be "police checked" via Disclosure Scotland before they are able to visit schools and advice on how to do this will be provided as part of the training session.
Details of forthcoming assessor training sessions can be found on our Events/Training page.
Eco-Schools Scotland aims to give as much support as possible to volunteer assessors when they go out on their first visits, pairing them with someone who is experienced in undertaking such visits. For example, Eco-Schools or Keep Scotland Beautiful staff may carry out assessments with new assessors.
The Eco-Schools Scotland Manager is always available to discuss any problems or issues which may have arisen.
Being an Assessor is a voluntary post, but we are able to offer you your travel and subsistence expenses. Private car mileage is currently reimbursed at 40p per mile. Standard rail fares and subsistence expenses will be refunded against receipts. A claim form is available from Eco-Schools Scotland.
