08/09/2026
🚩 ASSESSORS: Would these raise a red flag for you?
Making an assessment decision isn't simply about whether evidence has been submitted. As an assessor, you need to be confident that the evidence genuinely demonstrates the learner's competence.
Here are 5 things that might make you stop and take a closer look:
🚩 1. Several learners submit remarkably similar answers
Similar wording, examples or structure could warrant a closer look at authenticity.
🚩 2. The learner's work suddenly changes dramatically
A noticeable change in writing style, terminology or level of knowledge may be something worth exploring further.
🚩 3. Evidence doesn't match what you've seen from the learner
If submitted evidence demonstrates a level of competence inconsistent with observations or discussions, further assessment may be appropriate.
🚩 4. A witness testimony is vague
"Yes, they can do this" doesn't necessarily demonstrate how, when or to what standard the learner performed the task.
🚩 5. There's plenty of evidence… but it doesn't actually meet the criteria
Quantity doesn't equal quality. Evidence still needs to be relevant to what is being assessed.
⚠️ Remember: a red flag isn't automatically proof that something is wrong.
It's a reason to stop, investigate and gather further evidence where appropriate before making your assessment decision.
A good assessor should always be asking:
Is the evidence valid, authentic, current, sufficient and reliable?
👀 Assessors & IQAs – what other red flags would you add to the list?
