Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Strategy

Hydurage– Aesthetic Training Academy

1. Purpose of This Strategy

The purpose of this Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Strategy is to ensure that all assessment practices within Hydurage Ltd are valid, reliable, consistent, fair, and compliant with awarding organisation standards and relevant regulations (e.g. Ofqual, CPD bodies, insurance criteria).

This strategy underpins our commitment to delivering high-quality training and assessment in the aesthetic sector, safeguarding learner achievement, and ensuring public confidence.

2. Objectives

  • To ensure that assessments are accurate and standardised
  • To maintain the integrity and credibility of qualifications
  • To monitor and support assessors to maintain high standards
  • To ensure learner feedback and complaints are captured and resolved effectively
  • To identify areas for improvement and implement continuous development

3. Roles & Responsibilities

Lead IQA:

  • Develops and reviews the IQA strategy and sampling plan
  • Conducts observations of teaching and assessment
  • Ensures assessor decisions are valid and consistent
  • Oversees standardisation meetings and assessor development

Assessors:

  • Plan, deliver, and assess in line with standards
  • Provide timely, constructive feedback to learners
  • Maintain accurate assessment records
  • Participate in standardisation and feedback sessions

4. Sampling Strategy

We operate a risk-based sampling plan that includes:

  • New assessors: 100% of work sampled initially
  • New qualifications/courses: Enhanced sampling until validated
  • High-risk learners (e.g. complaints, borderline results): Targeted sampling
  • Regular, random sampling across all cohorts and assessors

Sampling will cover a range of units, assessors, and learners across all delivery methods (online, in-person, blended).

5. Standardisation

We hold quarterly standardisation meetings (or more frequently if needed) to:

  • Review assessment decisions
  • Ensure alignment with awarding body criteria
  • Share best practice
  • Discuss changes in industry standards (e.g., aesthetics regulations, insurance requirements)

6. Assessor & IQA Development

  • All staff are required to hold or be working toward relevant assessing/IQA qualifications (e.g. CAVA, IQA L4)
  • Annual CPD logs must be maintained
  • Training provided on updates in aesthetics, regulation, and safeguarding

7. Learner Support & Appeals

  • Learners are informed of assessment criteria and appeals processes during induction
  • Any appeal will be investigated by the IQA within 10 working days
  • Outcomes are documented and reported transparently

8. Record Keeping

  • All assessment decisions, feedback, and IQA records will be kept securely for a minimum of 3 years
  • All documentation will be accessible for external quality assurance visits

9. Review of Strategy

This strategy is reviewed annually or following:

  • Changes to awarding body or regulatory requirements
  • Internal audit findings
  • Feedback from assessors or learners