Blog
In our EPA blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about end point assessment, including news, tips and frequently asked questions.
Senior Leader dispensation – support for apprentices made redundant
Company newsFor apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employersIfate has introduced a temporary dispensation for Senior Leader version 1.2 (ST0480) for apprentices who are made redundant at gateway. To allow these apprentices to undergo EPA and complete their apprenticeship, these apprentices will be allowed complete a Strategic Business Proposal based on a theoretical topic. In this case, the apprentice’s training provider will act as …
Policies Updated
Company newsFor providers, coaches & employersWe review and update our EPA policies regularly to ensure they’re up to date and reflect the latest quality practices in end point assessment. The following policies have been updated and are now live on our Policies page and on the epaPRO portal: Appeals Policy and Complaints Policy – these used to be combined and …
We’re part of the Neuro-inclusion Charter
Company newsWe’re pleased to announce that 1st for EPA is now part of the Cognassist Neuro-inclusion Charter. The Charter shows a list of inclusive EPAOs. To gain a place on the Charter, EPAOs must have staff attend relevant training to be more aware of different learning styles and abilities, to allow us to recognise these and …
1st for EPA Triumphs at The Great British Entrepreneur Awards
Company newsHelen Shinner, Founder of 1st for EPA, has been awarded Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year for the North East at The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Recognised annually as one of the most prestigious accolades in the entrepreneurial world, The Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards received over 5,000 applications this year alone. …
1st for EPA is a Certified B Corp
Company newsOur End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) has become a Certified B Corp. We achieved the impressive certification this month. What is B Corp Certification? B Corp Certification is a designation that shows a business is meeting high standards of performance, accountability, and transparency. This is verified, using factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to …
New Standards launched for EPA
Company newsWe’re one of the fastest growing EPAOs in the country, and we’re delighted to announce we now assess two new standards: Business Analyst level 4 Senior Leader level 7 With Ofqual recognition in place across all our standards, we started offering end point assessment for Business Analyst and Senior Leader in May 2023. At 1st …
Meet the EPAO – Online – March 2023
Company newsFor providers, coaches & employers1st for EPA is holding a Meet the EPAO event for training providers and employers. We invite employers and training providers who haven’t worked with us before to meet our team and find out what makes us an award-winning, Ofqual-recognised EPAO that’s rated Excellent on Trustpilot. We’ll share the guidance and support we have to make the EPA process easy for apprentices, training …
Celebrating Apprentice Achievement
Company newsWe recently asked a client to speak at one of webinars and give providers and employers an insight into what it’s like working with 1st for EPA. Something she said really stuck out to us: “I’ve loved using you, it’s a real pleasure to put learners through to EPA. Something that you do really, really …
Apprentice Wellbeing Hub launched
Company newsFor apprenticesFor providers, coaches & employersToday, 1st for EPA have launched our new Apprentice Wellbeing Hub to support apprentices’ mental health and wellbeing. The free resource is the first of its kind aimed solely at apprentices. It combines resources to support apprentices through challenges in their apprenticeship, answer common apprentice questions, and provide direction on where to find further support. …
1st for EPA owner named Entrepreneur to Watch
Company news1st for EPA’s owner has been named in a new 100 Female Entrepreneurs to Watch list. The list, created by The Telegraph and NatWest, celebrates female entrepreneurship in the UK. It recognises women in business who are pushing boundaries, redefining success and inspiring others. Helen Shinner, owner of 1st for EPA, has been commended in …
1st for EPA Crowned Best New Business
Company newsWow, what a fantastic night we had! 1st for EPA were crowned winners of Best New Services Business and the big award, Best New Business, at the Tees New Business Awards 2022. Sometimes you need to pause and reflect on how far you’ve come. Last night, 10 November, was the ideal time for …
Meet the EPAO – Online Event
Company newsFor providers, coaches & employers1st for EPA are running the first Meet the EPAO event for training providers and employers. We invite employers and training providers who haven’t worked with us before to meet our team and find out what makes us an award-winning, Ofqual-recognised EPAO that’s rated Excellent on Trustpilot. We’ll share the guidance and support we have to make the EPA process easy for apprentices, …
