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GROW

Quality and assessment

Assessment and Certification Policy

How competence is assessed, what certification does and does not signify, and how certificates are issued and withdrawn.

This policy explains how assessment, certification and accreditation decisions are made within GROW.

The aim of assessment is to ensure that certification and accreditation decisions are fair, consistent and based on clear evidence.

Scope

This policy applies to:

  • GROW Practitioner Certification
  • GROW Coach Accreditation

Our Assessment Philosophy

GROW's approach to assessment is developmental rather than judgemental.

The purpose of assessment is not to look for perfection. Instead, it is to determine whether there is reasonable evidence that a learner has engaged with the programme, reflected on their learning and begun applying the principles of the GROW Formula ® in practice.

GROW Practitioner Certification

The GROW Certification Programme is designed to support meaningful and sustainable change in practice.

Certification focuses on whether participants are beginning to apply and embody the GROW Formula® within their professional lives, rather than whether they can pass a formal examination.

Participants do not need to demonstrate mastery of all sixteen Guiding Principles or have fully implemented every aspect of the GROW Formula® by the end of the Programme.

Eligibility for Certification

To be eligible for GROW Practitioner Certification, participants must normally:

  • Attend a minimum of 10 of the 12 coaching sessions
  • Complete the Participant Self-Evaluation Forms for G, R, O and W
  • Engage meaningfully with the Programme and coaching process
  • Demonstrate a willingness to learn, experiment and grow

Alternative arrangements may be considered where appropriate.

Certification Decision

Certification decisions are based on two sources of evidence:

Participant self-reflection

Participants complete Participant Self-Evaluation Forms throughout the Programme. These provide evidence that they have engaged with and reflected on each area of the GROW Formula®.

Participation and engagement

The Accredited GROW Coach completes a Practitioner Evaluation Checklist, considering factors such as:

  • Attendance
  • Participation in discussions and activities
  • Willingness to engage with coaching
  • Evidence of applying or experimenting with learning
  • Completion of self-evaluation activities

The Accredited GROW Coach makes a recommendation, and GROW makes the final certification decision.

GROW Coach Accreditation

GROW Coach Accreditation confirms that an individual is ready to deliver GROW programmes in accordance with the GROW Formula® and GROW coaching principles.

Requirements for Accreditation

To achieve GROW Coach Accreditation, applicants must:

  • Complete all required learning activities
  • Pass the knowledge assessment
  • Attend the Ready-to-GROW call
  • Demonstrate readiness to deliver GROW programmes

The final accreditation decision is made by GROW following the Ready-to-GROW call and review of all required evidence.

Assessment Outcomes

Assessment decisions will normally result in one of the following outcomes:

Achieved

The learner has met the required criteria and will be awarded certification or accreditation.

Additional Evidence Required

The learner has not yet provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the criteria have been met. Further evidence or clarification is required before a final decision can be made.

Not Yet Achieved

The learner has not met the required criteria at this stage.

Reassessment and Resubmission

Where appropriate, GROW will normally provide learners with an opportunity to address identified gaps and submit additional evidence.

The nature and timing of any reassessment or resubmission opportunity will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Certificates, Badges and Registers

Successful learners may receive:

  • A certificate
  • A digital badge
  • Inclusion on a public register, where applicable

GROW is responsible for issuing certificates, badges and register listings.

Record Keeping

GROW and Licensed Providers will maintain appropriate assessment records to support certification and accreditation decisions. Records will be retained in accordance with GROW's data retention arrangements.

Responsibility

The Founder of GROW or their nominated representative is responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy.

This policy should be read alongside the following policies:

  • Appeals Policy
  • Accessibility and Reasonable Adjustments Policy
  • Conflict of Interest Policy
  • Malpractice and Misconduct Policy
  • Reflective Practice Policy
All policies

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