Award applications come from a wide range of North of England based organisations, so good sector coverage and a variety of backgrounds among the Assessors is important. Award Assessors need a balanced approach, an understanding of business improvement and a reputation for integrity.

All Award Assessor are given appropriate training and then assigned to a Team. Each Team is guided by a Lead Assessor, and is assigned to a specific Applicant. Each Award Assessor reviews their allocated Submission; then the Team drafts its consensus view, and develops a site visit plan.

All Applicants receive site visits. These visits help the Assessor Teams to clarify and validate their allotted Submission, confirm the Applicant's good points, and identify any areas of potential improvement.

On completion of the site visit the Assessor Team agrees the organisation's strengths, areas for improvement, and assessment score;and produces their Assessment Report.

Competencies

Award Assessor training focuses on five areas that are felt to be crucial to the assessor role.

These are:

• Practical experience of the content and use of the EFQM Excellence Model ©
• Organisational dynamics
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Analytical and questioning skills
• Leadership and Teamwork