APC: role of supervisor and counsellor
Setting the right tone
Martin Conlon discusses the role of the APC supervisor and counsellor
The APC is a very important process in the life of a chartered surveyor. It shows that the competencies have been achieved and the surveyor is proficient to practise in their specialised area; it sets the professional tone and ethical conduct that should accompany the surveyor throughout their working life.
The competencies must be achieved by the candidate to satisfy the employer, demonstrating that they have reached the level required for the final assessment. This is done through the process provided by the employer using both the supervisor and counsellor.
The supervisor is nominated in the structured training agreement as the person who will have day-to-day control over the candidate’s workload.
APC supervisor’s responsibilities
The APC is a very important process in the life of a chartered surveyor. It shows that the competencies have been achieved and the surveyor is proficient to practise
- Advising the candidate on the appropriate competencies on enrolment.
- Supporting, guiding and encouraging the candidate.
- Giving assistance in filling in the diary.
- Helping the candidate interpret the competencies.
- Assessing the candidates against the competencies every three months.
- Ensuring the logbook is complete and accurate.
- Completing a 12-month evaluation for those candidates undertaking 24 months of structured training.
- Judging whether the candidate has all the relevant evidence for the final assessment submissions.
- Guiding the candidate on their critical analysis.
- If the candidate is referred, discussing progress and readiness for reassessment.
The supervisor must be fully aware of all requirements for the chosen pathway and constantly liaise with the candidate. Their three-monthly meetings should be recorded and any agreed actions noted.
Why become an APC counsellor?
The role of the counsellor is strategic and focuses on planning the training programme and monitoring the progress of the candidate. This allows the counsellor to gain valuable personal development, enhancing their leadership, coaching and mentoring skills. The counsellor's role may be performed in-house by a more senior member of staff, or if necessary from outside the organisation. Counsellors must be RICS members.
APC counsellor’s responsibilities
- Ensuring the candidate gains the required experience and training in preparation for their final assessment.
- Helping the candidate choose appropriate competencies on enrolment.
- Supporting, guiding and encouraging the candidate.
- Assessing the candidate against the competencies every six months.
- Assessing whether the candidate needs additional experience or training.
- Completing a 12-month evaluation for candidates undertaking 24 months of structured training.
- Judging when the candidate is ready for final assessment.
- Ensuring all relevant documentation is included in the final assessment submission.
- Advising on preparation for the final assessment presentation and interview.
- Monitoring progress and readiness for reassessment If the candidate is referred.
- Ensuring the candidate is competent in all the required areas and to the required levels before applying for final assessment (i.e. they can carry out an activity to an acceptable standard without supervision).
RICS offers a number of publications and training sessions which will inform supervisors and counsellors about the requirements and responsibilities involved. I would urge all those involved to attend at least one session.
And finally: when the candidate goes forward to the final assessment, it is both the candidate and the process they have been through that are being assessed. The more rigorous the process, the more prepared the candidate.
Martin Conlon is Director of Assent Building Control and a member of the Building Control Professional Group