Deputy Lead Assessor- DDE Unit 2

Company Summary

The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) is a registered educational charity and membership association. Our mission is to educate the public in the art of dancing in all its forms: to promote knowledge of dance; provide up-to-date techniques for members and maintain and improve teaching standards. With approximately 6,000 members in over 55 countries worldwide, the Society conducts approximately 90,000 examinations each year. We are proud to have a vibrant international member community, supported by five dedicated International Representatives who provide regional support, insight, guidance, and advocacy. This global network is further strengthened by our dedicated international Facebook groups - a space for members to connect within their region, share experiences, collaborate, and stay informed.

Summary of Role

The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) is seeking to appoint a Deputy Lead Assessor to support the Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education (DDE) – Unit 2: Observing, Assisting and Teaching Practice. This is a self-employed, freelance role working remotely, supporting the Lead Assessor and the Quality Assurance department to ensure consistency, quality, and consistency of assessment decisions.

• Role: Deputy Lead Assessor (DDE Unit 2: Observing, Assisting and Teaching Practice).
• Contract type: Self-employed contract on freelance basis
• Location: Remote
• Hours: Variable; must be available during all assessment windows (three per academic year)
• Rate: £41.69 hourly fee
• Standardisation: Up to 3 days per year (mandatory; unpaid)

Main Purpose of the role

• To support and assist the Lead Assessor in leading and guiding a team of assessors and overseeing the assessment and moderation of all unit specific assessments as and when required.

• In absence of the Lead Assessor, conduct assessor standardisation training sessions, provide guidance and feedback to assessors during and after marking of assessments, check and ensure that assessment judgements are consistent in line with the marking guidance and the standards required of the qualification level.

• When required, deliver Tutor and Assessor Training Seminars and review assessor guidance documents.

Key Areas and Responsibilities

• To conduct Final Teaching Assessments and moderate learner portfolio evidence as requested by Quality Assurance department.

• To work collaboratively with Quality Assurance department to ensure a smooth running of the assessment and moderation processes.

• To support the Lead Assessor and respond to assessor queries promptly and provide guidance and feedback when required.

• Assessing evidence of candidate’s competence against assessment criteria and learning objectives within the qualification.

• Support assessors in the standardisation of assessment evidence and sharing of best practice.

• To sample assessments selected by ISTD Quality Assurance Department as part of quality assurance measures and provide feedback to assessors.

• Participate in ISTD Assessment Board meetings, contribute and undertake moderation of assessment samples and determine assessment outcomes as when required.

• To ensure maintenance of confidentiality of sensitive information.

Person specification

• You will need to be engaged and motivated in the work, values, and mission of the Society. Commitment, engagement, and reliability are key to fulfilling your responsibility as a Deputy Lead Assessor

• Educated to Master’s Level or equivalent, preferably in dance teaching subject.

• At least 10 years’ experience of teaching dance at level 4 or higher.

  · Experience of marking and assessing written and practical work at level 4 or higher preferably for regulated qualification.

• Demonstratable advanced knowledge of dance teaching, e.g experience of lecturing, publications within the subject area, experience of leading conferences or webinars in the subject area.

• Ability to reflect as an individual, work with others to guide but also able to reach decisive final outcomes on standards.

• Proven ability to communicate complex information confidently and clearly, both orally and in writing, demonstrating high standards of literacy, numeracy, accuracy, and attention to detail.

• Effective and proven time management skills.

Desired but not essential:

• Experience of leading assessor standardisation events.
• Bilingual; fluent in Italian or Greek languages.

Equal opportunities

The Society values diversity of thought and experience. We welcome applications from anyone regardless of their age, disability, ethnicity, heritage, sexuality, gender and socio-economic
background. If you have any access needs or there are any barriers to access, please let us know in your application or contact hr@istd.org

How to apply

To apply as a Deputy Lead Assessor, please send a letter of application and CV to hr@istd.org with reference: DDEU2_Deputy_Lead

Your letter of application should summarise what you are able to bring to the role and how you meet the person specification.

Applications close: Monday 04 May 2026 

Interviews: Between 11- 22 May 2026

Start date: w/c 08 June 2026