Graduate Expert Assessor Development Pathway
Introduction
Access Independent provides structured development opportunities for newly qualified Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists who are interested in gaining experience in mobility and concessionary travel assessments.
Our Graduate Expert Assessor Development Pathway supports early-career clinicians to transition into independent assessment work under enhanced supervision and quality assurance, in the specialist role of an Expert Assessor.
What the Role Involves
Expert Assessors conduct assessments of applicants for Blue Badges and other concessionary travel awards under a variety of eligibility criteria.
These may be in face-to-face clinics to assess a person’s mobility, remote clinics of people’s mobility or other needs, or as desk-based assessments of a wide range of applicants with mobility difficulties and hidden disabilities.
Assessments are carried out in line with national guidance and local authority criteria.
This is an independent practitioner role. It is not a full-time employed position.
Who Can Apply
We welcome applications from:
- Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists
- 0–2 years post qualification
- HCPC registered
- Interested in structured functional assessment
More experienced clinicians should apply via our standard route.
Fees and Progression
There are no fees payable by applicants to join the pathway.
The pathway operates on a staged pay structure reflecting progression through defined phases, with payment increasing in line with your experience.
Payment is made for completed and accepted assessment work. Training and shadowing activities are unpaid as they represent formal training and development opportunities into a paid independent role.
Full details are provided on registration.
How the Development Pathway Works
The pathway is phased and includes:
- Structured training
- Mandatory shadowing
- Enhanced report review
- Formal performance reviews
- Clinical Lead sign-off before full independent status
Progression is based on demonstrated competence and quality outcomes.
This pathway is an internal development programme and does not provide a nationally recognised qualification or certification. You will gain the skills and experience needed to undertake the role of an Expert Assessor with Access Independent or other organisations undertaking.
Allocation of assessment work remains subject to service demand and contractual requirements.
Quality and Governance
All Graduate Expert Assessors are subject to enhanced supervision and quality monitoring to ensure consistent and safe decision making.
We reserve the right to extend supervision or pause allocation where required to maintain standards.
How to Apply
Please complete our online enquiry form and indicate your interest in the Graduate Expert Assessor pathway. Our Registration team will guide you through compliance checks and training requirements.