About Dr Robin Jackson
Experience grounded in assessment, education and sector practice.
I’m Dr Robin Jackson BSc (Hons) For, PGCE, PGCA, MSc, PhD, AfCGI, MArborA, MSET, QTLS, MCIEA, CEA, MICFor. The full list of post-nominals is on my CV if you need it, and the key ones relevant to this work are explained below.
I’ve spent more than 25 years working in and around vocational and technical education, moving from teaching and programme leadership in further education through to senior roles in awarding organisations and national assessment leadership. I set up Capall Mara to do the work I find most useful: independent, experienced consultancy for organisations that take assessment and quality seriously.
I’m originally from Belfast and now based in Norfolk.
Key Qualifications
- PhD, Geography
- MSc, Agroforestry
- PGCA (Educational Assessment and Examinations), University of Cambridge
- PGCE (Post-compulsory Education)
- BSc [2.1], Forest Management
- Chartered Educational Assessor (CEA)
Professional Memberships
- MCIEA / CEA: Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors, full member and Chartered Educational Assessor
- MICFor: Institute of Chartered Foresters, professional member and Chartered Forester
- MArborA: Arboricultural Association, professional member
- MSET / QTLS: Society for Education and Training, member with Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills status
Sector Involvement
- Chair, Technical and Vocational Special Interest Group, Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors (2024 to date)
- Independent Governor, East Coast College (2024 to date)
- Member, Skills England Assessment Organisation Forum (previously the IfATE EPAO Reference Group)
- Vice-Chair, AELP Land-based Sector Forum (2018 to 2019)
- Chair, Arboricultural Association Education and Training Committee (2013 to 2018); Vice-Chair 2011 to 2013; elected member 2011 to 2022
Career in Brief
- 2021 to 2026: Director of Assessment, Open Awards, with senior leadership responsibility for assessment strategy, regulatory compliance and apprenticeship end-point assessment across levels 2 to 7
- 2020 to 2021: Lead EQA Reviewer (Apprenticeships), Open Awards
- 2016 to 2020: Senior Manager (Land-based), City & Guilds
- 2011 to 2016: Deputy Director, Lackham Campus, Wiltshire College
- 1999 to 2011: Twelve years teaching and leading land-based programmes in further education
There’s a lot more detail behind the career summary above, and some of it is actually interesting. If you’d like to know more, head to the contact page.
Let’s work together
Get in touch to discuss how I can help.