Last Updated on 18/07/2022

Introduction

The PASE is a report based on a piece of audit or service evaluation work carried out on placement. For trainees in the 2020 cohort and earlier, the work outlined in the first submission of the assignment can be from any one of the second, third or fourth core placements. Following the other three core placements trainees submit a Placement Assignment – Live Skills (PALS). For trainees in the 2021 cohort and later, the work outlined in the first submission of the assignment is taken from the Indirect Skills placement.

Actively assessed domains

The PASE actively assesses the following domains: –

  1. ‘Gathering’ – Collating information and knowledge for specific purpose
  2. ‘Analysing’ – Critical analysis & synthesis
  3. ‘Deciding’ – Strategy for application
  4. ‘Communicating’ – Communicating information effectively

Preparing for the assignment

Trainees discuss the PASE with their placement supervisor(s) at the start of the placement to establish what opportunities there are to conduct a service evaluation. Trainees will need to adhere to the R+D processes specific to the Trust they are on placement within, including gaining formal approval from the Trust in most cases. Trainees then write a brief proposal for the work (using the proposal form, which can be downloaded from the bottom of this page) and submit this to the programme for approval. The proposal will be reviewed by at least one tutor on the programme and will provide feedback and / or approval that the work can be used as the subject of a PASE report. The trainee may be required to amend and resubmit the proposal before approval is given.

For trainees in the 2020 intake and earlier, the proposal form must be submitted within the first 18 days on placement. For trainees in the 2021 intake and later, the proposal form must be submitted within the first 22 days on placement. The longer time to complete the proposal for trainees in the 2021 intake and later is due to the longer placement length.

As well as the proposal form, supervisors must complete a supervisor declaration form and submit this to the programme before the PASE can be approved. Once approved, the conduct of the evaluation is overseen by the placement supervisor, just as other placement work is. The trainee’s DClinPsy programme tutors are available for the supervisor to consult should any issues arise on which they need specific advice or support.

Structure of the Assignment

The Service Evaluation Project is a 3,000 word (maximum) report which will usually take the following form:

  • Summary
  • Introduction – describing the context for the evaluation or audit
  • Audit standards – if applicable
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Action plan – including a short discussion of the findings in relation to key literature and plans for re-audit if applicable
  • References (in APA format)
  • Appendices

Tables and figures are included in the word count.

Process of Assessment

First submissions are marked blind by one or two markers. Second submissions and resubmissions are marked by two markers. Where two markers are involved, they will discuss their marking to reach a consensus outcome. Occasionally there may be a need for a third marker to be involved, which is typically a member of the programme team. All marking processes are subject to moderation processes before being ratified by the Exam Board.

Assessment guidance and forms

PASE – proposal form
PASE – how to guide
PASE – supervisor declaration form
PASE – trainee feedback form