About Pearson

We value the power of inclusive culture and embed diversity and inclusion in everything we do. Pearson promotes a company culture where differences are embraced as strengths, opportunities are equal and accessible, consideration and respect are the norm. Through our talent, we believe that diversity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant company. People are at the centre of our company. We are committed to a sustainable environment and workplace ecosystem where talent can learn, grow, and thrive. We provide content, assessment and digital services to learners, educational institutions, employers, governments and other partners globally. We are the UK's largest awarding body and offer qualifications that are globally recognised and benchmarked, with educational excellence rooted in a range of General and Vocational courses.

Purpose
An external proofreader is expected to conduct a written review of qualification specifications, units and associated support materials assigned to them, ensuring accuracy with regard to spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting, consistency and clarity. The overall objective of the role is to ensure that materials produced by Product Development meet Pearson's editorial quality standards and house style requirements. The role plays a key part in helping Pearson produce high-quality, customer-friendly materials that are clear, easy to read and free from grammatical and other language-related errors.

Experience
• An excellent command of the English language, including grammar, spelling, punctuation and sentence structure.
• Strong proofreading and editing skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Extensive editorial experience and experience working with a variety of publications.
• Experience reviewing documents against clear instructions, templates or agreed editorial standards.
• Used to working to tight and sometimes changing deadlines.
• Familiar with working to house style and editorial guidelines.
• Able to use standard marks for proofreading and copy-editing, including BSI proof correction marks.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, including Track Changes and comments, and able to carry out onscreen corrections and straightforward layout tasks as necessary.
• Ability to work accurately and independently while maintaining the intended meaning and technical accuracy of content.
• Previous experience proofreading educational, curriculum, assessment, training or learning materials is desirable.
• Familiarity with technical, scientific or subject-specific terminology would be beneficial.

Key requirements
• Commitment to enhancing editorial quality and maintaining high standards.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the English language, including plain English principles.
• Able to improve readability and tailor copy to meet the needs of the intended audience.
• Able to use BSI marks for copy preparation and proof correction.
• Excellent attention to detail and consistency.
• Wide general knowledge and the ability to identify potential inaccuracies or inconsistencies.
• Confidence in asking questions and raising queries or issues when clarification is needed.
• Able to find practical solutions to editorial issues and problems.
• Ability to identify and correct errors while preserving the intended meaning of the content.
• Able to follow proofreading instructions closely and work within agreed editorial requirements.
• Able to work independently and to tight and movable deadlines.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

This is not a salaried position; this is a freelance-based role.

We are committed to producing high-quality, customer-friendly materials. The Editorial Assessment Associate (AA) role plays a key part in helping us meet this commitment. Clear proofreading instructions and supporting documentation will be provided for each assignment. The successful candidate will be expected to review documents against agreed requirements, check spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting, consistency and clarity, and flag any apparent errors, inconsistencies or areas requiring clarification. The role requires someone who can make appropriate corrections, identify issues requiring further review, and support the production of high-quality educational materials used by learners and educators worldwide.