Assessment Method: Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio


Plain-English Explanation

K9 is about understanding why an organization’s digital presence (its website, social media, and online platforms) is important, how it is maintained, and how the brand is protected online. This includes knowing what tools are used to manage content and ensuring the company’s image stays consistent and secure.


Examples of How Apprentices Demonstrate This at Work

  • Updating content on the company website or intranet using a CMS (Content Management System)

  • Checking that branding (logos, colors, tone of voice) is consistent across digital platforms

  • Reporting suspicious activity or phishing attempts that could harm the brand

  • Using mailbox rules to filter and prioritize brand-related communications

  • Creating a Power Automate flow to alert the marketing team when brand-related keywords appear in emails or social media feeds


Common Gaps and Misconceptions

  • Thinking digital presence is just about having a website—social media and online reviews matter too

  • Believing brand protection is only marketing’s job—IT plays a role in security and monitoring

  • Ignoring accessibility and inclusivity in digital content

  • Not understanding the risks of brand damage from data breaches or poor online security


Links to Resources and Tools


Why It Matters

  • Builds trust and credibility with customers and stakeholders

  • Helps attract and retain clients through a strong online reputation

  • Protects the organization from reputational and financial damage


Portfolio Evidence Ideas

  • Screenshots of:

    • A CMS update you made to a website or intranet

    • A Power Automate alert flow for brand monitoring

    • Mailbox rules for managing brand-related communications

  • A short write-up explaining how you helped maintain or protect the organization’s digital presence


EPA-Style Questions

  • Why is an organization’s digital presence important?

  • How do you ensure the brand is represented consistently online?

  • Can you give an example of how you helped safeguard the brand?


Embedded Topics

  • Equality & Diversity: Ensuring digital content is accessible and inclusive

  • Sustainability: Using digital channels to reduce reliance on printed materials

  • British Values: Promoting integrity and responsibility in online representation