Hi George

I think we've cracked this one, with a workaround.

Workaround

Firstly, the Learner checks the Topic 1 checkbox (see screenshot). The Staff Manager then clicks on the link in Topic 2 (in our case this is 'Generalist adviser competence'). There is a link 'view assignment grades and feedback' on the screen next to 'Links' that the Staff Manager cannot see but the leaner can. The Staff Manager clicks on this link and goes to the 'view assignment grades and feedback' screen where s/he enters a grade for the Learner(s).

Amended permissions

In order to get to this stage we've had to amend certain permissions. We've given the manager the Staff Manager role in the system, as you suggested. At system level we've added 3 Roles with permission to the Staff Manager - 'Mark users as complete in course completion', 'View programs' and 'View courses without participation'. 

In course administration > users > permissions, under 'Mark users as complete in course completion' we added Staff Manager to the list of Roles with permission.

In program administration > users > permissions, under 'Activity: Assignment' we added Staff Manager to 'Grade assignment' and 'View assignment'.

I've been quite detailed in this explanation, but can provide more detail if required. Hopefully this workaround can be useful for other Kineo admin users.

Kind regards
James