External Examiners
7.1 The responsibilities of Examiners and Boards and Sub-Boards of Examiners are defined in the College Policy and Guidance on the Role of External and Intercollegiate Examiners and the College Policy on Boards and Sub-Boards of Examiners. Examiners are regarded as a fundamental component of the quality assurance/enhancement procedures at the College as they should comment on the appropriateness of the academic standards set and student achievement in relation to those standards, whether assessment processes are rigorous, fair and ensure equity of treatment for students, and on the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning including particular strengths and/or innovations, as well as being involved in curricular revision.
7.2 The College will appoint Boards and Sub-Boards of Examiners to conduct assessment as prescribed in the relevant policies and regulations. The relevant Department/School should nominate External Examiners on these Boards, for appointment by the College subject to the approval of the Academic Board. At least one Examiner External to the College should be appointed to each committee responsible for making recommendations for determining degree classification of candidates. Whenever in the view of the College it is practical and appropriate, at least one Intercollegiate Examiner from another College of the University should be a member of each Board or Sub-Board of Examiners. The policies and regulations governing the nomination and appointment of External Examiners are in place, and procedures ensure that: potential conflicts of interest are identified and resolved prior to the appointment of such Examiners; that nominations are assessed effectively and rigorously; that suitable individuals are selected with appropriate levels of academic and, where appropriate, professional expertise; and periods of appointment and possible early termination of such are made clear.
7.3 On appointment, Examiners are informed in writing of the roles, powers and responsibilities assigned to them, including the extent of their authority in Examination Boards. The letter of appointment states clearly the programmes and awards, or parts of programmes, to which they are appointed.
7.4 Departments/Schools should ensure that External Examiners provide an annual report on whether the standards set are appropriate for the College’s awards or award elements and are consistent with that of the national university system. External Examiners should ensure this by reference to the QAA academic infrastructure i.e. Subject benchmark statements (See: the FHEQ, programme specifications and other relevant information.
7.5 Departments/Schools should ensure that External Examiners are provided with sufficient information (including appropriate College, School, Department, programme, module and assessment documentation) and support to enable them to carry out their responsibilities effectively. Examiners should be prepared by the relevant Department/School to ensure they understand and can fulfil their responsibilities.
7.6 Departments/Schools should ensure that External Examiners have regard to the totality of the degree in respect of both syllabus and examination and are invited to participate in the setting of examination papers, and that each individual paper is approved by at least one External Examiner. External Examiners have the right to inspect any script or other assessed examination material. The guiding principle is that they should have enough evidence to determine that internal marking and classifications are of an appropriate standard and are consistent.
7.7 Departments/Schools should ensure that External Examiners attend meetings of Boards at which significant decisions are to be taken and that they make a written report each year to the College which may include observations on teaching and learning outcomes, programme structure and programme/module content, on the form provided. External Examiners should be asked by Schools to approve pass lists and to advise on the award of marks of distinction, first class and on failures as well as adjudicating upon borderline cases.
7.8 External Examiners are required to send their reports to the Academic Registrar who raises any points requiring a response, at both subject and, if issues arise, at institutional level, with the Chair of the Board (or Sub-Board), copied also to the Head(s) of the Department(s)/School(s) concerned. Copies of the External Examiners’ reports should be transmitted to all appropriate teachers and examiners. If requested, Departments/Schools should respond to the points raised by the Academic Registrar and a copy of the report, the Academic Registrar's letter and the written response by the Department/School is then included for consideration by the Chair/a panel of the relevant Board of Examiners. A pro-forma has been devised to attach to each report and the Department’s/School’s response which comprises four questions concerning the response, e.g. does it adequately address the comments in the report, are there any thematic issues arising? The replies received should generate a consistent commentary which should help flag areas of concern and which should form the basis of an overview report. The Academic Services section of Registry Services will return to the Department/School if the Chair of the Board of Examiners is not convinced that the response adequately addresses the issues raised and will notify her/his views to the Chairman of the Board or Sub-Board for further action.
7.9 Full and serious consideration is given by the institution to comments and recommendations contained within Examiners' reports, and the outcomes of the consideration, including actions taken, are formally recorded. Examiners are also provided with a considered response to their comments and recommendations, including information on any actions taken by the College.