Induction - University

1. At the time of their appointment all external examiners will be provided with documentation for an online briefing by the Curriculum, Learning & Assessment Service. This will provide external examiners with information on:

1. The role and responsibilities of the external examiner.
2. The University's regulatory framework for its taught programmes, and the way that this links to the national quality assurance system.
3. The University's assessment policies, and the way that these link to the national quality assurance system.
4. The operation of the University's boards of examiners for taught programmes.
5. The way in which the University considers and responds to concerns raised by external examiners.

2. To achieve this, the Curriculum, Learning & Assessment Service will provide the following documents:

a. The University's Handbook for External Examiners.

b. The relevant University core regulations.

c. The relevant programme regulations.

d. A copy of the Annual Report Form.

e. The relevant expenses and fees claim forms

f. a copy of the previous year’s University overview of external examiner reports.

Induction - departmental

3. The chair of the board of examiners is responsible for ensuring that the external examiner is sent the following information, originating from the department, about the module/programme for which the external examiner is responsible:

1. The programme specification(s) (thereby incorporating the learning, teaching and assessment strategy for the programme).
2. The module outlines and/or handbooks for the modules offered in the programme (thereby incorporating the learning, teaching and assessment strategy for each module).
3. The relevant programme and student handbooks.
4. The syllabus to be examined.
5. An explanation of the status of the examination.
6. Assessment criteria, marking scheme(s) and methods of assessment involved including the role of the external examiner(s).

This information may be provided in hard or electronic copy.

4. The chair of the board of examiners shall also provide the external examiner(s) with a briefing prior to the meeting of the board of examiners. This briefing should cover both the provision for which the external examiner is responsible, and the way in which the assessment process (including meetings of the board of examiners) is being administered by the department.

5. The chair of the board of examiners should also discuss with the external examiner whether they wish to meet with staff and/or students prior to undertaking their assessment duties to become familiar with the department as part of the examiner's induction to the department.

6. The chair of the board of examiners should notify the external examiner(s) of the date(s) of the meeting(s) of the Board(s) of Examiners by the end of December of the academic year in question and agree with them the timing of receipt of student work and examination scripts.