Although an experienced exams officers may be aware of the requirements of the role, they will still require support from their senior leader/line manager to ensure that they have sufficient time to undertake their role, that they are aware of latest JCQ/awarding body regulations/requirements and to develop the skills required to undertake the exams officer role successfully
The support which an experienced exams officer requires includes:
1. Providing access to key support organisations
Allow your exams officer to access the support from the awarding bodies and organisations such as The Exams Office and the National Association of Examinations Officers
2. Training and networks
Identify your exams officers training needs and allow them to attend events which will support them in undertaking their role effectively and efficiently. This may include:
Exams Officers should also be allowed to attend local network meetings to meet fellow exams officers and exchange best practice, advice and guidance. You can find your local network group by visiting the OCR website.
Please note that your exams officer should only be attending training events which are delivered or approved by the awarding bodies, NAEO or The Exams Office.
3. Meetings
Ensure that you meet with your exams officer on a regular basis (monthly or half termly as a minimum). Click here for suggested meeting agendas.
These meetings should include an opportunity for you to confirm that all tasks have been completed to deadline, an explanation why any tasks may not have been completed and for your exams officer to detail any issues which they may have incurred and what has worked well and areas in need for improvements.
Meetings should allow time to discuss progress against any performance related targets.
4. Appraisal/performance management
Every exams officer should have access to an annual appraisal.
The Exams Officer Professional Standards provide a framework against which performance can be measured in the following areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Key Skills
- Values and Attributes
Click here to register your exams officer for the Exams Officer Professional Standards.
5. Time
JCQ regulations state that (General Regulations for Approved Centres, section 5.3):
'The head of centre must ensure that the examinations officer understands relevant awarding body and JCQ documentation and has sufficient time to perform their role.'
Your exams officer must be allowed the necessary time to undertake their role successfully. This includes:
Completing all tasks (as required by JCQ, the awarding bodies and as stipulated in the exam cycle) accurately
Meeting deadlines
Conduct research which may include keeping abreast of the latest information from key stakeholders. This will involve a daily/weekly task of reading information contained within websites from the following stakeholders