overseas examiners: induction of overseas externals is managed electronically, via the package of information sent out following appointment, and by Schools, as they feel appropriate;
examiners attached to Validated Centres. Validated Centres make their own induction arrangements. NTU verifiers attached to the courses ensure that induction arrangements are in place.

LPC/BVC external examiners. The related professional bodies induct the external examiners into the role.

24. Someone in CADQ has contacted me to say that the external examiner attached to the course for which I am Course Leader, is coming to the next induction event? What do I need to do?

Two induction events are organised each year (usually in February and March). One event will take place at Clifton campus and the other at the City site. External examiners are invited initially to attend the appropriate event when they are appointed. If your external examiner is appointed after the appropriate event has taken place and the appointment was retrospective – she / he will be invited to the next event in the following year. For those who are appointed after the annual event or cannot make the date, the course team will ensure they have the necessary information to confidently perform the role.

25. A new external examiner has recently been appointed for my course, which induction event will she / he attend?

Two induction events are organised each year (usually in February and March). The event will either take place on the Clifton campus and the City site. External examiners are invited initially to the attend the event when they are appointed. If your external examiner is appointed after the events have taken place and the appointment was retrospective – she / he will be invited to the next event in the following year. For those who are appointed after the annual event or cannot make the date, the course team will ensure they have the necessary information to confidently perform the role.

26. I have been informed that the external examiner for my course has not attended the induction event and will not be invited to further events, what should I do?

External examiners are invited to induction events over a period of two years. After this time, CADQ sends them a package of hard-copy information. At the same time CADQ informs the Chairs of SASQC / School Quality Managers of the non-attendance and asks that SASQCs consider if further School support is necessary to ensure the external examiners are fully aware of NTU's systems and procedures. Please contact your Chair of SASQC / School Quality Manager to agree any further action you need to take.

27. As Course Leader, do I need to organise hotel accommodation/travel arrangements for my external examiner for the induction event?

No, not for the induction event. CADQ organises hotel accommodation and external examiners are asked to make their own travel arrangements and then reclaim costs. However, you will need to make arrangements for any other visits.

28. What happens at the School-based afternoon session?

It varies by School. After lunch external examiners and School representatives usually re-convene within the School. Quality Managers may arrange some type of School-wide presentation / session – so please contact your QM in the first instance. Usually – some / all of the afternoon session is dedicated to bespoke course discussion with the Course Leader / wider team. An example for the afternoon might be:

Reconvene within the School
Meet with the Quality Manager, School Administrative Team Leader plus the relevant Course Leader for tea/coffee and a School welcome session together
Briefing on: the School and its courses; relationship of the course to other courses / subjects; School approaches to interim visits / meetings with students, Board of Examiners practices, special regulations etc
Sharing of any recent events information and 'news' or main issues from the School Standards and Quality Report that they could expect to see followed up by courses in their Course Standards and Quality Report
Meeting with Course Leader and wider team for a more localised briefing with all the relevant documents and schedules for their course.

This works well if you have more than one new External in that School session before they split to go to their course meetings.

29. If my external examiner stays at a hotel the evening before the event, does anyone meet with them in the evening?

No, but if you would like to make a local arrangement this is fine.

Statements | Contacts

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Tel: +44 (0)115 941 8418 Email