The booking window for the Summer 2023 Conference, which takes place at the Kia Oval, London on 3 July, is now open.
At the time of writing this article, over 175 delegates have booked their place at the conference, and with capacity set at a limit of 300 delegates, we urge members to book immediately to avoid disappointment.
Aim
As last year, the theme of the 2023 conference is to help our members become more effective in their role. It is very likely that this will be the theme every year as it delivers one of the NAEO’s core aim – to support our members in becoming a more effective and efficient exams officer. In turn, we hope that this will ensure that exams officers are more fulfilled as they undertake their role and acquire the confidence and skills to complete tasks accurately and to deadlines.
Structure
The conference has been arranged to allow delegates to attend four presentations, a keynote speech, and general updates. A total of ten presentations will be delivered by staff from the major awarding bodies, The Exams Office, and serving exams officers. There will also be a wide range of sector-related exhibitors for delegates to visit during registration, break and lunch.
You can view the conference content on the NAEO website.
The conference will begin at 9am (the registration desk will be open from 8.15am) and close at approximately 3.30pm.
In addition to updates from the NAEO and TEO, we are delighted to confirm that Margaret Farragher, CEO of the Joint Council for Qualifications, will be delivering this year’s keynote speech. Not only does this highlight the close and positive working relationship which we have with JCQ, it also offers Margaret an opportunity to set out her vision for JCQ and the examination system as we emerge from the pandemic.
The day will include the announcement of the Exams Officer of the Year (see below) and a prize draw which all delegates can enter.
Professional Standards
The Exams Officer Professional Standards are a key area of work for the NAEO as we look to raise the profile and status of the exams officer role. We will utilise the Summer Conference to officially launch the standards. This will coincide with the publication of our analysis report which highlights the current status of the exams officer role, and the benefits which a set of standards would bring to the management, administration and conducting of examinations within centres across the country.
We are looking to share the support offered by the Department for Education, Ofqual and JCQ for the implementation of the professional standards, which will also be used with key stakeholders representing heads of centres and senior leaders to encourage them to promote the use of these standards amongst their members.
Exams Officer of the Year
Last year, we launched the Exams Officer of the Year initiative to celebrate and recognise the pivotal role which exams officers perform in supporting the examination system.
We are currently accepting nominations for the 2022/23 award, with the winner to be announced immediately after the lunch break at the Summer Conference.
The winner and runners-up will be presented with certificates and gift vouchers. The winner will also be provided with access to a series of professional development opportunities with the NAEO, TEO and major awarding organisations throughout the 2023/24 academic year.
Cost
As members are aware, the NAEO is a Community Interest Company (CIC) which offers exams officers free membership and has no income streams. Therefore, as much as we would like to offer complimentary entry to the Summer Conference for all members, this is not possible.
However, we have kept the cost as low as possible to cover venue costs – this has been calculated at £95 per delegate. Our costs include the day delegate rate (which includes refreshments and lunch), room and audio-visual equipment hire.
We are currently attempting to secure funding to deliver a Virtual Conference and will keep members updated over the viability of offering the conference in an online format.
We hope to see as many of our members as possible at the Summer 2023 Conference, so please book today to avoid disappointment.