One of my key aims as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Examinations Officers is to ensure that I get to meet as many of our members as possible, in order to identify the issues faced by exams officers. By discussing these in person, it helps me to understand the frustrations faced by the exams officer community, from which I can begin to find resolutions to support you within your centre.
Fortunately, as one of the presenters at The Exams Office’s training events, in recent weeks I have had an opportunity to talk to numerous exams officers from across the country, and it is clear that a transition to normality after 18 months of exceptional circumstances relating to examinations and assessments will be a significant challenge for many exams officers.
Although the outcomes of the Annual Survey will provide an accurate ‘state of the exams officer nation’ snapshot, supported by statistical evidence, conversations with new and experienced exams officers have revealed several areas which are of immediate concern. These include:
- The high number of new exams officers and the lack of an effective induction programme within centres
- The number of exams officers, who despite being in role for at least 12 months, have never engaged with a summer exams series. This increases concern of the increased likelihood of key tasks being incomplete, unintentional centre/staff malpractice and the missing of key deadlines
- Exams officers who took on an additional role(s) since March 2020 have retained this role with the perception that it can be performed alongside the exams officer role. Not only does this raise the possibility of excessive workload for those exams officer undertaking these dual roles, but it also highlights a lack of understanding of the significance and nature of the exams officer role. Within some centres there seems to be a misperception that exams officers have little to do when exams are not taking place
- There is a lack of clarity in some centres of the role and responsibilities of the SENCo and EO in relation to access arrangements
- As centres have not engaged with a summer exams series since 2019, many exams officers have reported a significant reduction in numbers within their existing invigilation team, and difficulty in recruiting new invigilators
The above areas may be based upon anecdotal evidence, however, what is clear is that exams officers across the country – new and experienced – will need considerable support in the coming months.
I am pleased to report that in my discussions with the awarding organisations it is clear that they appreciate the issues faced by exams officers and, encouragingly, they are committed to providing as much support as possible to exams officers in the coming months. However, the most significant support for any exams officer is that offered at centre level by their head of centre and their senior leadership team members, and now, more than ever, is a time for them to understand and address the pressures and issues faced by their exams officer. Failure to do so will not only negatively impact upon their exams officer, but also upon students taking examinations in their centre during the 2021/2022 academic year.
Jugjit Chima
Chief Executive Officer, National Association of Examinations Officers