It is the responsibility of a senior leader/line manager to have oversight of examinations/assessments within their centre. This will ensure that their centre is JCQ-compliant and that the integrity and security of examination system is maintained at all times
The Exams Office has produced a Checklist for senior leaders/line managers. This checklist has been designed to support senior leaders/line managers in confirming that key tasks are completed to deadline, that the centre is fully prepared for each exam series, and that the centre is complying with JCQ regulations.
The Checklist for senior leaders/line managers is supported by meeting agenda templates which ensure that key areas/tasks are addressed during meetings which take place between the line manager and exams officer.
This checklist also supports senior leaders in ensuring that they are meeting JCQ requirements as set out in the General Regulations for Approved Centres publication (section 5.3), which state:
The head of centre must ensure that the examinations officer is line managed and actively supported by a member of the senior leadership team who has a good working knowledge of the examination system.
It is the responsibility of the head of centre to ensure that his/her centre... has in place a member of the senior leadership team who will provide support and guidance to the examinations officer and ensure that the integrity and security of examinations and assessments is maintained throughout an examination series.
This checklist includes a series of statements and questions which have been divided into the five stages of the exam cycle for each exam series. These questions help to inform the meeting agenda and are divided into the following five areas:
- Planning
- Entries
- Exam Preparation (Pre-exams)
- Exam Time
- Results and Post-Results
Please note that senior leadership teams and the exams officer should familiarise themselves with the entire contents of the General Regulations for Approved Centres publication and any other relevant JCQ publications/regulations.
Senior leaders/line managers should add centre specific questions/areas which are not included within the checklist. These areas should also be confirmed with your exams officer during meetings.