The UKPSF (https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/ukpsf) is used to shape introductory level training and development for new staff beginning a teaching role in the majority of UK Universities and others overseas. Successful completion of Postgraduate Certificates in Academic Practice or Teaching and Learning in HE enables staff to attain a ‘level’ of Fellowship with the Higher Education Academy – usually at Descriptor 2 (D2) Fellowship. I teach and have taught on many such Programmes (at Nottingham, Southampton, Newcastle, Cranfield, LSHTM, LSE, etc). I have also acted as External Examiner for PGCert and Masters Programmes at several universities
Most UK universities have also developed ‘in-house’, direct entry routes to Fellowship and these schemes require robust quality assurance and the active involvement of External Examiners to ensure standards. I have gained an ‘in-house’ perspective through my involvement in such a scheme at The University of Leeds and I undertake the External role for other universities (Bath and York).
Example 1. Mentor and Internal Assessor for the PRISE recognition scheme at The University of Leeds
I act as a mentor and provide guidance to those seeking recognition of their teaching experience and expertise. I have assessed claims at The University of Leeds for colleagues applying for recognition at D1- D4.
Role –
- Supporting candidates who have been referred on a first assessment. Providing them with feedback and discussing how to progress their claim
- Reviewing sets of 10 – 20 applications three times a year – as both first and second assessor
- Attending internal examiners meetings to discuss outcomes
- Attending panel meetings with the External Examiner to make awards
- Supporting the Scheme Director to review and evaluate the Scheme
Example 2. External Examining for PGCert and Masters Programmes
I have acted as External Examiner for 8 UK universities and for my track record in this regard is something I am very proud of. In nearly every case my appointment has been extended beyond the usual 3 years – and in two recent cases, special permission was obtained to extend my post for 5 years, e.g. at Liverpool John Moore’s and Queens, Belfast universities.
Role –
- Reviewing submitted applications and their institutional level assessment
- Reviewing the process of assessment from design to implementation
- Attending examination and presenting External Reports
- Considering and confirming assessment decisions
- Acting as a critical friend to help the University team evaluate and develop their in-house provision and quality assurance frameworks
Evidence of success – “Dr Kate Exley was the external examiner for the PGCHET for new lecturers at Queen’s for a period of five years from 2008 to 2013. She had a significant impact on the development of the course through her comments at the exam board and in meetings with the course tutors. She helped us to clarify the assessment rubric and the marking criteria for the assignments and to greatly improve feedback practices on the course. Kate’s advice and experience were much appreciated by the whole team”.
Linda Carey,
PGCHET Director, Queen’s University Belfast
Example 3. External Examining on University UKPSF recognition Schemes
I have acted as an External Examiner at The University of Bath and I am currently the External for the YPAD scheme at The University of York.
Role –
- Reviewing submitted applications and their institutional level assessment
- Assessing D3 and D4 applications (written and in Viva).
- Attending panel meetings and presenting External Reports
- Considering and confirming assessment decisions
- Acting as a critical friend to help the University team evaluate and develop their in-house provision and quality assurance frameworks
Higher Education Assessment & Development 