We are OCR, part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a world-leading academic publisher and assessment organisation, and a proud part of the University of Cambridge. We are looking for Appeals Committee Members to sit on the OCR Appeals Committee. The Committee helps us make sure that students, teachers and other education staff involved in assessment, mainly in the UK, have a voice in the decisions we make about them. The Committee ensures we treat them fairly, while upholding the standards and integrity of our qualifications. Appeals Committee Members carry out an independent review of individual cases about: the accuracy and procedures in determining grades malpractice sanctions how students with special circumstances, such as disabilities, illness and injury, are supported through assessments to minimise any disadvantage These cases can involve complex, sensitive issues that have a serious effect on people's lives and futures. Appeal hearings are held in Cambridge, Coventry, and online, made up of a panel of three committee members, including a panel chair and at least one independent member, supported by a secretary from OCR staff. Further details of the appeals process can be found in the JCQ guide to the awarding bodies' appeal processes. The Role You will be a member of OCR's Appeals Committee and form part of the panel for appeal hearings, reading case papers in advance. You will attend appeal hearings, listen to the cases made by OCR and the people appealing, question them and decide whether to uphold or not uphold appeals in full, or in part, based on JCQ regulations and the available evidence. When upholding appeals, you may recommend or direct that OCR: carries out further work, such as: reviewing the marking of an examination, or moderation of non-examined assessment re-investigating a malpractice allegation re-considering a special consideration or access arrangement decision changing a malpractice sanction removing a malpractice sanction or finding of malpractice Training is supplied and needed for the role, usually occurring annually, or more frequently if needed. We ask for your availability for hearing dates in advance and pay a fee for each meeting to cover preparation and attendance. Most hearings are conducted remotely via MS Teams, but we offer appellants the option of in-person meetings at our Cambridge Office, and may extend this to our Coventry Office. You can expect to be involved in approximately five to eleven hearings a year, with the busiest period between November and January. Hearings usually last around three hours including a panel pre-meeting and post-hearing deliberation, typically scheduled Tuesday to Thursday. We will also pay travel and subsistence allowances at the current rate for in-person meetings. The current fee is £86.43 per session, with a preparation fee ranging from £57.62 to £144.05 depending on case complexity. About you We're looking for people with the highest personal and professional standards who can reach fair and proper outcomes to difficult situations. You should have: Excellent communication skills, including active listening Ability to interpret, analyse, and question complex evidence Objectivity in making unbiased decisions A strong sense of integrity and fairness Confidence in handling challenging conversations Experience of leadership Experience of teaching and/or administration in an education setting Committee members cannot be current employees of CUPA or assessors for OCR. Ideally, we seek individuals who have not been employed by CUPA or assessed/marked for OCR in the last five years, to act as independent committee members. We welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of demographic characteristics. We believe that diversity of thought, background, and approach creates better outcomes and fosters an inclusive culture that contributes to society through education, learning, and research at the highest international levels of excellence.