External Examiners (Hansard, 9 February 2000)

§ Dr. Gibson
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance is given to(a) universities and (b) university departments on choosing external examiners. [109025]

§ Mr. Wicks
The Quality Assurance Agency published a section of its Code of Practice that deals with External Examining in January 2000. This contains advice on the appointment of external examiners.

§ Dr. Gibson
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what instructions his Department gives to universities in respect of payment of fees to external examiners. [109026]

§ Mr. Wicks
Payment of fees to external examiners is a matter for individual institutions.

§ Dr. Gibson
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what issues are included in the reviews undertaken by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education relating to external examiners. [109024]

§ Mr. Wicks
The Quality Assurance Agency considers, in relation to assessment and quality management, the use made by an institution of its external examiners and of their reports. It also considers, in relation to the way an institution discharges its responsibilities for the academic standards of all its awards, the selection, appointment and briefing procedures used and the approaches adopted to the follow-up of external examiners' comments.