Articles

Exams

See ALL Exams Articles

  • 01 Sep 2026

    The importance of reviewing the previous academic year

    Please download this article if you would like to share it with your senior leadership team/line manager

    As we begin a new academic year, it is important not to overlook the value of reviewing the previous year from an exams perspective.

    The National Association of Examinations Officers (NAEO) is therefore delighted to endorse the newly launched Exam Year Review Tool from The Exams Office, which is available to member centres through the Hub.

    The NAEO particularly welcomes the introduction of this tool because it provides exams managers/officers with an opportunity to demonstrate the significant contribution they make to the successful delivery of examinations and assessments throughout the academic year.

    An effective review can also help raise the profile and status of the exams function within the centre by highlighting the scale, complexity and importance of the exams manager/officer's role, as well as their pivotal contribution to maintaining the integrity, security and effective operation of the examination system.

    Read More >

  • 01 Sep 2026

    What is CPD…and what should I include in my CPD?

    Please download this article if you would like to share it with your senior leadership team/line manager

    In recent weeks, we have received several requests from exams officers to define the JCQ regulation in section 5.3 of the General Regulations for Approved Centres document which states that exams officer must undertake regular CPD, such as attending an annual update course.

    Read More >

  • 01 Sep 2026

    What the Employment Rights Act means for exams managers/officers

    Please download this article if you would like to share it with your senior leadership team/line manager

    The Employment Rights Act 2025 strengthens a number of employment protections that may apply to exams managers/officers depending on their employment status, length of service and individual circumstances.

    Morrish Solicitors have produced a video explaining how the Employment Rights Act changes may affect exams managers/officers. 

    For most exams managers/officers, the Act will not significantly change their day-to-day duties. However, it does strengthen their legal protections as employees by improving job security, expanding access to statutory rights and reinforcing employers' responsibilities to provide fair treatment, safe working environments and lawful employment practices.

    For exams managers/officers who also manage invigilators or other casual staff, the Act requires them to understand and support the rights of the staff they supervise, working closely with their Human Resources department and senior leadership team to ensure compliance.

    Read More >

  • 01 Sep 2026

    Initial feedback from the summer 2026 exam series

    Please download this article if you would like to share it with your senior leadership team/line manager

    As the summer examination series has now concluded, we are beginning to review how examinations were managed, administered and conducted over recent weeks.

    While further information and analysis will become available over the coming months, initial feedback indicates that the Summer 2026 series was, overall, successful, with no major widespread issues reported. However, this should not detract from the operational challenges that many exams managers and officers experienced and which now need to be addressed.

    This initial feedback will be shared with key stakeholders, including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofqual, JCQ and the major awarding bodies.

    Read More >

  • 01 Sep 2026

    The Education Record app - Information for exams officers

    Please download this article if you would like to share it with your senior leadership team/line manager

    On 8 January, the Department for Education announced the national pilot of the Education Record app. This is intended to modernise how young people access their exam results once they have left school.

    By using the app, young people will be able to enrol in their post-16 destination more easily, and have access to their results for life, providing employers with clear, accurate information on a job candidate’s education history without relying on paper certificates which can be easily lost.

    The Education Record is designed to support the transition from key stage 4 to 5 and to provide students with secure, digital access to their education records

    This article sets out the involvement of exams officers and answers a range of frequently asked questions.

    Read More >

Legal Services

See ALL Legal Services Articles

  • 01 May 2023

    Disability Rights

    Many of the cases we see and advise on involve individuals with disabilities. This could involve clients who have developed health issues or who have been employed with long-standing health issues, but need support in their roles.

    Read More >

  • 31 Mar 2023

    Tribunal claims and their time limits

    Litigation should be a last resort. Most issues that arise during employment can be resolved, either informally, or by using a more formal grievance process and appeal process.  However, it is important to understand that time limits apply to Employment Tribunal claims regardless of how long internal procedures are taking.

    Read More >

  • 01 Mar 2023

    What to expect from an annual appraisal?

    Annual appraisals (also known as performance reviews) are part of the employer’s performance review strategy. The purpose of an annual appraisal is to inform decisions around pay and promotions, to encourage professional development and to help with target setting.

    Read More >

  • 01 Dec 2022

    The Dos and Don'ts of Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures

    Raising a grievance or being subjected to a disciplinary process can be a stressful process and they are not always easy to navigate. We hope you find some of these do’s and don’ts useful, should you ever have to experience either of these processes.

    Read More >

  • 31 Oct 2022

    Managing your invigilators: How to approach holiday pay

    Holiday pay for part-time, term-time workers or those with irregular hours is not typically straightforward. Each holiday pay case will be different and so will require a careful examination of all the circumstances.

    Read More >