The Patent Examination Board (PEB) was established in 2013 to deliver the examinations leading to qualification as a UK registered Patent Attorney. There are approximately 400 candidates taking these examinations in October each year. In addition to these Qualifying Examinations, the PEB examines the Introductory Certificate in Patent Administration.
The PEB is regulated by the Patent Regulation Board (IPReg). It is an independent committee of CIPA. The PEB comprises the Governance Board and an Examination Committee comprising examiners, and administration.
PEB is now seeking an External Examiner to contribute to the quality assurance of the Final Diploma.
Our requirements
We are seeking an External Examiner with expertise in the subject areas assessed in the Final Diploma. The appointment is for three years in the first instance.
Experience of quality assurance in professional education/training is desirable. You will be required to attend meetings (usually via Zoom). You will also be required to write or contribute to reports, make recommendations, and undertake other tasks outside the formal scheduled meetings.
External Examiner role
The Final Diploma External Examiner provides an external view, in order to:
- Protect PEB standards and ensure comparability and consistency;
- Act as an expert in providing independent critical review, performing the role with integrity and supporting enhancement;
- Ensure fairness and transparency in assessment;
- Maintain the currency of their knowledge;
- Support inclusivity and equality in assessment.
The External Examiner will:
- review the finalised question papers and mark schemes;
- sample marked scripts to ensure academic standards, where applicable, meet the requirements of QAA Level 7 and/or the IPReg Accreditation Handbook criteria for Level 7 qualifications;
- provide informative comment and recommendations on whether the assessment process measures candidate achievement rigorously, consistently and fairly against the intended outcomes of the qualification Programme, and is conducted in line with the relevant policies and regulations;
- comment on the Programme Specification and Syllabi content;
- attend the Final Diploma Award meeting and sign off candidate results;
- contribute to Final Diploma qualification development;
- submit an annual report to the PEB.
Qualities required for the role of PEB External Examiner (Final Diploma Diploma)
You will have the following skills and experience:
Essential
- Intellectual property subject knowledge in the areas assessed in the Final Diploma;
- Academic, professional or other qualifications appropriate to acting as an examiner for PEB Final Diploma;
- Appropriate academic and/or professional standing, expertise and experience to maintain standards in higher education;
- Good written, presentation and oral skills;
- Recent experience of professional education and training, or comparable recent experience which provides evidence of competence in assessing candidates;
- Good understanding of quality assurance issues in professional education;
- No more than one existing external examining appointment involving substantial examining.
Desirable
- UK experienced patent attorney.
Contractual arrangements
Attendance at an induction session will be required.
Tenure: Three years in the first instance, subject to successful completion of a performance review one year after first appointment.
The role will be reviewed after three years.
Fees: £2,000 annual flat fee, plus attendance fee £200 for half-day meeting.
Reasonable expenses in accordance with PEB Expenses Policy.
How to apply
Applications by CV and letter should be submitted via the ‘Apply‘ button above by 5.00 pm on Friday 21 July 2023.
Please ensure you clearly demonstrate in the covering letter how you fulfil the requirements of the role of External Examiner.
Please address any questions you may have about the role, the PEB or the application process to [email protected].
Selection process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Interviews will take place via Zoom and will last approximately one hour.