External Panel Member Policy

Introduction

1. This document outlines the policy regarding external subject specialists who have been nominated to act as an External Panel Member for University Approval Events (UAE) (as detailed in AQF4 Programme and Course Approval and Modification) or Periodic Programme Review (PPR) (as detailed in AQF6 Periodic Review) at Northeastern University London (the University).
2. The UAE/PPR Event will be organised by the Quality Team and chaired by a Dean or an appointed replacement. The initial identification of External Panel Members (EPM) should be made six months prior to the UAE/PPR.
3. For UAE/PPR, the Panel’s role is to assess/review the design and documentation of proposed/existing programmes and to make recommendations to Academic Board. 
4. EPMs provide the necessary subject expertise for new course and/or programme approval/programme review and confirm that academic (and, where applicable, professional) standards have been set/adhered to appropriately. EPMs are able to contribute to the enhancement of the programme by providing additional viewpoints from their experience. 
5. The involvement of EPMs in UAE and PPR events adds independence and objectivity to the decision-making process. This contributes to the transparency of the process and offers externality when assessing comparability of academic standards across the sector.
6. The inclusion of EPMs for UAE and PPR events is in line with the UK Quality Code Themes Course Design and Development and External Expertise.

Expertise and Experience

7. As the responsibility is to provide objectivity and comparability of academic standards from across the sector, the EPM’s must have:
   1. Experience and expertise in the subject of the programme under approval.
   2. Experience and knowledge of the current framework for the setting of academic standards.
   3. Recent and relevant experience of the role, or comparable related external experience, to indicate competence in the role.
8. Nominated EPM’s should not have been:
   1. An External Examiner or member of staff at the University within the last three years.
   2. Involved with the development of the programme undergoing approval/review.

Appointment Approval

9. The External Panel Member must be nominated by:
   1. The Programme Proposer for UAEs.
   2. The Head of Faculty/Apprenticeships for the programme under review for PPR events.
10. The person responsible for nominating the EPM must complete the External Panel Member Nomination Form and ensure that it is endorsed and signed off by the Head of Faculty. The nomination form, along with the EPM’s CV, must be submitted to the Quality Team no later than three months prior to the UAE/PPR Event.
11. The Head of Quality Assurance will confirm acceptance of the EPM’s nomination to Academic Board and Faculty.

Role on the Panel

12. The EPM’s will be sent the programme documentation at least one month before the UAE/PPR event. 
13. They will normally receive:
    1. Application for New Taught Programme Form 2 (NPP2).
    2. Programme Specification.
    3. Course Descriptors.
    4. Self-Evaluation Document (SED) (for PPR Events only)
    5. Any other key programme documentation as appropriate.
14. The EPM will be required to review the programme documentation prior to the UAE/PPR event, where they will be able to pose questions to the Faculty responsible for the programme.
15. The EPM will be required to work in an open and transparent way, and collaborate with the other Panel members to come to a decision about the proposed programme. 

Remuneration

16. The University recognises preparation for and attendance at a UAE/PPR event as an opportunity for professional enhancement. The University will also reimburse reasonable travel expenses and pay an honorarium. 

Withdrawal

17. The EPM is able to withdraw from the Event at their discretion. The University asks that as much notice prior to the event is given in order to find a replacement. The EPM is at liberty to suggest a replacement. 

Version History