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- Tasks: Join the Appeals Committee to review and decide on important student assessment cases.
- Company: Be part of Cambridge OCR, a leading academic publisher and assessment organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay per hearing, travel allowances, and annual training provided.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by ensuring fair assessment processes.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, ability to analyse evidence, and a commitment to fairness.
- Other info: Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply; flexible online and in-person hearings.
The predicted salary is between 75 - 100 £ per hour.
We are Cambridge 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 Cambridge OCR Appeals Committee. The Committee ensures 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 helps us ensure we treat them fairly, at the same time as upholding the standards and integrity of our qualifications.
Appeals Committee Members conduct an independent review of individual cases about:
- the accuracy and procedures in awarding results,
- malpractice sanctions, or
- 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 online via Microsoft Teams with the potential for some in person in our Cambridge office made up of a panel of three committee members, including a panel chair and at least one independent member. They are supported by a secretary drawn from Cambridge OCR staff. Further details of the appeals process can be found in the JCQ guide to the awarding bodies' appeal processes.
As a member of Cambridge OCR's Appeals Committee, you will form part of the panel for appeal hearings, reading case papers in advance. You will attend appeal hearings online or in person, listen to the cases made by Cambridge 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 Cambridge OCR:
- conducts 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 provided annually (or more often if needed). Hearings are scheduled mainly between November and January, typically Tuesday to Thursday lasting around three hours, sometimes up to four hours including the pre-meeting. However, isolated hearings may occur at any point through the year. Most hearings are online via Microsoft Teams, while some may be in-person at our Cambridge office.
Payment: Currently £92.49 per appeal hearing session. Currently a variable preparation fee typically of £92.49 but may increase or decrease depending on the complexity of the appeal hearing. Travel and subsistence allowances are paid for in-person meetings.
We're looking for people with the highest personal and professional standards, who can reach fair and proper outcomes in demanding situations. Committee members cannot be current employees or assessors of Cambridge University Press and Assessment. Ideally, applicants should not have been employed by Cambridge University Press and Assessment or assessed for Cambridge OCR within the last five years.
You should have:
- Essential Criteria
- Excellent communication skills, including active listening,
- Ability to interpret, analyse and question complex evidence,
- Objectivity for making unbiased decisions.
- A keen sense of integrity and fairness,
- Confidence in handling challenging conversations.
Desirable Experience
- Experience of leadership,
- Experience of teaching and/or administration in an education setting, preferably secondary education,
- Experience of panel or committee work of a similar nature to appeal hearings.
We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups to ensure our committee reflects the diversity of the society we serve. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, marital status, neurodiversity, religion, sex, sexual identity, cultural or social class.
OCR Appeals Committee Members application closing date - 22/02/2026. Apply now.
OCR Appeals Committee Members employer: Cambridge University Press & Assessment (CUPA)
Contact Detail:
Cambridge University Press & Assessment (CUPA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land OCR Appeals Committee Members
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the appeals process and the key responsibilities of an Appeals Committee Member. This will help you feel confident during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former committee members on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide valuable insights about the role and the application process, plus it shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for potential interview questions by role-playing with a friend or family member. Focus on demonstrating your communication skills and ability to handle complex situations, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Cambridge OCR and being part of the team that upholds fairness and integrity in education.
We think you need these skills to ace OCR Appeals Committee Members
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand what we're looking for. The job description is your best friend here! Highlight the key skills and experiences we value, and think about how your background aligns with them.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is a must-have for this role, make sure to demonstrate your skills in your application. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've effectively communicated in challenging situations.
Be Objective and Fair: We want to see that you can make unbiased decisions. In your application, share instances where you've had to analyse complex information and make fair judgments. This will show us that you have the integrity and fairness we’re after.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your tech-savviness!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge University Press & Assessment (CUPA)
✨Know the Appeals Process Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the appeals process as outlined in the JCQ guide. Familiarise yourself with the types of cases you might encounter and the standards expected from committee members. This will not only show your commitment but also help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Appeals Committee Member, excellent communication is key. During the interview, demonstrate your active listening skills and your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly. You might even want to prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated challenging conversations in the past.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle sensitive or complex cases. Think through potential scenarios related to malpractice or special considerations and be ready to discuss your thought process. This will highlight your analytical skills and your ability to remain objective under pressure.
✨Emphasise Your Integrity and Fairness
The role requires a strong sense of integrity and fairness. Be prepared to discuss situations where you've had to make unbiased decisions. Sharing personal anecdotes that reflect your values will resonate well with the interviewers and demonstrate that you align with their commitment to fairness.
