The EAB
2007 report
This is the Examinations Appeals Board (EAB) annual report for the year 2007 covering six appeals against awards made in 2006. The EAB welcomes commer~ts on this report and on any issues arising from it.
EAB members
Ministers at the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) appoint EAB members for three-year terms. The chairman, Jeff Thompson, was first appointed in 2002 and re-appointed in 2005 for a further period of three years. In 2007, the appointment was extended for a further year until 2009.
Deputy chairman Mike Moran was appointed in 2005 for a period of three years.
Deputy chairman Robin Trebilcock was first appointed in 2003 and re-appointed in 2006 for a further period of three years.
Panellists
Currently there are 16 panellists, two of whom sit with one board member to hear each appeal. In addition to hearing appeals, panellists act as observers in those cases where the EAB requests an awarding body to re-mark or re-moderate work. This happened twice in 2007.
In November 2007, the EAB held its annual panel training day. The members, panellists and office staff met to consider issues arising from this year's operations and other matters that could affect the EAB's work in future.
In 2007, the EAB re-appointed for an additional period of three years all those panellists who were first appointed in 2004. The Board is grateful to the panellists for agreeing to serve a further term.
The expertise and professionalism of the panellists is a major strength of the EAB and the panellists' contribution and support is much appreciated.
Administrative and financial support
The EAB receives administrative and financial support from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). The EAB depends greatly on the qualities and experience of its two officers who handle all enquiries to the EAB and offer information and advice to those involved at any stage of the enquiries and appeals process. They also provide professional support to the Board and panellists before, during and after each hearing.
EAB members and panellists are paid a fee for each day they work and their out of pocket expenses are also met. For the calendar year 2007, the combined cost of this
was £30,015.
EAB website
The EAB website contains copies of all the information and guidance that EAB issues. In addition, the office will send documents to anyone unable to access the website and can also provide most documents in Welsh.