As part of its strategy to increase membership numbers and to increase the lobbying power of examinations managers/officers and their staff in general, the EOA is looking to invite existing members to organise network meetings in strategic and designated areas around England and Wales.  Many small networks already exist but they lack the opportunity and size to invite and secure the attendance of other key players in the education world.  Such events would provide the opportunity for a two-way exchange of information and concerns, and would in effect become a training and networking meeting all in one.  
 

1.The meetings will particularly emphasise the need to organise locally in order to fill the gap left by the      QCDA Centre Support Officers.  

2.The meetings will need to be co-ordinated centrally to avoid overlap.  

3.The meetings will be free to those attending, with only their travel costs to the venue to pay.  

4.The meetings will be open to non-member exams staff and other interested individuals in the education    field.
 

i.Book a venue e.g. their own or a friendly school or college willing to host the meeting, and to provide light refreshments (tea and biscuits or a light sandwich lunch, depending on the length of the meeting). 

 

ii.Prepare the Agenda for the meeting and distribute it locally.  The agenda should address local and national concerns and issues.  

iii.The organisers will need to promote the meeting in a wide area around the proposed venue.
 

a)Will contact the awarding bodies to gain the attendance of their Support Officers

b)Will contact the JCQ to gain attendance of a representative

c)While they are still functioning, contact the QCDA local Centre Support Officers to gain their attendance

d)Will have an EOA representative at the meeting to talk about the EOA and the benefits of membership

e)Will provide a stand and promotional material

f)Will promote the meeting through its website, newsletter and various forums and other means
 

The aim is to keep costs to a minimum, with any printing and advertising done through local organisers and the EOA central office using ‘free opportunities’ wherever possible.  The costs for refreshments will have to be negotiated between the EOA and local organisers.  Awarding bodies and the JCQ will have to meet their own costs but should be invited to make a financial contribution to the events – they are for their benefit as well as ours.  These events may be an area where the DforE could consider some support as they are very much in their interests to ensure that the public examination system functions properly.

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