This week, the Quality Assurance Agency launched its consulation on External Examining.

QAA is revising its guidance primarily to incorporate the recommendations of the recent review of external examining led by UUK/GuildHE. The review included extensive consultation during 2010 and addressed a range of issues of principle regarding external examining arrangements in the UK. The report of that review was published in April 2011. The report included a number of recommendations designed to strengthen further the way external examining operates in the UK.

The review is open to any interested party, and we would urge unions and students to submit to the consultation, to ensure that a strong student voice is present. You can find out more about the consultation on the QAA website.

Sophie Richardson, representative from the Higher Education Zone on the External Examining Advisory Group said: "As with any consultation, we need to gather as many views and opinions as possible, to ensure that any changes are reflective of our diverse student body and education sector."

In addition to this, you can find out more about external examining at the Quality Matters 2011 Conference on 13 September, in London. Further details will be announced shortly.

If you have any questions, queries or comments please contact NUS Vice President Higher Education Usman Ali.