1. Acting as Independent Chair – essential information
Independent Chair Training

2. This module sets out the role of the independent chair and this is further defined in the ‘Code of Practice Conduct of Postgraduate Research.’ The code and other Academic handbooks can be found:  This module provides: - Role and responsibilities - An overview of the examination process - The timeline for activities pre-viva, at the viva and following the viva - Guidance on the paper work to be completed and submitted

3. The role of independent chair…… -
The role of independent chair…… - Supervisory requirement to chair the Viva for another School - Conducts the examination to ensure fairness and policy observance - Does not read thesis or make any contribution - Informs candidate of examiners decision, must complete report and submit examination forms to student admin The Chair ensures that: - The Viva examination is rigorous, fair, reliable and consistent - The Candidate has opportunity to defend the thesis - The questioning is conducted fairly and professionally, adhering to regulations and procedure and concentrated on the examining process - The examiners recommendations are communicated (clearly/timely) - All paperwork is completed (Joint Examiners Report and Independent Chair report)

4. The role of independent chair timeline……
Before the Viva
The Pre-Oral Meeting
During the Viva
Where/when is it?
Contact details PGR office
Refresh – PGR Award regulations and CoP or specific programmes/ formats and section D ‘Academic Misconduct’
Check - you have paperwork/forms: Pre-Oral Report Form, Joint Examiners’ Report Form, and Independent Chair Report Form
Refer to the IC checklist
Takes place on the day of viva
Check - examiners have completed pre-oral report forms (or use your copy)
Chair the pre-oral meeting: determine agenda, format, questioning, and breaks
The option of student presentation
Introductions (including the supervisors role if present)
Outline format
Confirm the candidate is ‘fit to sit’
Make notes for the Independent Chair form, keep focus, check time and breaks
Ensure – questioning is fair, intervene if unfair or there’s misconduct
At end – manage questions, student/supervisor/s to leave room

5. The role of independent chair timeline continued……
The Examiners’ Discussion
Concluding the Viva
Role Summary
Chair examiners’ discussion and advise if required
Ensure FULL completion and signatures of the Joint Examiners Report Form
If not agreement – examiners submit separate reports to SREC
Verbally report outcome and recommendations to student/ supervisor/s (be clear this is provisional)
Ensure FULL completion of the Pre-Oral, Joint Examiners’ and Independent Chair forms
Submit within 7 days to Student Admin
Responsible for completion and submission of paperwork
Ensure the viva runs smoothly and fairly and within regulations/policy guidance
Refer to the IC checklist for full details or ask PGR admin or School PGR Director.

6. Overview of the Viva process…….