Independent Panel Members for University Misconduct, Appeals and Complaints, Fitness to Practise and Support to Study hearings

Would you like to help the Manchester Met community in a formal role as an adjudicator?

Who are we? 

Located in the heart of Manchester, The Union is part business, part charity, part membership body. Operating independently from Manchester Metropolitan University, our aim is to support and represent each one of our student members. Each year our growing team of around 50 full time and up to 100 part time staff, work alongside elected student leaders to make change, improve lives and help fulfil student potential.

Winner of the 2021 Think Student award for the best campaign supporting diversity, The Union is one of 550 students’ unions across the country. And we’re one of the most exciting - with over 38,000 student members and 100 student groups, a huge range of services and a bold strategy.

What's the job?

The University and the Students’ Union are inviting applications to join a pool of students who will be part of the University panels that make decisions on misconduct allegations, academic appeals and complaints. Independent panel members are needed to ensure that students are a key part of the decision making processes. This is an interesting role which gives an insight into University procedures, whilst providing useful paid work experience.

Level 2 Code of Conduct, Academic Misconduct, Academic Appeals and Complaints, Fitness to Practise and Support to Study.

Level 2 misconduct panels occur when students are considered to have potentially breached the University’s Student Code of Conduct and the matter has not been able to be resolved informally. A Level 2 Misconduct disciplinary Panel hearing is held to consider the case and decide on an outcome.

An Assessment Disciplinary Panel takes place if there’s an allegation of severe academic misconduct, such as contract cheating.

Academic Appeals are a University procedure for students to challenge certain academic decisions, such as Assessment Mitigation, and when a Material Irregularity has happened. The Academic Appeal is presented in a written format to a Panel during the Formal Stages of the procedure.

The Student Complaints Procedure holds complaints Panels in which they consider what should happen when a complaint from a student has not been resolved at an informal level. The complaint is presented to the Panel during the Formal Stages of the procedure. The Panel members are presented with a written report outlining the process followed, details of any evidence gathered and any additional information for consideration at University Complaints Panel.

Fitness to Practise procedure is invoked when when staff have concerns about a student meeting the required professional standards of a registered programme leading to a professional qualification or conferring practitioner status. The breach of professional behaviour may result in a Fitness to Practise panel.

Support to Study is intended to inform and guide the University’s response to situations where there are concerns about a student's capacity to participate fully and satisfactorily with their academic studies and the University community in general. A student support to study case may result in a formal panel.

As a panel member you will be required to attend the above panels when they are organised to consider the case and decide an outcome. All cases are decided on the balance of probability and as an independent panel member, you will consider the evidence gathered by the investigating officer, explore the credibility of statements, and make crucial decisions.

You will consider whether there is evidence of bias or perception of bias, and whether the outcome decided is reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances. The other panel members will be University staff and you will need to work together to agree on the appropriate outcome. You will be part of the decision making group not a representative.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for students with a relevant range of experiences and personal characteristics. We are particularly interested in students from professionally regulated courses and doctoral students.

Key person specifications include:

• Balanced, impartial, reflective and able to see several different perspectives of a single issue
• Able to influence discussion in an inclusive, professional and persuasive manner
• A strong sense of community service
• Analytical and logical
• Discreet and understanding of the need for confidentiality
• Independent and able to make immediate decisions when required
• Self aware and able to recognise own mood and seek support when available
• Excellent appreciation of diversity and inclusivity in practice
• Have not been found to have committed a level 2 breach of the University Student Code of Conduct, have not been deemed professionally unsuitable or have not been found to have committed severe academic misconduct. Please note, the university has the right to withdraw employment if this occurs during recruitment or employment

A full training program will be delivered by the University and the Students; Union and ongoing support systems will be in place from the outset.