Examination Complaints and Appeals Policy

Published 31/07/2024

1. Definitions

The words and phrases in the left-hand column have the meanings assigned to them in the right-hand column.  

Appeal 

A submission to review a decision made by or on behalf of an Examining Board relating to a candidate (or in exceptional circumstances a group of candidates).  

Appeal Panel 

A panel comprising examiners from the FFICM or FFPM examinations, who have had no prior contact with the candidate in examining or clinical practice, and a lay representative, responsible for scrutinising the evidence submitting and making judgement.  

Complaint 

A concern about the provision or quality of a service provided by the RCoA or faculties. 

Director 

The Education, Training and Examinations Director of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. 

EDAG 

Examinations Development and Assurance Group (EDAG). This group quality assures changes and developments to RCoA-delivered exams. It comprises the chairs from each exam (FRCA, FFICM, FFPMRCA), representing trainees, members of the Examinations Department, a lay representative, and an independent assessment expert. 

Examination Boards 

RCoA examinations are governed by College and Faculty boards accordingly: for the FRCA – the Education, Training and Examinations Board, for the FFICM, the Executive the Board of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine, for the FFPMRCA, the Board of the Faculty of Pain Medicine. 

Examinations Department 

The RCoA staff who oversee the delivery and development of FRCA and Faculty examinations.  

Examinations Regulations 

The regulations which govern the College and Faculty examinations.  

Examiners 

The Board of Examiners for the part of the examination to which an appeal relates. 

Review Panel  

A panel comprising the RCoA Vice President, FICM Vice Dean, FPM Vice Dean or an individual to review the appeal and the decision made by the Appeals Panel.