Lay member to serve on the Governance Board of the Patent Examination Board

Background

The Patent Examination Board, established in 2013, delivers examinations leading to qualification as a Registered Patent Attorney. There are approximately 650 candidates taking 1500 examinations in October each year. These examinations are regulated by Intellectual Property Regulation Board (IPReg). The IPReg website is here. In addition, the PEB delivers the examinations for the non-regulated Introductory Certificate in Patent Administration for around 150 candidates in January each year.

The Patent Examination Board (PEB) is an independent committee of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) and comprises the operations function (employed staff), the five members of the Governance Board, and the Examination Committees, comprising examiners. The Governance Board has overall responsibility for the Patent Examination Board. It takes strategic decisions relating to the planning, delivery and quality assurance of the examinations. 

Here is a link to the PEB website, and here is a link to the CIPA website.

The opportunity

This is a challenging time for the PEB as it implements the Requirements of the IPReg Assessor’s Re-Accreditation Report. We are seeking to appoint one lay member, with expertise in the finance and in professional education, to the Governance Board following the end of the current Chair’s term of office.

The role is effective from September 2024. It is hoped the successful applicant can attend the June board meeting scheduled for 19 June 2024, by way of introduction and to assist with induction.

This is a part time appointment. Attendance will be required at a range of board and committee meetings to ensure the satisfactory running of the PEB, in line with the regulatory requirements. You may also be required to write or contribute to reports or projects.

Meeting attendance will normally be by videoconference (Zoom).

We anticipate that the total commitment will not normally be more than 15 days per year. Remuneration is currently £398 per day plus all reasonable expenses.

You will have knowledge and experience in the following areas:

Essential

• Budget setting and finance management
• Strategic planning, preferably in an educational context

Desirable:

• Chairing committees
• Working within a regulatory framework
• Higher education
• Professional/executive education and qualifications
• Assessment principles and practice
• Quality assurance of examinations
• Question paper and mark scheme writing

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to be considered for the role of Chair of the Governance Board with effect from September 2024.

How to apply

Please apply by CV and covering letter by emailing Angelina Smith, Head of Qualifications at PEB via the 'Apply' button above. You should also contact Angelina via this address if you have any questions about the role or the application process.

Interviews of shortlisted candidates are expected to take place via Zoom in late April.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 5 April 2024.

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