Cambridge Assessment: Post exam processing

We speak to Distribution Supervisor for Group Print and Operations, Andrew Simkins, about post exam processing and overcoming personal challenges.

"I supervise both permanent and flexible members of staff, working on post exam procedures at DC10 for Cambridge International Examinations. The procedures vary during the session and range from redirection of scripts to examiners for marking, preparation of photocopies for co-ordination and senior team meetings, transcription and clerical checking of scripts, data entry of coursework marks, work for grade reviews and the selection and preparation of training scripts.My role also includes the training and supervision of staff, reviewing changes to operating procedures before a session commences and communicating these changes to the relevant personnel. It’s safe to say, there’s never a dull moment and I enjoy the responsibility.

I’ve been away from work for a prolonged period due to severe illness and am doing a phased return, so plan to return to working shifts within the next month. "I started work for the Select agency in late 2008 and originally came to DC10 as a temporary worker. I worked mainly in Post Exams and gained experience in working for all three business units.

In early 2011 I successfully applied for the position of Distribution Supervisor and worked on many processes for OCR. During this time I visited our Birmingham offices on several occasions and took responsibility for the transfer of a number of new processes from Birmingham to DC10.

In 2013 I began work in Post Exams for Cambridge International Examinations. "Working initially as a temporary worker on many processes for all three business units over a period of over two years gave me great experience over a broad range of practices, some of which were generic across business units, others which were very different. Having this broad base of knowledge stood me in good stead when I was asked to concentrate on Cambridge International Examinations’ work in 2011. "It has been a great help to me to have experienced colleagues in Post Exams who are not only frequently willing to offer advice and assistance but also to keep an open mind and consider new ideas when they are broached.

As mentioned earlier, I’ve recently suffered a severe illness and I was hugely impressed by the care and support given to me by both our Group HR team and my DC10 colleagues. It showed me first-hand that Cambridge Assessment is a company that really cares about its people and the support I received was nothing short of outstanding, so I’d like to say a big thanks to all my colleagues who helped me through a very difficult time. I’m lucky to work with such a fantastic team. "At the moment, my focus is on the present and my immediate goal is to get back into the swing of things in the department, catch up with the changes that have occurred during my year’s absence and then contribute to the forthcoming sessions to ensure that our customer, Cambridge International Examinations, receives a first class service from the Post Exams Department at DC10."

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