Lay Member of the Executive Committee – Dental Examinations Executive

Purpose of the RoleThe Lay Member provides independent oversight and a patient-centred perspective to the governance, quality assurance and continuous improvement of the Dental Specialty Fellow Examinations and MFDS examinations.The role exists to:ensure that public and patient interests are considered in examination policy and decision-making;support confidence in the fairness, transparency and integrity of dental postgraduate assessment; andact as a constructive critical friend to the Committee, Chair and the Dental Examinations Executive.Key ResponsibilitiesThe Lay Member will:Attend and contribute to meetings of the Dental Specialty Fellowship Examinations /MFDS Executive Committees (and sub-groups as appropriate).Provide an independent lay perspective on matters relating to:examination governance and quality assurancecandidate experience and fairnessequality, diversity and inclusionreasonable adjustments and mitigating circumstancescomplaints and appeals processes (where appropriate).Scrutinise papers and supporting information in advance of meetings and contribute thoughtfully to discussion and decision-making.Support the Committee in ensuring that examination processes align with:best practice in postgraduate assessmentregulatory expectationspublic and patient confidence.Participate in short-life working groups or review activity as required (e.g. policy development, QA reviews, or candidate feedback themes).Engage in induction, training and periodic review of the role.The Lay Member does not participate in:question writing or markingexaminer appointment decisionsoperational delivery of examinations.Time CommitmentTypically 2–4 meetings per year, plus preparation time.Occasional additional meetings or papers for specific reviews or working groups.