Cymraeg
Skip navigation

Circular letter CL06/09

Dear Colleagues

Draft handbook for the revised institutional review process for higher education institutions in Wales from 2009-10

In September 2008, HEFCW published a consultation document on the core principles, general requirements and key features to be adopted for Institutional review from 2009-10 (W08/31HE, available from HEFCW's website). Following the consultation, HEFCW's Quality Working Group agreed a set of recommendations for QAA to consider in the development of the revised institutional review process.

I am now writing to seek your views on the enclosed draft handbook for the revised institutional review process.

The main changes from the current process are as follows:

  • An increased focus on the enhancement of student learning opportunities (paragraphs 39-43 and Annex G).
  • The introduction of student reviewers (paragraphs 44-46 and Annex H).
  • Consideration of European standards and guidelines and other guidance relating to European or other international practices (paragraphs 6 and 27).
  • The introduction of a rolling programme of reviews (paragraph 9 and Annex J).
  • A move to a risk-based approach, with the time between reviews reduced where a judgement of limited or no confidence has been found (paragraphs 10, 75-78 and Annex E).
  • An enhanced role for the institutional facilitator (paragraphs 51-52 and Annex I).
  • An increased focus on research degree programmes (paragraph 37-38).
  • Two separate judgements, 'one on quality and the other on academic standards of awards' instead of the single judgement on 'quality and standards' (paragraph 14).
  • The option of an annual student statement by the student representative body, to complement the student submission for institutional review (Annex F).
  • The introduction of separate and hybrid collaborative review to the institutional review process (paragraph 7 and Annexes M-Q).

The final agreed version of the handbook will be available bilingually.

Please can you let us have all your comments in hard copy or electronically, as you prefer. All responses should be sent to my colleague, Julian Ellis (j.ellis@qaa.ac.uk) at QAA, Southgate House, Southgate Street, Gloucester  GL1 1UB. I should be grateful if you would let us have your comments by Monday 29 June 2009.

Yours sincerely

Peter Williams signature

Peter Williams

Chief Executive

TopTop