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Press release

For immediate release

QAA responds to higher education framework

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) today welcomed the Government’s announcement on the higher education framework, Higher Ambitions. 

Anthony McClaran, QAA Chief Executive, said: ‘The framework challenges QAA to develop further its work in three key areas: the student experience of higher education; public assurance of quality and standards; and robust arrangements for dealing with complaints.

‘This strongly endorses our move to involve students in the institutional audit process and we’re delighted that over 50 institutions will have student members of their audit teams over the next 18 months. We also look forward to working with HEFCE, UK Commission for Employment and Skills and the sector to achieve the goal of standard, public information on what students can expect from their higher education experience.

‘The Government is clearly alive to the need to keep the public informed about how the quality of the higher education sector is maintained in readily understandable language. QAA is already working to improve its communications and adopting a more public-facing role. Our review of the UK-wide Academic Infrastructure and development of a new audit method for England are both looking at how we tell the public about our work and what we find when we carry out reviews.

‘We are pleased that the government has confidence in QAA’s role to monitor quality and standards and further strengthen the sector’s international reputation through our audit and review processes. Swiftly addressing concerns and complaints is vital to maintaining confidence and also informing student choice. We will build on our Causes for Concern process to ensure the proper investigation of complaints.’

Ends

Notes to editors:

  1. For further information and interview requests please contact Richard Tibenham, Media Relations Manager, on 01452 557047, r.tibenham@qaa.ac.uk.

  2. Higher Ambitions is available from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills website at: www.bis.gov.uk/mandelson-outlines-future-of-higher-education

  3. QAA has recruited over 50 student auditors who will take part in audits in 2009-10. It has also produced a series of videos to assist students in preparing for audit of their own institutions and last week published a quick guide to audit for students (available at: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/reviews/institutionalAudit/IA_student_miniguide.pdf). The films are available on our website at: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/reviews/institutionalAudit/studentrep.asp

  4. QAA checks how UK universities maintain their own academic standards and quality. We review and report on how they meet their responsibilities, identify good practice and make recommendation for improvement. We publish guidelines to help UK universities and colleges develop effective systems to ensure students have the best learning experience.

 

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