Mapping the future scope and direction of the UK Quality Code: Get involved

QAA has begun a series of conversations with the higher education sector on the future scope and direction of the UK Quality Code. The Quality Code is a UK-wide reference point used by providers across the UK to maintain and enhance the quality and standards of education.

In July 2022, we agreed with the UK Standing Committee for Quality Assessment (UKSCQA) that the time was right to hold a UK sector-wide conversation about the future scope and structure of the Quality Code.  

To ensure that the Quality Code remains a relevant resource, QAA has embarked on a detailed set of conversations with our members, and other groups, to understand how they would like it to evolve. This work is undertaken in our capacity as a membership organisation.

The conversation will begin by focusing on the ‘central’ part of the Code (Expectations, and Core and Common practices) thinking about how it is structured and what its scope should be before moving on to consider a realistic timeline for reviewing the 12 Advice and Guidance themes. This work needs to be cognisant of how the Quality Code is used across the UK, especially in those nations where it underpins external review arrangements. 

Dr Ailsa Crum, QAA’s Director of Membership, Quality Enhancement & Standards commented: ‘The UK Quality Code is widely recognised internationally and, as such, plays an important role in upholding the UK’s reputation for high quality higher education. The time is right to consider how the Quality Code can adapt to best serve the needs of providers across the UK, supporting them to meet and exceed their respective quality frameworks. We look forward to fruitful discussion and encourage all of those with an interest in the quality of higher education to engage in the conversation.’

To get involved with the discussions on the future of the UK Quality Code, you can register for one of our online roundtable events considering ‘The future scope and direction of the Quality Code’:

• 26 January - 10:00-12:30
• 2 February - 10:00-12.30
• 3 March - 10:30-13:00

Members can also hear updates and join the conversations at the following network meetings:

• Conversations with Quality Leads - 19 January, 12:30-13:30
• PVC Education Network - 20 January, 08:30-09:30

We have already held discussions with our College HE and Independent and Specialist provider networks and at our in-person Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) Forum, as well as with our partner bodies and networks across the UK.

The outcomes of the online discussions will be shared during our in-person Member Network Conference on 20 April - QAA Members can register via our event booking site.  

More information on the UK Quality Code is available on our website.