QAA responds to outcomes of OfS consultation on TEF

QAA has responded to the Office for Students' publication today of the outcomes of its consultation on the future of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

Eve Alcock, QAA's Executive Director of External Affairs, said:

"We are pleased to see that OfS has listened carefully to a number of the concerns raised by the sector. The decision not to issue an overall rating based on the lowest aspect, the recognition that providers should be able to evidence demonstrable improvement actions, and the additional flexibility built in for smaller providers are all positive steps towards the nuance and contextualisation that this exercise needs for a diverse sector, and we are glad to see them reflected in the final outcomes. The inclusion of subcontractual provision is also a positive step.

“We are encouraged to see OfS' commitment to further thinking on the question of OfS staff involvement in rating decisions, and to working towards joining the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR) at the appropriate time. The centrality of the peer-review principle in quality assurance, and ensuring the system is recognised and understood internationally is vital for a thriving English higher education sector.

"We do, however, retain concerns about the unintended consequences of linking TEF ratings to financial penalties, whether through OfS’ proposals on student number limits or Government’s own proposals to connect ratings to future fee uplifts. We would encourage both OfS and Government to listen carefully to the sector as consultation continues, to ensure any proposals appropriately balance protecting students from poor quality provision where there is strong justification, with ensuring penalties don’t hinder a provider's ability to improve its quality across the board.

“QAA looks forward to continuing to engage constructively with OfS through the second phase of consultation where much of this detail will be developed, and to bringing our experience of delivering enhancement-focused quality assurance across the UK to bear as this framework continues to develop."