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Future arrangements for external examining and related developments. Dr Tim Burton Assistant Director, Development and Enhancement Group 24 January 2011. Overview. External examining. Academic infrastructure. Institutional audit. Public information. External examining.
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Future arrangements for external examining and related developments Dr Tim Burton Assistant Director, Development and Enhancement Group 24 January 2011
Overview • External examining • Academic infrastructure • Institutional audit • Public information
External examining • Academic infrastructure Institutional audit Public information
Origins of the review • QAA Thematic enquiries (Apr 2009) • UUK Announcement (Sep 09) • TQSE Report (recom 5) (Oct 09)
Other issues • Industry/professional externals • Role of national bodies • UK Professional Standards Framework
External examining • Academic infrastructure Institutional audit Public information
Evaluation findings • No appetite for major change • Better public communication • Sector ownership (autonomy) • Links between AI and audit/review
Evaluation findings (2) There was evidence to demonstrate that the Academic Infrastructure was well embedded in higher education providers' policies and procedures. Many of those who considered the Academic Infrastructure to be important recognised a value in seeing it as a whole framework that was somehow more than the sum of parts, but there was no single view of how each of the components necessarily related to each other (para 2.1.4).
Evaluation findings (3) More positive Less positive Scope to improve individual elements Clarify role relating to other reference points and audit/review Hasn’t reached wider audience Largely ineffective in increasing public assurance about standards • Very positive impact on UK HE • Created a consistent approach and a common vocabulary • Basis for comparing threshold standards • No major omissions • Autonomy not threatened
External examining • Academic infrastructure Institutional audit Public information
Audit: Main issues • Introduction of thematic element • Rolling process rather than fixed cycle • Public as principal audience for reports • No increased level of demand • Proportionality (smaller institutions) • Judgement on published information • Judgement terminology made easier to understand
IQER • Integrated Quality Enhancement Review • Current cycle ends July 2012 • No funding for future Developmental Engagements • Expectation of convergence with audit method
External examining • Academic infrastructure Institutional audit Public information
Public information • HEFCE Consultation – ends 7 March 2011 • Key information set and development of NSS • Student charters • The Higher Education Achievement Report
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. Registered charity numbers 1062746 and SC037786