QAA and HMIE are commissioned by the Scottish funding council to develop and operate quality arrangements to ensure that the funding distributed to the sector on behalf of government is used effectively. HMIE and QAA report annually to SFC on how the arrangements are operating.
The current arrangements were last reviewed August 2007. They were developed in partnership with the relevant sectors and are also externally evaluated. Whilst the SFC has initiated the current review, it has done so in a spirit of enhancement, making clear that evidence from around the sector would suggest that current arrangements are fit for purpose and there are no significant areas that need ‘fixed’.
Details of the current quality arrangements can be found at http://www.sfc.ac.uk/effective_institutions/qualityassurance/quality_assurance_enhancement.aspx
NUS in conjunction with sparqs and HMIE will run an event on Tuesday 15 February 2011 giving student representatives involved in the review process an opportunity to reflect on the current arrangements and have input with student’s opinions.
NUS is represented on both the University and College Quality Working Groups that will undertake the review and you should pass your thoughts and comments on the arrangements onto Jennifer Cadiz (jennifer.cadiz@nus-scotland.org.uk), Depute President NUS Scotland and member of both College and University Quality Working Groups
The quality arrangements in Scotland are pretty unique in their focus on enhancement and student engagement. This is your opportunity to ensure that they continue to be something Scotland can be proud of and continue to deliver for students.
For more information about the review process particularly in HE read http://www.sparqs.ac.uk/upfiles/QEF review 07 Paper 34-03.pdf and for information about updating the process for the next cycle of reviews in Colleges read http://www.sparqs.ac.uk/upfiles/CQWG review update for next cycle.doc
