UK Quality Code Guide: Further Education & Colleges The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. Registered charity numbers and SC037786

Quality Assurance Agency role Safeguard the academic standards of UK higher education Assure the quality of the learning opportunities that UK higher education offers to students Promote continuous and systematic improvement in UK higher education Ensure that information about UK higher education is publicly available

Explanation Indicators of sound practice Expectation: what higher education providers expect of each other and which students and the public can expect of all higher education providers The Quality Code

Setting and maintaining threshold academic standards Part A Assuring and enhancing academic quality Part B Information about higher education provision Part C UK Quality Code for Higher Education General Introduction

Chapters of the Quality Code A1: The national level A2: The subject and qualification level A3: The programme level A4: Approval and review A5: Externality A6: Assessment of achievement of learning outcomes B1: Programme design and approval B2: Admissions B3: Learning and teaching B4: Enabling student development and achievement B5: Student engagement B6: Assessment of students and accreditation of prior learning B7: External examining B8: Programme monitoring and review B9: Academic appeals and student complaints B10: Managing HE provision with others B11: Research degrees Part A: Setting and maintaining threshold academic standards Part B: Assuring and enhancing academic quality Part C: Information about higher education provision General introduction

Who needs to know about the Quality Code? StudentsAcademic Staff Employers Professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs) Quality Managers Other stakeholder groups Governors

What is the UK Quality Code for Higher Education? How does the Quality Code relate to legislation? What are Expectations from me? What are Indicators? What are the overarching values? Why does the UK need a Quality Code for Higher Education? How can the Quality Code develop my area of provision? Who is the Quality Code for? Who enforces the Quality Code? How is the Quality Code organised? Are you confident in accessing and meeting expectations outlined in the QC whilst planning, implementing and evaluating your sector

Example: Marketing Department Part C: Information about HE provision Expectation Higher education providers produce information for their intended audiences about the learning opportunities they offer that is fit for purpose, accessible and trustworthy

Indicators and Evidence Focusing on intended audiences Market intelligence, research data analysis Engaging with those audiences; getting feedback focus groups evidenced with action plan, qualitative analysis of marketing events or processes Focusing on inclusivity Staff training on web content, copy and accessibility of information Ensuring processes and responsibilities are clear and effective Job descriptions, processes and maintenance is clear and evidence based

Example: Cross curriculum B3: Learning and teaching Indicator 3 Learning and teaching practices are informed by reflection, evaluation of professional practice, and subject- specific and educational scholarship.

The Good Practice Knowledge Base The scholarly activity scheme supports staff to engage with their subject at the leading edge of the discipline, informing and enhancing teaching and learning. The introduction of a module on the delivery of higher education in further education to enhance staff's understanding and performance in providing appropriate standards of teaching and learning. Support is provided for staff to read for higher degrees and there are wide-ranging opportunities for staff development, which include undertaking research projects with partner awarding bodies. The policies and incentives provided to staff encourage them to engage effectively in continuous professional development, scholarly activity and to pursue additional qualifications.

Creating a Quality Code Guide specific to this sector An opportunity to contribute to the development of a QAA guide to the UK Quality Code for Higher Education: designed specifically for staff delivering HE programmes in further education and sixth form colleges. QAA wishes to work closely with colleagues across the sector to develop a resource which will enable further engagement and a deeper understanding of the Quality Code. 13 February 2014 Blackpool and The Fylde College 7 March 2014 Somerset College 12 March 2014 Doncaster College

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