1. Cyngor Cyllido Addysg Uwch Cymru
The Higher Education Funding Council for Wales
The student voice in the Quality Assessment Framework for Wales Nicola Hunt

2. HEFCW and quality of HE
Quality Assessment Framework aims to help fulfil HEFCW’s statutory duty for quality assessment of higher education in Higher Education (Wales) Act 2015
Framework developed to align with proposals in England and Northern Ireland to achieve UK comparability
Provides a common set of key features, principles and baseline requirements (inc reference to Quality Code and OIA good practice framework)
Developed through consultations, stakeholder events and pilot activities
Framework published in March 2018

3. Framework seeks to
Preserve the sense of a UK-wide quality system (recognising devolved context)
Ensure the continued compliance with international quality expectations, particularly in Europe
Emphasise essential role of students as partners in the design and operation of quality assessment arrangements
Ultimately, provide the assurance required under the 2015 Act with regards to quality, to enable Fee and Access Plans to be approved, and therefore for regulated institutions to access student support

4. Quality Assessment Framework
The Framework
Quality Assessment Framework
Gateway
Arrangements for established providers
Tailored but rapid intervention
Degree Standards and Comparability
International Reputation
Gateway quality review
Risk-based review arrangements
Scrutiny of data
Annual assurance from the governing body
Triennial visits
Working in partnership with students
HEFCW complaints process
Guidance
HEFCW’s Quality Assessment Committee
Understanding Degree Algorithms
Grade inflation / improvement
External examining, professional development and calibration.
UK Standing Committee for Quality Assessment
Transnational review visits

5. Processes!
(a) Annual assurance from governing bodies (1st exercise December 2017)
(b) Governing Body to obtain external assurance from an agency on European Quality Assurance Register for HE every 6 years
(c) Annual scrutiny of data, student views and other intelligence, and information collected through annual accountability processes
(d) HEFCW’s triennial assurance visits; Council institutional visits; other visits and assurance processes
(e) Existing institutional risk review process, advised by QAC
(f) Partnership arrangements between the student body and HE providers e.g. picked up through Fee and Access Plans

6. Gathering student views
Students on governing body and relevant committees.
NUSW on HEFCW’s QAC and Council
Report on annual dialogue between institution and student body
Every regulated institution to have a student charter
Confirmation that students are partners in reviewing and addressing NSS outcomes
Students as peer reviewers in Quality Enhancement Reviews
Engagement with the student body in HEFCW triennial assurance visits – pilot and 2 visits completed (1 HE, 1 FE)
Student members of the UK-wide Standing Committee
Students can report concerns directly to HEFCW

7. More info?
Framework on HEFCW website: QAF webpage or Circular W18/05HE
Come along to our Quality Assessment Framework launch event – 29 June in Cardiff
Read our guidance on ‘what we do for students’ and Fee and Access planning
Respond to consultations
Get in touch!

8. Questions? Email: Nicola.hunt@hefcw.ac.uk
Thank you 
Questions?