Updating HEFCE’s policy for addressing unsatisfactory quality in institutions: Outcomes of consultation

1. This circular letter sets out the outcomes from the recent consultation on a draft revision of HEFCE’s policy for addressing ‘unsatisfactory quality’ in institutions. It accompanies the final version of the policy, ‘HEFCE’s policy for addressing unsatisfactory quality in institutions from 2013-14’ (HEFCE 2013/30), which will apply from October 2013.
2. In ‘A risk-based approach to quality assurance: Outcomes of consultation and next steps’ (HEFCE 2012/27), we indicated that the unsatisfactory quality policy would need to be updated in line with the amended method of quality assurance review. The revised policy will apply from the start of the risk-based Higher Education Review method in 2013-14. It will be invoked when an institution receives a published judgement of ‘does not meet UK expectations,’ or when an institution fails to make the necessary improvements through the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)’s follow-up process following a published judgement of ‘requires improvement to meet UK expectations’.
3. The policy is based on the principle that any institution that receives a published unsatisfactory judgement (‘does not meet’ or ‘requires improvement’) through the QAA Higher Education Review should have two opportunities to make the required improvements; firstly through the QAA’s review follow-up process, and then if necessary through a process lead by HEFCE. The number of opportunities must be limited to protect the student interest. In line with the principles of our risk-based approach to quality assurance, the unsatisfactory quality policy is designed to be responsive and proportionate to institutional circumstances, to give greater weight to the student interest and to protect the reputation of individual institutions and the sector as a whole. More...
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Annex A: Analysis of responses to consultation and outcomes
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