Quality Assurance Regulations: Section J

Section J: Quality appraisals and internal quality audits (IQAs)

 

J1. Quality appraisals introduction

Quality appraisals are focused audits of practice within a defined area and are reported to UTLC. Their purpose is to provide assurance that University policies and procedures are effective and applied consistently across the institution.

 

J2. Types of quality appraisal

Quality appraisals may cover a wide range of topics related, but not limited to:

• the operation of formal academic committees,
• course documentation,
• course/module evaluation and review mechanisms,
• implementation of teaching and learning strategies,
• regulatory compliance,
• the student learning

Service quality appraisals will cover activities which support the student learning experience. This may include the processes for supporting centrally serviced committees, such as UTLC or URC and any other committees outside of RSO.

 

J3. Evidence requirements

The Terms of Reference outlining the evidence required for each quality appraisal will normally be circulated at least one month before the appraisal.

Schools and Services are responsible for providing documentation in the required format.

 

J4. Appointment of appraisal panels

Panels will normally consist of at least two members of staff independent of the School or Service under review, typically from RSO. Where appropriate, membership may include a Students’ Union Executive representative. Panel members will be appointed in accordance with criteria approved by UTLC or the Graduate Board.

 

J5. Conduct of quality appraisals

The annual schedule of quality appraisals will be approved by UTLC or the Graduate Board and included in the University’s annual review cycle.

Appraisals are normally desk-based but may include meetings with relevant staff and students where appropriate.

 

J6. Quality appraisal reports

Panels will produce a written report, which will be shared with the relevant School or Service to confirm agreed actions. Where an appraisal spans multiple areas, a summary report will also be produced.

Reports will set out findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The final report will be submitted to the Dean, Director, or Head of Service (or nominee), who will provide a formal response and action plan for consideration by UTLC or URC.

 

J7. Internal quality audits (IQA)

IQAs are undertaken to review areas of significant change, investigate identified issues, or determine required actions and support where concerns have been raised.

Triggers for an IQA may include annual evaluation processes, external examiner reports, DALO reports, PSRB engagement, or audit findings. IQAs may relate to on-campus provision or provision delivered by partner institutions.

 

J8. Conduct of an IQA

The terms of reference, audit approach, panel membership, and reporting arrangements will be agreed in advance with the PVC (T&L) and/or PVC (Research & Enterprise). An IQA may be desk-based or may involve meetings with staff from the relevant School(s) or partner institution.

 

J9. IQA reporting and outcomes

IQA reports and subsequent actions will be considered by the body specified in the terms of reference. Possible outcomes may include:

• No further action is necessary.
• A defined monitoring period.
• Development of an improvement plan.
• Termination of a collaborative partnership.