teaching quality handbook part 2 management of...

Teaching Quality Handbook

Part 2

Management of Academic Quality and Standards

(October 2013)

Part 2 outlines the internal structures for the management of academic quality and standards

within the University as well as the role of the QAA and the significance of the TQI requirements.

RAU Teaching Quality Handbook

Part 2: Management of Academic Quality and Standards 2

Part 2: Management of Academic Quality and Standards 1. Introduction 1.1 Overall responsibility for academic quality rests with the Academic

Board of the University, the membership and remit of which is detailed in this document.

1.2 The Board delegates responsibility for the maintenance of academic

standards, the assurance of the quality of those standards and quality enhancement activities to the Academic Quality and Standards Committee (AQSC).

1.3 The AQSC has a number of subcommittees to assist them with

different aspects of QA and QE. The membership and remit of these groups can be found in subsequent sections of this document.

1.4 The role of School representatives on academic committees is to

advise the committee of the views of the majority of their School and to feedback to their School decisions made and actions arising from committee meetings.



2. Academic Board Membership 2.1 The Academic Board will consist of the following persons:

(i) The Vice Principal (Chair) (ii) The Principal (ex officio) (iii) The Academic Registrar (secretary) (iv) The Deans of each School (v) 2 student representatives (1 undergraduate, 1 postgraduate) (vi) An elected member of academic staff from each School (vii) The Chairs of AQSC, the Research Committee and the Learning

and Teaching Enhancement Committee (viii) Director of Research (ix) Head of Library Services (x) Assistant Registrar, Quality Assurance and Quality

Enhancement (xi) Head of Marketing (ex-officio) (xii) Director of Finance and Administration (ex-officio) (xiii) Director of Business Development Centre (ex-officio)

2.2 The Vice Principal shall be the Chair of the Academic Board. 2.3 The Academic Registrar, or their appointee, shall act as Secretary to

the Academic Board. 2.4 Representatives of academic staff from each School shall be elected,

by ballot if necessary, by the whole body of academic staff for each School for a period of 3 years, renewable for further periods of 3 years. Representatives may not be members of the Academic Board and Academic Quality and Standards Committee at the same time.

2.5 The Academic Board shall meet at least three times each year at the

University during term time. It shall hold additional meetings as necessary. Minutes for each meeting will be available to the entire staff and student body via the University intranet.

2.6 The quorum for any Academic Board meeting will be 50% of the

current membership. Where School representatives are unable to attend they are encouraged to arrange, in conjunction with the Academic Board Chair and relevant Dean of School, for another member of the School to attend in their place.

Responsibilities and Powers 2.7 The Academic Board’s main focus is at a strategic level. The

responsibilities and powers of the Academic Board are as follows:



(i) To consider both the development of the academic activities of the University and the resources needed to support them and to advise the Principal and Governors thereon.

(ii) To determine the membership of the constitutional subcommittees

of the Board and to determine the powers and duties of such committees and establish, on such terms and conditions as it sees fit, such additional committees as it considers necessary for purposes enabling it to carry out its responsibilities.

(iii) To establish Boards of Examiners and to regulate all University

examinations, including procedures for appeal against a decision of the Board of Examiners.

(iv) To determine the powers and duties of External Examiners.

(v) To determine the formalities relating to the conferment of

Degrees, Diplomas and other awards.

(vi) On what the Academic Board shall deem to be good cause, to deprive any person of any Degree or other award, honorary or otherwise, conferred on them by the University, and to revoke any Degree, Diploma or Certificate granted to them by the University.

(vii) To regulate the requirements for admission of persons to

programmes of study.

(viii) To determine the procedures for the expulsion and suspension of students on academic grounds.

(ix) To approve the appointment of Honorary and Visiting Professors,

Honorary and Visiting Fellows and other such Honorary titles as the Board deems appropriate.

(x) To approve partner institutions for the delivery of academic

programmes contributing to University awards.

(xi) To make recommendations to the Governors of the University on the establishment or abolition of the elements of academic administration, their constitution and function and the modification or revision of the same.

(xii) To determine the strategy for the extra-mural academic work of

the University.

(xiii) To advise on such other matters as the Governors of the University or the Principal may refer to the Academic Board.



Criteria for Chair’s action 1. Chair’s action may only be taken in situations where either: a. the Board has given clear prior approval for the action, and this is clearly

stated in the minutes, including the extent of powers devolved to the Chair, or

b. a matter requiring more urgent action occurs in advance of a scheduled Board meeting.

2. Where the Chair does take action on a matter for which authority has

been devolved from the Board, the outcome of the action must be clearly articulated, in writing, to the Board at the next available opportunity.

3. Where the Chair is required to take action on an extraordinary matter in

advance of a scheduled Board meeting, then s/he should normally circulate the matter to the Board members electronically, seeking comment, prior to making any decision. Any decision made must again be clearly articulated, in writing, to the Board at the next available opportunity.



3. Academic Quality and Standards Committee (AQSC) Membership 3.1 The AQSC will consist of the following persons:

(i) Head of Academic Quality and Development (Chair) (ii) Academic Quality Support Officer (Secretary) (iii) Academic Registrar (iv) Assistant Registrar, Quality Assurance and Quality

Enhancement (v) Deputy Librarian (vi) One elected senior academic staff member from each School

(this member will not be a member of Academic Board) (vii) Student Representative

3.2 The length of tenure of elected members shall be 3 years, renewable

for further terms of 3 years. 3.3 The quorum for any AQSC meeting will be 50% of the current

membership. Where School representatives are unable to attend they are encouraged to arrange, in conjunction with the AQSC Chair, for another member of the School to attend in their place. Meetings will be held a minimum of 6 times per academic year, with additional meetings as required.

3.4 For certain agenda items it may not be appropriate for a student

representative to be present. The Chair of AQSC will identify these items in advance of the meeting and will work with the AQSC Secretary to organise the meeting agenda and meeting papers accordingly.

Objectives 3.5 The AQSC will have the following objectives:

(a) To have devolved executive responsibility for the assurance of quality and standards of learning, teaching and assessment practices within the University, including the content and delivery of academic programmes.

(b) To oversee the University’s policy and procedures for programme validation and review.

(c) To monitor the accuracy, reliability and completeness of academic policy and documentation and ensure consistency with the Framework of Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education and relevant subject benchmark statements.

(d) To manage the University’s arrangements for Institutional Review.



Responsibilities and Powers 3.6 The AQSC shall have the following responsibilities and powers:

(i) To monitor and review academic standards, quality assurance and quality enhancement policies and procedures in line with University and national requirements and good practice guidance.

(ii) To oversee all collaborative provision, as defined in the University’s Policy for Collaborative Provision and with reference to the QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education: Chapter B10 Management of Collaborative Arrangements (December 2012).

(iii) To intervene and ensure that appropriate action is taken in the case of modules or programmes that are at risk of having their quality or standards compromised. Every attempt will be taken to work with the appropriate Deans and/or module/programme managers to rectify the situation but, where this is not possible, AQSC shall have the authority to intervene and make direct changes.

(iv) To monitor policies and procedures for programme validation and review, in line with national requirements, oversee implementation, review annually their effectiveness and, where appropriate, ensure corrective action is taken.

(v) To approve changes to programmes and programme documentation in between periodic reviews.

(vi) To approve new modules and modifications to existing module titles, contact time, outcomes, assessment and major changes to content for delivery in between periodic reviews.

(vii) To call for a special review and revalidation of any programme in between periodic reviews in cases where significant changes have been proposed.

(viii) To call for a special review and revalidation of any programme in between periodic reviews where there are significant concerns regarding the quality and standards of that programme.

(ix) To recommend to the Academic Board the termination of programme validation or the need for a special review in any circumstances not covered in vii and viii.

(x) To approve the appointment of External Examiners. (xi) To appoint and instruct subcommittees and/or working groups as

deemed necessary and to manage and oversee their responsibilities. In particular the: • Validation and Review Board (VRB). • University Examinations Committee (UEC). The AQSC Chair will conduct a documented peer review / observation of the VRB on a triennial basis.

(xii) To keep Academic Board informed on matters affecting the academic services provision and quality, and to seek assistance when appropriate and necessary.

(xiii) Power to co-opt additional members (ex-officio) as appropriate to the business of the Committee.

(xiv) To advise on any matters instructed by Academic Board.

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Documents/Quality-Code-Chapter-B10.pdf

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Documents/Quality-Code-Chapter-B10.pdf



(xv) To produce an annual report of its activities for presentation to the Academic Board.

Criteria for Chair’s action 3.7. Chair’s action may only be taken in situations where either:

a. the Committee has given clear prior approval for the action, and this is clearly stated in the minutes, including the extent of powers devolved to the Chair, or

b. a matter requiring more urgent action occurs in advance of a scheduled Committee meeting.

3.8. Where the Chair does take action on a matter for which authority has

been devolved from the Committee, the outcome of the action must be clearly articulated, in writing, to the Committee at the next available opportunity.

3.9. Where the Chair is required to take action on an extraordinary matter in

advance of a scheduled Committee meeting, then s/he should normally circulate the matter to the Committee members electronically, seeking comment, prior to making any decision. Any decision made must again be clearly articulated, in writing, to the Committee at the next available opportunity.



(i) Chair (Appointed by Academic Board) (ii) Vice-Principal (ex-officio) (iii) Assistant Registrar, Quality Assurance and Quality

Enhancement (secretary) (iv) A member of Academic Staff from each School who is not a

member of Academic Board or AQSC (v) Representative from Library Services (vi) Head of IT (vii) Disability Officer (viii) One student representative

4. Learning and Teaching Enhancement Committee (LTEC) Membership 4.1 The LTEC is established as a subcommittee of Academic Board and shall comprise the following members: 4.2 Each School is required to nominate, through the Dean, an academic

staff representative for the LTEC who is not a member of Academic Board or AQSC. The length of tenure of nominated members shall be three years, renewable for further terms of three years.

4.3 Academic Board will appoint a Chair, who may be a representative

from one of the Schools, for a term of three years, renewable for further terms of three years.

4.4 The LTEC is able to co-opt members as necessary to support its

activities. 4.5 The LTEC will meet at least three times each year and will report to the

Academic Board. Objectives 4.6 The LTEC will have the following objectives:

(i) To have devolved executive responsibility for the quality enhancement of learning, teaching and assessment practices.

(ii) To develop, review and evaluate the implementation and impact of the Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy and update as necessary.

(iii) To review the IT Strategy and Library Strategy in the context of

learning, teaching and assessment enhancement. (iv) To monitor and review academic staff development activities.



(v) As part of the evaluation of relevant strategic plans, to monitor the impact of enhancement activities funded through the Teaching Enhancement, Student Success (TESS) fund (or equivalent).

(vi) To monitor and evaluate current learning, teaching and

assessment practices internally, and developments in the wider academic community, and consider how best to incorporate relevant activities to enhance the University’s own strategies and practices.

(vii) To receive and consider proposals from all sectors of the

University relating to the enhancement of learning, teaching and assessment activities and, if accepted, to recommend and assist in their implementation.

(viii) To monitor, through feedback mechanisms (e.g. the Student

Satisfaction Survey), and advise the IT Strategy Committee on, the needs of staff and students in the effective use of learning and information resources and services.

(ix) To establish working groups, as required, to examine and report

on any aspect of the enhancement of learning, teaching and assessment and the provision of related information resources and services within the University.

(x) To identify and support externally funded quality enhancement

projects, in conjunction with the Assistant Registrar QA and E.

(xi) To submit minutes of LTEC meetings and agenda items to Academic Board.

(xii) To produce a report for Academic Board at the end of each

academic year, summarising activities and achievements within that year.

Criteria for Chair’s action 4.7. Chair’s action may only be taken in situations where the Committee

has given clear prior approval for the action, and this is clearly stated in the minutes, including the extent of powers devolved to the Chair.

4.8. Where the Chair does take action on a matter for which authority has been devolved from the Committee, the outcome of the action must be clearly articulated, in writing, to the Committee at the next available opportunity.



(i) Vice Principal (Chair) (ii) The Principal (ex-officio) (iii) Director of Research (ex-officio) (iv) The Deans of each School (v) Four members of academic staff, normally including one for each

School (vi) Research professors (vii) The Link Tutor from the institution providing research degree

validation (viii) A representative of the consultancy work of the Business

Development Centre (ix) A research degree student representative (x) [Other members may be co-opted from time to time by the

Committee] (xi) Secretarial support

5. Research Committee The Research Committee reports to Academic Board and is responsible for advising upon and delivering the research strategy of the University. The Committee shall be chaired by the Vice Principal and shall elect a Vice-Chair from amongst its members. Members shall normally serve for a period of three years, which is renewable. The Committee shall provide an annual report to University through Academic Board, included in which shall be the list of publications and research activity that is prepared annually for Council. The Director of Research is responsible, with the Committee, for the management of the research budget which is agreed annually as part of the University planning round. Membership The Research Committee shall comprise the following members:

Criteria for membership Members of the Research Committee must be research-active staff members and possess a research degree qualification and track-record of securing research grants and publication (with the exception of the representative of the consultancy work of the Business Development Centre). Terms of Reference

a) To promote and encourage research and scholarship, working closely with the Deans.

b) To advise Academic Board and University on all matters relating to research, including the research strategy and its implementation.

c) To consider and advise on all aspects of University policy relating to

postgraduate research students.



The Committee will more specifically:

a) Be responsible for the monitoring and updating of the University’s Research Strategy.

b) Receive and approve applications for registration of postgraduate research students.

c) Monitor and report as appropriate on the training and progression of postgraduate research students, including the liaison with the degree awarding institution.

d) Manage such funds for the support of research made available to the Committee by the University.

e) Encourage and assist University staff in the development of their research.

f) Encourage and assist in the recruitment and management of

postgraduate research students.

g) Liaise with the Business Development Centre particularly with regard to consultancy work by the University.

h) Prepare the University’s submission to the Research Excellence

Framework (REF).

i) Oversee the University’s progression to the achievement of research degree awarding powers (RDAP).

j) Report regularly to Academic Board, having normally met

approximately two weeks before each meeting of Academic Board.

k) Produce an annual report for the meeting of Academic Board in May, including a list of publications and other research activity and associated narrative.



(i) Head of Academic Quality and Development (Chair) (ii) Secretary (Academic Registrar) (iii) Two senior members of academic staff not involved in the initial

student assessment

6. Academic Misconduct Panel (AMP)

Membership 6.1 The Academic Misconduct Panel (AMP) is a subcommittee of

Academic Board.

Function 6.2 The Academic Misconduct Panel (AMP) will:

i) Receive all information relevant to the case in question in advance of the meeting.

ii) Accept both written and verbal evidence directly from the student(s) and staff involved in the alleged offence.

iii) Remain impartial at all times. iv) Reach an agreed decision in all cases. v) Apply the University’s regulations for Academic Misconduct

consistently and in an appropriate manner, giving due regard to all evidence received.

vi) Communicate its decisions, and penalties to be imposed, in writing to the individuals involved in each case.

vii) Produce an annual report of its activities for presentation to the Academic Board.



7. Examination and Assessment Appeals Committee Membership 7.1 The Appeals Committee is a subcommittee of Academic Board with

responsibility for dealing with appeals against Examination Board decisions. It shall comprise the following members:

(i) Head of Academic Quality and Development (Chair) (ii) Academic Registrar (secretary) (iii) A Dean of a School other than that of the appellant (iv) A member of the academic staff of the University who has not taken

part in the current assessment of the appellant’s work Operation 7.2 The Appeals Committee shall meet within 14 days of receipt of the

appeal, to hear the appellant in person, with or without a supporter, and/or consider any representations made by the appellant or a friend speaking on the appellant’s behalf. The panel may invite other persons as appropriate to provide verbal or written information relevant to the appeal. If the Appeal Committee finds that the appeal is well-founded it shall either:

(a) Determine the case there and then;

OR (b) Refer the case back to the relevant Examination Board for

reconsideration, with or without recommendations. 7.3 In either case, if the appeal decision results in the granting of an award,

the Chair of the University Examinations Committee shall have the power to approve the award on behalf of the University. Minutes of Appeal Committee meetings and any documents or other evidence submitted shall be confidential, and members of the Committee shall respect the confidentiality of both papers and oral statements in the interests of both the appellant and the University.

7.4 The Chair of the Appeals Committee shall report annually on the activities of the Appeals Committee to Academic Board.



8. Validation and Review Board (VRB) Membership 8.1 The VRB is a subcommittee of the AQSC. It shall consist of the following

persons:

(i) A Chair (senior academic staff appointed by AQSC) (ii) Assistant Registrar, Quality Assurance and Quality

Enhancement (secretary) (or AQSC’s nominee) (iii) 2 nominated members of senior academic staff from different

Schools (this member should not be a member of AQSC or Academic Board)

(iv) Learning and Teaching Enhancement Committee (LTEC) representative

(v) Representative from Library Services (for Institutional Review only, wherever possible)

(vi) External members as appropriate, e.g. external academic advisor

8.2 The purpose of a single VRB is to enable members to build up joint

expertise within the area of programme validation and review*. The VRB may co-opt additional internal staff with relevant expertise to assist with (re)validation activities as required.

8.3 The Chair of the Board will be appointed by the AQSC to act

independent of the Schools. There are likely to be occasions when the Chair has a conflict of interest with the programme being reviewed or validated. On such occasions the Chair will stand down and one of the other members (who will be from a different School), will assume the position of Chair for that particular validation or review.

8.4 Each School Dean must nominate a suitable deputy / substitute School

representative for the VRB (i.e. an academic member of staff with appropriate experience who is not a member of AQSC or Academic Board) to stand in if/when the usual VRB School representative is unavailable for any (re)validation event(s). New members of the VRB are required to observe at least one VRB meeting as part of their induction, with the usual VRB School representative acting as their mentor. Ideally, the same School representative will sit for both/all VRB meetings relating to an individual programme. Members are elected for a period of 3 years, with the opportunity to be re-elected for further 3-year periods.

8.5 In order to address conflict of interest matters, if a member is also

directly involved with the programme being validated or reviewed they will stand down from the Board on that occasion. In such cases it is appropriate for the substitute School representative to be involved. If this is not possible it is appropriate for only two of the nominated staff representatives to be involved.



8.6 The Chair of the VRB, according to the provision being validated or reviewed, will appoint specialist external advisors who shall be approved by AQSC. Schools may be asked to assist in this process by nominating representatives to participate.

*However, AQSC reserves the right to appoint individual (re)validation panels, using the current VRB members as Chairs, should it become necessary in order to facilitate timely (re)validation of provision. Terms of Reference 8.7 The AQSC has set the following terms of reference for the VRB. These

will be reviewed annually by the AQSC and altered as required. The VRB will take into account the following general criteria in reaching their conclusions:

(i) The appropriateness of the programme aims, and the

programme and module learning outcomes stated, including their level.

(ii) The distinctive nature of the programme in relation to others currently offered.

(iii) The evidence of demand for the programme from prospective students, past graduates from the programme and employers of graduates.

(iv) The appropriateness and relevance of the curriculum of programmes in relation to the learning outcomes. The VRB will review all programme modules as part of the (re)validation process to ensure each module is fit for purpose within the programme structure.

(v) Advice from relevant stakeholders within the institution on the amount and quality of resources required and identified as available.

(vi) The admission and assessment procedures. (vii) External reference points including the Framework for Higher

Education (FHEQ), other relevant qualification descriptors, relevant subject benchmark statements and any requirements of professional/statutory bodies and, where appropriate, employers.

8.8 In reporting back to the AQSC the VRB is required to complete one of

the following reports, according to the type of validation or review: • Programme validation report. • Institutional review report (for collaborative provision).

The VRB is also required to produce an annual review report of its activities for presentation to AQSC.

http://rac.ac.uk/static/2011/11/11/143454_ProgrammeValidationReport.doc

http://rac.ac.uk/static/2011/10/25/113902_InstitutionalReviewReport.doc



9. University Examinations Committee (UEC) Membership 9.1 The UEC is a subcommittee of the AQSC. It shall consist of the

following persons:

(i) The Vice Principal (Chair) (ii) The Academic Registrar (secretary) (iii) The Deans of the four Schools (iv) Programme Managers (or their representatives) and Placement

Tutors (or their representatives) as appropriate (v) The Registrar (Student Admissions and Records) (vi) The Examinations Officer (vii) The Institutional External Examiner (IEE)

Function 9.2 The functions of the UEC are to:

(a) Oversee the assessment of candidates for all University awards. (b) Oversee the work of School Examination Boards. (c) Receive and ratify the minutes and recommendations of all

School Examination Boards. (d) Ensure that the regulations, as approved by the Academic

Board, for: • assessment, progression and awards, • the organisation and invigilation of examinations, and • the conduct of candidates in examinations are properly promulgated and observed and to propose to the Academic Board such amendments and deletions as necessary.

9.3 Working practices for the UEC are:

(i) Dates of meetings will be agreed annually in advance. (ii) Members should normally receive details of the agenda at least

24 hours in advance. (iii) All information relevant to individual student performance should

be available to the Committee. (iv) In overseeing and approving the decision of School Examination

Boards, the Committee must be satisfied that it has before it sufficient evidence of the basis for such decisions.

(v) If insufficient information is available for the Committee to confirm a decision, then such a decision will be deferred to Chair’s action once the information is made available.

(vi) Results will be published by student number within 5 working days of the UEC meeting. No results will be released by telephone.



Criteria for Chair’s action (i) Chair’s action may only be taken in situations where the

Committee has given clear prior approval for the action, and this is clearly stated in the minutes, including the extent of powers devolved to the Chair.

(ii) Where new information is provided after the UEC meeting in

respect of any candidate, it must be supported by the Dean of the relevant School, as Chair of the School Examinations Committee, and must be presented to the Chair through the Registry office, such that a clear audit trail is maintained.

(iii) Where the Chair is required to overturn a previous decision of

the UEC that materially affects a candidate’s progression opportunities or final degree classification, the Chair must consult with the Academic Registrar on the appropriateness of the new award in relation to the published regulations. In cases where the final outcome is not clearly defined within the regulations, the Chair should also seek the views of the External Examiner for the award, or the University’s Institutional External Examiner (IEE).

(iv) Where the Chair does take action to confirm or overturn a

decision of the UEC, this must be clearly articulated, in writing, to the Committee at the next available opportunity, clearly stating:

a. The original decision. b. The new information provided to the Chair. c. The new decision.

(v) In situations where the Chair is unable to reach a consensus in

respect of a change to a final award, then the final decision will be suspended pending an extraordinary UEC meeting, attended by an External Examiner, in order to reach a final decision.



10. School Examination Boards Membership 10.1 School Examination Boards are subcommittees of the University

Examinations Committee. Membership shall be as follows:

(i) The Dean of School (Chair) (ii) School Secretary (secretary) (iii) Programme Managers (iv) Module Leaders (v) All academic staff responsible for student assessment within

the relevant programmes / modules (vi) At least one duly appointed External Examiner (vii) The Academic Registrar or their nominee (viii) The Registrar (Student Admissions and Records) or their

nominee Function 10.2 The function of a School Examination Board is to consider the results

of all examinations and assessments and make recommendations on progression and awards for each individual student to the University Examinations Committee.

10.3 Working practices for the School Examination Boards are as follows:

(i) To ensure that the dates and times of its meetings are communicated in writing to all members at least six months in advance.

(ii) To provide copies of all relevant programme or University regulations to members at least ten workings days prior to each meeting.

(iii) To ensure that complete sets of marks for all pieces of assessed work and for all examination scripts are available and further that all original documents or scripts are accessible so that marks or grades may be verified.

(iv) To conduct its business in an objective, impartial manner having regard to the relevant assessment regulations and to criteria for assessment and awards which are consistent with the relevant sections of the QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education and compatible to those applied generally in Higher Education in the United Kingdom.

(v) To reach a consensus in all its decisions. (vi) To keep minutes of its meetings and supply copies within seven

days to the University Examinations Committee, the Registrar (Student Admissions and Records) and the Academic Registrar.



(i) Dean of School (Chair) (ii) Secretary (iii) All full-time School staff (iv) Part-time staff and visiting lecturers

11. School Committees Membership

11.1 Each School is expected to meet at least once a term, preferably on

the last day of each term, to review the term completed. 11.2 An additional pre-sessional meeting must be held in September to

address any matters prior to the start of the new academic year and to introduce any new members of staff.

11.3 Part-time members of staff and visiting lecturers are expected to attend

pre-sessional meetings and are encouraged to attend the other termly meetings.

Function 11.4 To assume responsibility for academic management and business

activity, reporting to AQSC through minutes. 11.5 To consider the following standing agenda items, where appropriate:

i) Feedback from School representatives on AB, AQSC and LTEC (and progress monitoring of actions arising).

ii) Annual Programme Manager’s Reports. iii) External Examiner feedback. iv) Matters arising from School Advisory Board meetings. v) Discussion of new programme proposals. vi) Areas for staff development. vii) Dissemination of good practice. viii) Staffing changes. ix) Resource needs. x) University wide matters.



(i) Director of Finance and Administration (Chair) (ii) Vice Principal (iii) Estates Director (iv) Chair of Learning and Teaching Enhancement Committee (LTEC) (v) Finance Operations and Systems Manager representing the

Administration IT Committee (vi) Head Librarian (vii) IT Manager (viii) Marketing Manager

12. IT Strategy Committee Membership

12.1 The IT Strategy Committee will report to the Senior Management

Group. Function 12.2 To identify the immediate and long-term needs of the institution in

terms of software, hardware and application. 12.3 To structure a robust method of identifying IT development and growth

in a business model / needs driven format. 12.4 To coordinate an institutional approach to IT by:

i) Developing and overseeing implementation of an IT strategy and, on an annual basis, reviewing and evaluating accordingly.

ii) Developing and overseeing systems and structures to ensure that the University’s technological developments achieve the objectives of the Corporate Plan.

iii) Drawing together needs and initiatives identified by LTEC and the Administration IT Committee in order to formulate a corporate response.

iv) Securing adequate and appropriate funding and investment to maintain the existing structure and to enable future growth and development.



(i) Representative of Governing Council (Chair). (ii) Vice Principal. (iii) Academic Registrar (Secretary). (iv) Chair of Research Committee (or their nominee). (v) Academic staff representatives from each School of study. (vi) Director of Marketing and Development.

13. Ethics Committee Membership

13.1 The Committee, through the Chair, may co-opt other members with appropriate knowledge and skills relevant to the particular ethical matter in question, to attend (or otherwise correspond with) the Committee, and to enable the Committee to discharge its responsibilities efficiently and effectively. 13.2 The quorum for any Ethics Committee meeting will be 50% of appointed members. Function 13.3 The Ethics Committee will be responsible for the oversight of all ethical matters arising from, or pertaining to, activities undertaken by both staff and students of the University, and for providing advice and guidance to all University committees on the development, implementation and review of institutional procedures and guidelines relating to ethical matters. Terms of reference a) To consider, on behalf of the Governing Body, and make recommendations on, ethical aspects of any of the following matters insofar as the work involved is undertaken by staff, including associate staff, or students of the University and under its auspices:

• any teaching (including programme and module development), research or consultancy activities;

• any sources of, and conditions associated with, the funding of teaching, research, consultancy and student support;

• the recruitment of both staff and students; • conference, catering and other facilities management activities; • marketing and promotional activities; • purchasing and procurement of goods and services; • any other activities deemed appropriate by the Governing Body.

b) To provide support to all University committees and members of the University community on matters of an ethical nature and, if necessary, to provide advice and guidance on appropriate action. c) To receive annual summaries of ethical matters identified by all committees of the University, and produce a summary of guidance and recommendations on ethical matters as part of a commitment to continual enhancement.



13.4 The Committee will meet on two scheduled occasions during the academic year. Where ethical matters of a more urgent nature are raised outside of these meetings, the Committee shall undertake a virtual meeting in order to provide the necessary advice and guidance to those members of University most directly involved in the matter. 13.5 The Ethics Committee will maintain maximum transparency in its handling of matters brought to it compatible with any requirements of confidentiality. Confidential matters will be discussed in camera and reported in principle. 13.6 Any appeal against a decision of the Ethics Committee will be directed to the Governing Body.



14. The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) In 1997, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) was established to provide an integrated quality assurance service for UK Higher Education. The QAA is an independent body funded by subscriptions from universities and colleges of Higher Education, and through contracts with the main Higher Education funding bodies. The QAA is governed by a Board, which has overall responsibility for the conduct and strategic direction of its business. QAA’s responsibilities Each Higher Education Institution (HEI) is responsible for ensuring that appropriate standards are being achieved and a good quality education is being offered. It is the QAA’s responsibility to safeguard the public interest in sound standards of Higher Education qualifications, and to encourage continuous improvement in the management of the quality of Higher Education. The QAA achieves this by reviewing standards and quality, and providing reference points that help to define clear and explicit standards. Reviewing standards and quality Academic standards are a way of describing the level of achievement that a student has to reach to gain an academic award (for example, a degree). It should be at a similar level across the UK. Academic quality is a way of describing how well the learning opportunities available to students help them to achieve their award. It is about making sure that appropriate and effective teaching, support, assessment and learning opportunities are provided for them. The QAA uses peer review processes where teams of academics conduct its reviews. Some team members are drawn from industry and the professions. In England, institutions are reviewed through an Institutional Review. If you require further information on the QAA please go to their website www.qaa.ac.uk or contact the University Academic Registrar or Assistant Registrar, Quality Assurance and Quality Enhancement.

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/



15. Teaching Quality Information (TQI) 15.1 As part of the Quality Assurance Framework for HE in England,

HEIs are required to provide accurate and up-to-date information about the quality and standards of their provision to enable all potential stakeholders to make informed decisions whilst ensuring the accountability for public funds.

15.2 Further information on how the required set of public information was

developed can be found at: http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2006/06_45/.

15.3 There are two elements to the information that must be available:

• Information which must be available internally within the institution (See annex H of http://www.hefce.ac.uk/Pubs/hefce/2003/03_51/ for details).

• Information which must be made publicly available (See annex F of http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2006/06_45/ for details).

15.4 Qualitative information will be published in accordance with the

University’s Policy on Published Documentation, which is available from the Policy Centre. A Style Guide for Committee Documentation is available from the Teaching Quality Handbook section of the website.

15.5 Quantitative information will be published on the Unistats website. This

information will be supplied directly through HESA and will include: • Data on students’ entry qualifications and UCAS tariff points. • Data on students continuing at the institution, completing awards

and leaving without awards (separately for students after the first year of study, and for all years of study).

• Data on class of first degree achieved by students. • Data on leavers entering employment or further study, or

unemployed, and data on the most common job types held by employed leavers.

The results of the National Student Survey will also be published on the Unistats website.

15.6 If you require any further information regarding TQI or any other

elements of this document contact the Assistant Registrar, Quality Assurance and Quality Enhancement or the Academic Registrar.

http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2006/06_45/

http://www.hefce.ac.uk/Pubs/hefce/2003/03_51/

http://www.hefce.ac.uk/pubs/hefce/2006/06_45/

http://rac.ac.uk/study/academic-policies-and-procedures/policy-centre

http://rac.ac.uk/study/academic-policies-and-procedures/teaching-quality-handbook

http://www.unistats.com/