1. Proposals for Higher Education
Review (HER)
Academic Registrar Council
1 March 2013
Stephen Jackson

2. BIS White Paper
‘We propose a genuinely risk-based approach, focusing
QAA effort where it will have most impact and giving
students power to hold universities to account. All
providers must continue to be part of a single assurance
framework.....
...for those providers with a sustained, demonstrable
track record of high-quality provision, we would expect
to see significantly less use
of full institutional review.’

3. RBQA – HEFCE proposals
• Retention of a universal system of review
• Continuing focus on enhancement – including thematic
element
• No separate CP Reviews
• End of mid-cycle reviews
• A minimum six-year cycle for HEIs
• A four-year cycle for institutions with a shorter track-
record

4. RBQA – HEFCE proposals
• No annual review of data – QAA to assess information
• Greater use of QAA Concerns Scheme for identified
problems
• Closer working relations with PSRBs
• Promotion of further student engagement

5. QAA Handbook
General principles:
• Reduced QAA engagement with institutions
• A more ‘customised’ approach to review
• A focus on student interest and involvement
• Retention of enhancement as a core element of review
• Greater use of data and information
• A Common Review Framework for all HE providers

6. QAA Handbook
Specific issues:
• Judgment on academic standards
• The thematic element of review
• Initial appraisal and the varying intensity of review
• Introduction of international reviewers
• The role of students
• Integration of collaborative provision
– Separate judgment
– Link with TNE
• Single visit to institutions
• Role of the Review Secretary

7. Quality Assurance Agency for
Higher Education
www.qaa.ac.uk