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Future development of the quality assurance system in England

Quality Assurance Framework Stakeholders Group

Common statement agreed 14 August 2009

The last audit under the current cycle of institutional audits in England and Northern Ireland will be completed in the course of the 2010-11 academic year. The representative bodies for higher education (HE) (Universities UK and GuildHE, together with input from the Association of Colleges, which represents the interests of further education colleges delivering HE programmes), the funding bodies (HEFCE and the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland), the Quality Assurance Agency and the National Union of Students all have clear interests in ensuring that any system for the assurance of quality and standards in HE commands public confidence and protects the interests of students.

We are therefore working together to develop the principles that might underpin the development of the quality assurance system following the completion of the current cycle, and to outline the proposed purpose, outputs and outcomes of any such system. We will be inviting views on these issues in a full consultation to be launched in December this year.

In the light of the outcomes from that consultation, more detailed proposals will be worked up. A further opportunity to comment on the proposed operation of the new system will be provided later in 2010.

We are committed to a quality assurance system which is accountable, rigorous, transparent, flexible, responsive and public facing. We want to tackle concerns about quality and standards, and make real changes to improve the student experience and the reputation of HE.

Last updated 19 August 2009