The future of quality assurance

Heather Fry, Head of Learning and Teaching, HEFCE

A more accessible system of information could see more data both on contact hours and student effort, HEFCE's Head of Learning and Teaching, Heather Fry told the meeting. She was outlining how HEFCE and other sector bodies were responding to concerns about teaching quality in higher education.

The quality assurance system is being revised from 2011-12 to make it more publicly accessible and authoritative. A consultation is proposing that audit is made more responsive and considers if institutions are providing prospective students with the information they need.

The review follows growing media criticism of standards, and critical reports by the Commons select committee in August 2009 as well as earlier reports by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and HEFCE's own teaching quality sub-committees.

There is a parallel review of public information by HEFCE, which is looking at the effectiveness of existing data and information, and the potential for greater focus on what prospective students want and need. Meanwhile, Universities UK and GuildHE are reviewing the external examiner system, while the QAA is reviewing the effectiveness of the UK's academic infrastructure. 'Every effort is being made to avoid increased burdens as a result,' Heather Fry said, but the measures are necessary 'to retain public confidence and make the case for higher investment.'