Executive summary
Purpose
1. This document sets out our policy for engaging with institutions that demonstrate unsatisfactory management of the quality of learning opportunities and/or of academic standards (as established by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education's (QAA's) audit or review processes) over an extended period; that is to say beyond the standard time allowed for the production and implementation of an action plan.
2. We have a statutory duty to ensure that the public funds we administer are not used to fund poor quality provision, and therefore consider it appropriate to develop a policy to set out the action we might take if an institution cannot resolve problems within an appropriate timescale.
Key points
3. The policy will apply to both higher education institutions and further education colleges. It will be triggered: if an institution receives 'no confidence' judgements in two successive QAA audits or reviews; if an institution does not make sufficient progress on an action plan made following a 'no confidence' judgement; or if an institution is unable to agree such an action plan within a reasonable time frame.
4. We will consider any institution that triggers the policy as being at higher risk, and would expect to work closely with the institution, alongside the QAA and other agencies as appropriate, until the 'no confidence' judgement is withdrawn.
5. Although this policy sets out a range of possible actions that might be taken, these are not exhaustive or definitive: each case will need to be treated individually. Ultimately, we have the right to withdraw funding from an institution, but would view this action as a last resort.
6. At all times the needs of students will be of paramount importance. Any students likely to be adversely affected either by the identified problem or by any actions taken under the policy must be given the opportunity to continue their studies at an acceptable level of quality and standards. If suitable arrangements cannot be made at the institution, students could be moved to a different provider.
Action required
7. No action is required in response to this document, but institutions are expected to familiarise themselves with the content of the policy.
