LWETB's Approach to Quality Assurance
As part of the process of continuous improvement in QA and in compliance with QQI statutory guidelines and the QQI Re-engagement Process (see below) and Executive Self Evaluation Report (ESER) was developed in 2017 and a Quality Improvement Plan 2017 to 2022 (QIP) was activated with identified actions and milestones. Each task identified in the QIP is aligned to a new QQI Policy Area and also to one of our 5 strategic goals.
This Plan formed the basis of annual Quality Improvement Plans and an internal working document has been developed to track work flow and the progress of our QIP goals. Quality Assurance policies and procedures are reviewed and revised regularly as an agenda item for the Quality Oversight Group (QOG) while work continues on the implementation of our new quality system. As new common policies and procedures are developed and approved by the appropriate governance structure they will be published and will supersede the legacy policies and procedures.
QQI Re-engagement Process
QQI completed re-engagement with the Education and Training Boards (ETBs) through a process of reporting and dialogue on QA procedures in 2017-2019.
The re-engagement process between ETB’s and QQI required each ETB to develop an Executive Self Evaluation Report (ESER) addressing QQI’s Core Statutory QA (Quality Assurance) guidelines and other QA guidelines as appropriate; and a Quality Improvement Plan (QIP).
From late 2017 to early 2018, each ETB submitted an ESER and QIP to QQI. LWETB submitted its Executive Self Evaluation Report (ESER) in October 2017 along with a Quality Improvement Plan 2017 to 2022 (QIP).
In November 2017 a dialogue meetings was held between QQI and LWETB to discuss establishment of QA procedures in line with Section 30 of the 2012 Act. The ESER and QIP submitted by LWETB was used as the basis for the process for approval of QA procedures. LWETB activated its QIP in Q4 2017. Each task identified in the QIP was aligned to a new QQI Policy Area and also to one of our five strategic goals. Each annual QIP forms the basis of an internal working document to track work flow and the progress of our QIP goals. It is reviewed and revised regularly as an agenda item for the Quality Oversight Group (QOG) while work continues on the implementation of our new quality system.
The Programmes and Awards Executive Committee (PAEC) considered LWETB’s formal request for approval of QA procedures, and LWETB were approved in June 2018. In May 2019 QQI and LWETB engaged in another Dialogue meeting to discuss progress to date and planned improvements.
Quality Assurance Strategy
LWETB is committed to developing its new quality assurance policies and procedures in line with its strategic priorities as outlined in the Statement of Strategy 2017-2022. Those strategic goals are:
Deliver professional, high quality, learner-centred education and training services
To enhance the learning experiences and outcomes for learners
Progress the development of effective organisational structures
Foster effective communication, collaboration and partnerships
Support a culture of continuous development with staff