QAA publishes new COVID-19 advice for PSRBs on emerging from lockdown

QAA has today published Emerging from Lockdown: Reflections for PSRBs. It combines forward looking advice for professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs) with overviews of previous materials, and considers the distinct issues faced by professional bodies when educating and developing new generations entering the workplace.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, QAA’s focus has been on supporting our members to secure academic standards and facilitate the best possible student experience. We have also acted as a convening agency between higher education providers, PSRBs and UK Governments. This advice for PSRBs encapsulates both of these approaches.

The advice considers the following three areas:

• securing academic standards
• work-based learning and contingency planning for placements
• assessment.

Dr Ailsa Crum, QAA’s Director of Membership, Quality Enhancement & Standards, said: ‘For over a year, higher education providers and professional bodies have worked to adjust learning and assessment approaches, while ensuring that academic standards and the professional competencies required of new professionals are maintained. This new publication reflects on how this was achieved while looking ahead to next academic year where the lessons learned can be embedded into future practice.'