Revised handbook published for Quality Enhancement Review in Wales

QAA is commissioned by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) to undertake quality reviews for regulated institutions in Wales. Over the last 12 months, we have worked extensively with the higher education sector in Wales to review and update the Quality Enhancement Review (QER) method and supporting handbook, which details the review process and provides guidance on how to prepare.

The revised method is now finalised following public consultation in May/June. It will be implemented from the academic year 2023-24. QAA is very grateful to everyone who contributed to this important work over the last year.

Cliona O’Neill, Head of Quality and Student Experience at HEFCW, said: 'We are very pleased about the publication of the new QER method, which will provide a greater focus on enhancement, while continuing to provide robust assurance on the quality of provision and minimising the burden on institutions. It will also increase comparability with the methodology used in Scotland, which will facilitate sharing of practice. We encourage institutions to engage with QAA in the implementation of the new method.'

Kathryn O’Loan, QAA’s Director, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said: ‘We’re delighted to have worked in partnership with all stakeholders in the development of the QER method. On behalf of QAA, I would like to give my thanks to everyone who engaged in what has been a very rewarding process. QAA is looking forward to working with everyone in the months ahead as we implement the new method.’

QAA will be providing further opportunities in the autumn for all parties engaged in the review process to come together to discuss and agree a common understanding to some of the key parts in the implementation of the new review process.