Annual review and enhancement
The annual review and enhancement (ARE) process provides each school, college and the university the opportunity to pause and reflect on our education provision - what has worked well and what changes need to be put in place?
Co-ordinated at college level, the process is developed around a portfolio of evidence related to baseline regulatory requirements and institutional enhancement activities. Our approach is based on the following principles:
Evidence-based
The process uses a range of data that underpins each area of focus, allowing for both a local and strategic approach to review and development. You'll be able to discuss the data at the time it becomes available giving you the opportunity to make recommendations and actions at a point when it will have the most impact.
Proportionate
The process takes account of the differences in size and shape of each school - it is not a 'one size fits all' approach. It's still important that you reflect on all data but you'll only be required to provide action plans where the data identifies the outcomes are borderline or below benchmark.
Timely
The process has been designed to enable discussions at the time the data becomes available. This avoids any duplication of effort and the outcomes of the discussions can be implemented without having to wait until the end of the academic cycle.
Connected
The areas of focus of ARE reflect the typical cycle of business for the school Education and Student Experience Committee, Boards of Studies and school Postgraduate Research Committees.
Monitoring and evaluation
An Education Performance Oversight Group (EPOG) has been established by the Education and Student Experience Committee to scrutinise student survey results, identifying areas for support and enhanced monitoring, and review action plans and their delivery to improve the student experience.
Notwithstanding the role of EPOG in scrutinising student survey result and action plans of schools below threshold, there remains a requirement for the Academic Standards and Quality Committee to routinely receive assurances from the colleges that all schools have agreed actions plans which address the key matters identified for enhancement arising from discussions on the ARE areas of focus.
Areas of focus
The areas of focus are reviewed each year by the Academic Standards and Quality Committee to ensure they remain fit for purpose and there are clear links to external regulatory requirements and institutional enhancement activity.