Quality Assurance

UK colleges and universities providing publicly funded courses must undergo regular inspections, have rigorous self-monitoring systems, student charters and complaints procedures as part of the public funding arrangements.

• Further Education colleges are inspected regularly by OFSTED and the Adult Learning Inspectorate which provide college inspection reports, schedules & other publications.
• Colleges and universities must ensure that their policies, practices & procedures will comply with the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act. In 2003, they will have provide auxiliary aids & by 2005, make reasonable adjustments to buildings where disabled people or students are placed at a substantial disadvantage.

The primary responsibility for improving the quality of provision lies with the provider. It is vital that providers themselves regularly evaluate all aspects of their provision and seek to improve its quality continuously. The process of continuous improvement by a provider should include:

• self-assessment
• development-planning and target-setting
• monitoring and reviewing the extent to which plans are achieved and targets are met
• sharing good practice
• external inspection

Providers are required to produce a self-assessment report annually.