City College Coventry Action Plan
Higher Education Review
City College Coventry Action Plan
1 City College Coventry Higher Education Review Action Plan
Risk Rating Key G (Green) complete and/or now meets UK expectations A (Amber) action underway R (Red) action not yet started
Slippage deadline missed
Recommendations Judgement Action Meets / exceeds UK expectations
Person Responsible
Monitored by
Milestones Evidence Deadline Progress and impact against actions and milestones
Risk rating (RAG)
1. Ensure the Higher Education College Committee fulfils its terms of reference, to provide effective strategic leadership and oversight of higher education. A2.1, B1, B6.
There is not a dedicated voice representing higher education on the colleges senior management team. Expectations A2.1, B1, B6.
Principal Steve Logan to become Chair of the HE College Committee.
A dedicated voice to represent HE on the colleges senior management team and at QPC.
Principal (SL)
HE Com Principal to become SMT dedicated voice 9
th Jan 2015.
Mins of HE Com 1st
March 2015
Progress: HE now has stronger strategic oversight and leadership and at least meets UK expectations.
G
Establish a sub-group to review the action plan on a monthly basis beginning 17
th Dec
2014.
The terms of reference indicate that in the future a more strategic emphasis will be placed on HE matters; the review team judged that this emphasis is not yet fully in place. Ensure the standards of awards and the quality of the students learning opportunities are
Review the HE Committees terms of reference, membership, schedule of meetings and the relationship with regard to associated meetings, SMT, QPC and course approval boards.
The terms of reference for the Higher Education Committee to have a strategic emphasis to include oversight of external examiners reports and the self-assessment reports.
Principal (SL)
HE Com Terms of reference and membership to be reviewed at HE Committee 9
th Jan
2015
ToRs 1st
March 2015
Progress: Terms of reference and membership approved at HE Committee.
G
Chair of HE Committee approved (Principal) at HE Committee 9
th
Jan 2015.
Mins of HE Com Progress: Principal approved as Chair giving high level priority to HE provision.
G
Agenda to have: enhancement; quality and standards as
Develop set agenda with strategic emphasis by 16
th
Mar 2015.
Agendas Progress: Agenda developed with strategic and quality emphasis.
G
Glossary HE Com Higher Education College Committee APSLS Assistant Principal Student & Learning Services HILT Head of Information and Learning Technologies HTL Head of Teaching and Learning HoS Heads of School HQI Head of Quality Improvement QPC Quality and Performance Committee SMT Senior Management Team
2 City College Coventry Higher Education Review Action Plan
routinely addressed. A2.1, B1, B6.
regular items.
Develop an annual schedule of meetings by 16
th
Mar 2015.
Annual schedule
Progress: Annual schedule for 2015 produced. Impact: purpose of committee clarified and now meets UK expectations.
G
Recommendations Judgement Action Meets / exceeds UK expectations
Person Responsible
Monitored by
Milestones and interim impact measures
Evidence Deadline Progress and impact against actions and milestones
Risk rating (RAG)
2. Encourage and enable effective student representation on the HE Committee as set out in the terms of reference. B5.
The terms of reference for the HE committee suggest that students should have representatives at the HE College Committee and at HE course meetings. However, the review team found that students had not fulfilled this role. B5.
HoS to liaise with HE students to identify four student representatives for the HE Committee.
Two students will be in attendance; two in reserve. (B5 Student engagement)
HoS Business & Access (RT)
HE Com Identify student representative by 9
th Jan 2015.
Mins HE Com 16
th Mar
1st
March 2015
Progress Jan: student representatives invited to HE Committee, (with 2 further students in reserve). Progress Mar: Full representation of students at HE Committee 16
th
March and good contribution to discussions
G
Additional names to be submitted by 16
th Jan 2015.
Recommendations Judgement Action Meets / exceeds UK expectations
Person Responsible
Monitored by
Milestones and interim impact measures
Evidence Deadline Progress and impact against actions and milestones
Risk rating (RAG)
3. Formalise, document, and train staff in course approval processes. B1, C
The team concludes that the approval process is not systematic or consistent in its operation. Roles and responsibilities for the individuals and committees involved are unclear and the method by
Develop a new HE course approval policy and HE course approval process
HE course approval policy which identifies roles and responsibilities for the individuals and committees involved and the method by which staff will be informed of the course approval process.
Head of Teaching and Learning (AR)
HE Com Draft course approval policy and process to be presented to HE Committee 16
th Mar
2015.
Policy, process documents; Mins HE Com 16th Mar.
22nd
May 2015
Progress Mar: Revised policy and process presented to HE Committee 16
th
March. HE Course Approval Committee has been established. A first meeting has taken place. Heads have been briefed on the approval process for new courses.
G
Final policy and process presented for approval to HE Com 12
th May.
Policy, process documents. Mins HE Com 12
th May.
3 City College Coventry Higher Education Review Action Plan
which staff were informed of the new process was opaque. B1, C.
Systematic / consistent HE course approval process.
Train all HE teaching staff on revised Course Approval process 2015-16.
Course Approval process briefing. At HE Conference 30
th
June
Conference agenda, record of attendance & evaluation
30th June 2015
Progress August: All relevant staff have attended HE Conference Impact 100% agreed with the survey statement I understand what to do if I want to submit an idea for a new course at HE
G
Recommendations Judgement Action Meets/exceeds UK expectations
Person Responsible
Monitored by
Milestones and interim impact measures
Evidence Deadline Progress and impact against actions and milestones
Risk rating (RAG)
4. Use appropriate external expertise in the design and development of programmes. B1
The role of this external member is limited to the approval stage, and does not include the design and development of programmes. B1
Identify an external expert who will provide input in the design and development of programmes.
All courses submitted for course approval will have benefitted from the input of external expertise in their design and development.
Heads of School
HE Com External expertise is to be added as an additional requirement of the course approval and annual course review processes from 16
th Mar 2015.
Programme reviews. Course approval forms Email comm.
22nd
May 2015
Progress Mar: Draft course approval process presented to HE Committee 16
th
Mar 2015 & now finalised
G
Invite/use external feedback (beyond external examiners) course approval and annual course review processes
Communicate the need for external expertise in course design by 1 May 2015.
Recommendations Judgement Action Meets/exceeds UK expectations
Person Responsible
Monitored by
Milestones and interim impact measures
Evidence Deadline Progress and impact against actions and milestones
Risk rating (RAG)
5. Formally agree, and communicate to students, an academic appeals process that aligns with the awarding
Detailed appeals procedures do not feature consistently in student handbooks and some do not note the availability of a
Review current appeals process by 12th March 2015 to ensure consistency with awarding organisations
New student handbooks and public information provide consistent information.
Head of Teaching and Learning (AR) and HoS Business &
HE Com Audit existing handbooks by 30th Jan 2015.
Training with teachers (to include students) to be
Academic Appeals process 2014-15 Meeting notes. BTEC Centre
22nd
May 2015
Progress Jan: HTL has audited handbooks. Appeals process has been reviewed and discussed with Pearson centre reviewer in Jan 2015.
G
4 City College Coventry Higher Education Review Action Plan
organisation's appeals policy. B9
formal process. B9 policy.
Access (RT). completed by 18th March 2015
Teaching staff to inform students of revised appeals process by 25th March 2015.
review reports. Email comm. Student handbooks.
Progress Feb: Meeting held 2
nd Feb
2015 with HoS (RT), HTL (AR), HQI (ARB) to identify the sources of all public information for review. Progress Mar: Training completed 18
th March. Staff
members and HE committee now have access to the HE portal containing all key HE-related documents.
Review and revise all existing student handbooks to ensure appeals procedure is consistent and contextualised for the relevant awarding body or awarding organisation.
Review and revise all public information to ensure appeals procedure is consistent.
HE handbooks to signpost awarding organisation appeals policy.
Academic appeals process aligned to the awarding body appeals policy. Student forums confirm that students have a clear understanding of the process.
Head of Teaching and Learning (AR)
HE Com Student forum May 2015 identifies students have a clear understanding of process.
HE handbook 2014-15
22nd
May 2015
Appeals process has been reviewed and discussed with Pearson centre reviewer in Jan 2015. Student Forums taken place in March and planned for May 2015
G
Disseminate information to Student & Learning Support team by 22 May 2015
Email comm
Communicate to HE students.
All students aware of any changes to the HE handbook. Assessment training for
Head of Teaching and Learning (AR)
HE Com Student reps invited to assessment training event to discuss changes 16th Mar 2015.
Email comm
22nd
May 2015
Progress Mar: Students unable to attend training, so rescheduled meeting with AR w/c 20 April 2015.
G
5 City College Coventry Higher Education Review Action Plan
students to improve their assessment literacy so that they become more effective student reps.
Teaching staff to inform students of appeals process by 25
th March and
included as a note on all new assignment briefs in Term 3.
Assignment briefs
Teaching staff amending assignment briefs with reference to assessment and appeals process.
Student forum May 2015 confirms students have a clear understanding of process.
Mins of forum
Create a single HE information page on the college intranet for students (including policy and procedures).
All students have access to all HE information.
Head of Business & Access
HE Com Draft page with links accessible to staff.
Screenshot and intranet link
22nd
May 2015
Progress: Information page ready to go live once policies are finalised. Intranet page now live.
G
6 City College Coventry Higher Education Review Action Plan
Recommendations Judgement Action Meets/exceeds UK expectations
Person Responsible
Monitored by
Milestones and interim impact measures
Evidence Deadline Progress and impact against actions and milestones
Risk rating (RAG)
6. Ensure assessment regulations are compliant with awarding organisation guidelines and are accessible to staff and students. B6, A2.2, C
The review team found that this localised practice and lack of College oversight could result in variable, inequitable, and therefore unreliable treatment of student work during the assessment process. B6, A2.2, C
Undertake a series of audits to ensure full compliance with awarding bodies Include HE assessment evidence, policies and procedures in Pearson Centre Review Revise and produce HE assessment handbook and procedures.
Standardised approach to assessment practice (for Pearson provision).
Head of Teaching and Learning (AR)
HE Com HTL to check procedures and test existing policy with Pearson Centre Reviewer and audit assessment processes (for Pearson provision) by 30th Jan 2015.
Centre review reports
7th
Sept 2015
Progress: HTL has sampled assessment documents and checked with centre reviewer re Pearson procedures.
G
Staff training on existing HE Assessment Regulations to be completed by March 18
th.
TDS plan HR Select records
Training completed 16
th March and
Wednesday 18th
March.
Revise HE Assessment Regulations & Code of Practice following centre review to be submitted for final approval to HE Committee by 25
th
June 2015.
HE Assessment Regulations & Code of Practice 2015-16
Approved at HE Committee 25th June 2015.
HE Assessment Regulations & Code of Practice 2015-16 to be shared with
staff by 30th
June
2015
Agenda and
Minutes of
meeting.
Shared with staff during HE conference on 30 June 2015. Impact 100% of staff agreed in survey I understand the revised HE Assessment Regulations and Academic Appeals Process
7 City College Coventry Higher Education Review Action Plan
HE Assessment Regulations & Code of Practice 2015-16 to be uploaded to
Intranet and shared
with students at
Induction 3 Sept.
2015.
HE Assessment
Regulations &
Code of
Practice 2015-
16 on Intranet
HE Assessment Regulations & Code of Practice 2015-16 uploaded 23 July 2015.
Follow up training on Assessment Practices to be held with teachers on 30th June.
Conference agenda, record of attendance & evaluation
HE Conference on 30
th June 2015 and
Evaluation completed. Impact 100% of staff agreed in survey I understand the revised HE Assessment Regulations and Academic Appeals Process
Assessment documents to be audited for compliance to procedures by 3
rd
Sept.
Audit reports Assessment Handbook
IQA reports confirm
that all assessments
and briefs are
compliant with BTEC
HE regulations. No EE
blocks for 2014/15.
Audit carried out by
AR Sept 2013.
Recommendations Judgement Action Meets/exceeds UK expectations
Person Responsible
Monitored by
Milestones and interim impact measures
Evidence Deadline Progress and impact against actions and milestones
Risk rating (RAG)
7. Provide staff training on assessment policies and
Remedial action focused on changes to internal verification specific to the programme,
Deliver remedial staff training on assessment policies and procedures.
All staff trained and aware of existing the HE Assessment Regulations procedure and
Head of Teaching and Learning (AR)
HE Com Assessment Regulations and procedure training to be arranged with HR, added to
TDS plan
7th
Sept 2015
Training completed 16
th March and
Wednesday 18th
March.
G
8 City College Coventry Higher Education Review Action Plan
processes. B6, A3.2
and not on broader staff training to enhance understanding of the assessment of learning outcomes. B6, A3.2
Develop induction arrangements for new HE staff to include training on assessment policies and processes.
process. 100% of staff agree that they are aware of assessment policies and procedures following training. 100% of staff following audit demonstrate that they are effectively applying assessment policies and processes. No negative EE reports 2014/15.
Training and Development plan 13
th Mar 2015.
Reports and actions reviewed by Quality and considered by HE Committee May & June 2015. HE Conference on 30
th June 2015 and
Evaluation completed.
Conduct an audit to review the impact of the Assessment Regulations and procedures by the end of May 2015.
Audit report and SV reports
Develop an on-going programme of support/CPD for assessment.
Plan and deliver an annual HE staff conference by 30th June.
TDS plan
9 City College Coventry Higher Education Review Action Plan
Recommendations Judgement Action Meets/exceeds UK expectations
Person Responsible
Monitored by
Milestones and interim impact measures
Evidence Deadline Progress and impact against actions and milestones
Risk rating (RAG)
8. Ensure that course external examiner and verifier reports are considered at a senior cross-college level. B7
Minutes of the HE College Committee do not provide evidence that external examining has been discussed. B7
Present course external examiner and verifier reports to each HE Committee. Include as a set agenda item.
All external examiner reports reviewed and considered by HE Committee as standing item.
Head of Teaching and Learning (AR) HQI (PA)
HE Com Present an annual summary report for 2013-14 to HE Com on 16
th March.
Agendas. External examiner reports. Annual Summary Report 2013-14
7th
Sept 2015
Progress: Annual summary presented to HE Committee 16
th
March.
G
Present all new external quality assurance reports to HE Committee from the 12
th May
2015 onwards.
HNC Performing Arts and DET Reports presented on 12
th
May. HNC Business presented on 25
th
June
Examiner reports now a standing item on agenda.
Recommendations Judgement Action Meets/exceeds UK expectations
Person Responsible
Monitored by
Milestones and interim impact measures
Evidence Deadline Progress and impact against actions and milestones
Risk rating (RAG)
9. Make information about complaints and academic appeal procedures consistently available to students in handbooks and other accessible media. B9, C
The review team examined the student VLE, including the site that hosts course information and the student intranet, and found that the complaints and appeals procedures were not readily available through either the search function or through the tabs. B9, C
HE handbooks and HE assessment procedures to signpost information.
All staff and students aware of complaint and appeals process.
Head of Teaching and Learning (AR)
HE Com Produce contents for information page by 25
th April
2015.
HE Assessment Regulations & Code of Practice 2015-16 Complaints Policy Intranet site screenshot and link
30th
June 2015
Progress March: Added in HE assessment handbook and included in assessment training on 16
th / 18
th March.
G
HE Assessment Regulations & Code of Practice 2015-16 completed by 22nd May 2015.
All documents to be presented to the HE Com by 25th June.
Progress June: Presented and approved by HE Committee Progress June: Intranet Page set up. HE Assessment Regulations & Code of Practice 2015-16,
A single information page is created on the college intranet for students . All documents to be
10 City College Coventry Higher Education Review Action Plan
uploaded to the intranet site by 30
th
June.
Guidance for Class Reps, NUS Guide and HE Student Handbook uploaded 23 July 2015. HE Conference on 30
th June 2015
Course Handbooks and HE Student Handbooks now updated for 2015-16. Student Handbooks checked by AR and distributed and on Moodle & student intranet
Disseminate information to Student & Learning Services support teams by 30
th June
2015.
HE Conference agenda, record of attendance & evaluation
All course handbooks to be referenced/indexed to the new complaints and academic appeals policies and procedures by 30
th
June.
Course Handbooks for 2015-16
Recommendations Judgement Action Meets / exceeds UK expectations
Person Responsible
Monitored by
Milestones and interim impact measures
Evidence Deadline Progress and impact against actions and milestones
Risk rating (RAG)
10. Produce information about learning opportunities that is fit for purpose and accessible. C, B3
There is a lack of definitive information available to, and used by, staff on key college processes, course approval and assessment regulations regarding late submissions, resubmissions and referrals. Information on complaints and appeals is not made
Annual review and revision of all student handbooks.
New student handbooks, intranet and public information provide consistent information. Information on assessment regulations, complaints and appeals is accessible via signposting in handbooks and through college
Head of Teaching and Learning (AR) and HoS Business & Access (RT).
HE Com Revised handbooks for 2015-16 by 15
th
July 2015.
HE Assessment Regulations & Code of Practice 2015-16 Website screenshot and link to Student Intranet
24th
Sept 2015
Progress: HoS (RT) checked and reviewed public information on website and updated for consistency. Student Intranet now updated with revised handbooks, regulations, complaints and appeals procedures. Link to Warwick Uni. Student information
G
Annual review and revision of all public information.
All documents to be uploaded to the intranet site 15
th
July 2015. Annual review of Course Portfolio Manager and Moodle sites for HE programmes.
Moodle sites updated by 15
th July
2015.
Disseminate information to Student & Learning Support team by 30
th June 2015
11 City College Coventry Higher Education Review Action Plan
sufficiently accessible through either handbooks or other media to students. Handbooks lack full information of the full assessment regulations relevant to students' courses.
intranet page Survey feedback confirms staff understand the course approval process. Survey feedback confirms staff understand assessment regulations regarding late submissions, resubmissions and referrals.
Disseminate information to all academic staff by 30
th June.
Staff HE portal, information and documentation Staff survey feedback
provided on college intranet.. Staff members and the HE committee now have access to the HE portal containing all updated key HE-related documents, including new course approval process and paperwork.
Create a single HE information page on the college intranet for students (including policy and procedures).
All students have access to comprehensive HE information.
HoS Business & Access
HE Com All documents to be uploaded to the intranet site by 22
nd
May Site is live by 5
th
June.
Intranet -screenshot and link
22nd
May 2015
Progress: Information page ready to go live once policies are finalised. Progress Jun: Intranet page now live.
G
12 City College Coventry Higher Education Review Action Plan
Recommendations / Affirmation
Judgement Action Meets / exceeds UK expectations
Person Responsible
Monitored by
Milestones and interim impact measures
Evidence Deadline Progress and impact against actions and milestones
Risk rating (RAG)
11. Deliver student representative training. B5
Student representatives have not received formal training from the college although the students with whom the team met expressed an interest in this. The College plans to implement such training and the review team affirms this.
The college to meet learners to identify their needs in relation to their role. The college to plan, organise and deliver training for HE reps.
Representatives report that they know how to be effective in their role.
APSLS HQI
HE Com HoS to organise meeting with reps by 27 April 2015. APSLS to identify reps needs in fulfilling their role by 8
th May 2015
APSLS to provide formal training for students reps (including the issue of gathering information from their peers and on participating in committees) by 15
th
May 2015. Rep training added to quality cycle by 27 April 2015.
HE Student Representative Support & Training 2015/2016 Report. New Reps elected for 2015-16 and identified for training for HE Committee role.
22nd
May 2015
Progress: reps informed of initial meeting, scheduled for summer term. Progress June: Students met with Head of SLS and report produced. New training to be provided to Reps in October. Guidance for HE Reps added to Student Intranet site.
G
13 City College Coventry Higher Education Review Action Plan
Recommendations / Affirmation
Judgement Action Meets / exceeds UK expectations
Person Responsible
Monitored by
Milestones and interim impact measures
Deadline Progress and impact against actions and milestones
Risk rating (RAG)
12. Extend the use of the virtual learning environment (enhancement)
The College has taken steps to train staff on the use of the virtual learning environment (VLE), and has introduced initiatives to enhance use of the VLE.
Promote system of e submission via TurnItIn and Moodle
100% HE modules have an associated Virtual Learning Environment space. 60% of coursework submitted electronically Mark book used for progress tracking on Pearson provision. 40% of Moodle pages to be judged as bronze or better in the college awards systems. Develop the use of eBooks and associated technology within the College to support independent learning.
HILT AP MIS Menu of ILT training available and promoted to all staff. ILT to be included in staff appraisal targets from 7th Sept 2015. Audit of submission methods completed by 10th Dec 2015 Markbook used to track student progress in 100% of Pearson programmes by 17th Dec 2015.
Audit report on Moodle identifies gold, silver and bronze awards by 14th Jan 2016. Trial e-book provision across a number of curriculum areas and establish a model for effective curriculum use by 26 Nov 2015
Moodle and Mark book - screenshot and link; audit reports
Jan 2016
Progress: ILT already included in staff appraisal targets and assessed in formal T&L observations. Personalised, one-to-one and small group training available from the ILT team. Online training available for staff on using Moodle Markbook and other tools. E-book trial started Feb 2015. Audit of updated Mark Book to be conducted by AR, RT & RM for all HN courses Nov 15. Audit of updated Moodle sites to be conducted by AR, RT & RM for all HN courses Nov 15.
G
Recommendations Judgement Action Meets / exceeds UK expectations
Person Responsible
Monitored by
Milestones and interim impact measures
Deadline Progress and impact against actions and milestones
Risk rating (RAG)
14 City College Coventry Higher Education Review Action Plan
13. The maintenance of the academic standards of awards offered on behalf of degree-awarding bodies and other awarding organisations. Understanding and application of credit frameworks and subject benchmarks through staff development and appraisal process. A1 (Expectation MET action to further improve.)
The review team found no evidence of formally arranged staff development in 2013/14 training and development plan, the guide to observers in the lesson observation policy or the guide for appraisers. A1
Identify CPD requirements for HE staff and implement.
All HE staff have a HE-related training and development plan. A HE TDS plan has been implemented.
Assistant Principal HR (MW)
HE Com Additional HE tab added to the current training & development plan. 31st Jan 15. 90% of staff agree that the HE-specific training that they have undertaken throughout the year has helped them improve their practice. (Staff survey 10
th July
2015)
TDS plan Staff survey results
2nd
Sept 2015
Progress: Tab added to TDS plan. Audit of HE staff appraisals has highlighted not all HE staff have specific training targets in 2014.15 related to HE. Meeting held to agree 3 mandatory HE CPD priorities. 12
th Feb 2015 - Staff
on HE programmes paired together to ensure supported experiments have HE focus.
G
Agree current and future HE CPD requirements for TDS plan 31st Jan15.
TDS plan
HE-related supported experiments 2
nd
April 2015.
Supported experiment feedback sheets
HE staff conference 30th June 2015 Personal subject / academic updating 10
th July 2015.
TDS plan
15 City College Coventry Higher Education Review Action Plan
Recommendations / Good Practice
Judgement Action Meets / exceeds UK expectations
Person Responsible
Monitored by
Milestones and interim impact measures
Deadline Progress and impact against actions and milestones
Risk rating (RAG)
14. Capitalise on the good practice in evidence on the 2+2 degree course. B4
The QAA review team identified as good practice the integration of provision for the 2+2 programmes which enables a smooth transition from the college to the awarding body for the final years (Expectation B4).
Strengthen links with the University of Warwick by seeking permission to grow current provision.
Further strengthen links with partner university through growth in provision. Further 2+2 pathways opened.
Principal
HE Com
Initial meeting with the University of Warwick to review future provision and support by 19
th Mar
2015.
Email correspondence
2nd
Sept 2015
Meeting held and approval given for increase in cohort numbers on 2+2. Invitation for college staff to attend range of staff development events and subject seminars. Teaching HE in an FE Environment 2 staff to undertake online course with Warwick University.
g
Build delivery team by converting sessional post into permanent fractional post.
HoS Business & Access
Assistant Principal HR
Review staffing and secure subject expertise for 2015-16 by 1
st Apr 2015.
Job descriptions Org structure
Post approved by SMT April 2015 and appointment made Jun 2015.
Explore options for further 2+2 pathways
Principal
HE Com
Initial meeting with local potential partner institution by 27 Mar 2015.
Email correspondence
Initial meeting held.
Agreed HND + course
with BCU in principle.
Course approved
panel Sept 2015.
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