Agenda item

Report by the Principal.

Members received a Report of the Principal concerning academic quality and standards assurance.

Officers clarified that the main basis for assurance to the Office for Students (OFS) was due later down the line (December), and this report is an interim measure to ensure the Board was aligned and assured about its responsibilities.

Furthermore, officers explained that the learning and teaching strategy was on hold as they needed to resolve where this sit. In addition, the digital strategy is in the process of being set up, officers are liaising with HR currently.

Board Members were concerned with the status of marking and moderation; this was due in large part to gaps in the workforce, a succession of individuals had recently departed.

Discussion turned to (re) validation, which, officers confirmed, is a standing agenda item for the Programme Leaders’ Group, where the concern remains that a one size fits all approach is not fit for purpose. Members responded that it should be possible to identify high level principles that can be applied across the board (so dance, music, drama etc) and then go down to a granular level to cater for different needs. Members and officers agreed that we weren’t there yet, and a report would come back in November outlining options to go forward.

RESOLVED – that the Board received these reports for information and considered the update to the action plan provided sufficient evidence for the Board to be assured about its responsibilities.