POLICY: School Governance and Management - Quality Assurance Framework POLICY URL: https://lsi-ac.uk/policy/4eb1d1c8-a40f-41ef-aeec-e3a2838453ac POLICY STATEMENT: The School is committed to delivering high-quality education that meets the standards recognised across the higher education sector and aligns with relevant external regulatory requirements, including those set by the Office for Students (OfS) and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Our vision is to forge leaders for an AI-augmented tomorrow, focusing on technology and transformation programmes. We strive to provide an enriching academic experience that fosters innovation, supports student engagement, and promotes continuous improvement across all operations, including teaching, learning, assessment, programme development, student support, and research. POLICY PRINCIPLES: ------------------ - Student-Centred Learning: Prioritising student needs and preferences in all aspects of the educational experience, fostering engagement and success; - Continuous Improvement: Embracing a culture of ongoing evaluation and enhancement of educational practices, ensuring relevance and effectiveness; - Academic Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of honesty and ethics in academic work, promoting trust and respect within the academic community; - Transparency: Maintaining open communication regarding processes, decisions, and outcomes, fostering trust among all stakeholders; - Inclusivity: Creating an inclusive environment that respects diverse perspectives and backgrounds, enhancing the learning experience for all students; - Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork and partnerships among students, faculty, and external stakeholders to enrich the educational experience; - Innovation: Integrating advanced methodologies and technology in teaching and learning, preparing students for leadership roles in an evolving landscape; - Responsiveness: Actively seeking and incorporating feedback from students and stakeholders to improve programmes and support services; - Quality Assurance: Establishing robust mechanisms for monitoring, evaluating, and enhancing academic quality and standards across all operations; - Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term viability of academic programmes and support structures through sound governance and resource management. REGULATORY CONTEXT: ------------------ This Policy has been developed in line with the applicable laws, regulations, regulatory advice, and sector best practices, including the following: R1. Committee of University Chairs : The Higher Education Code of Governance - A code aimed at ensuring the highest levels of governance at higher education institutions. R2. Quality Assurance Agency (QAA): The Quality Code - This code represents a shared understanding of quality practice across the UK higher education sector, protecting public and student interests and championing the UK's reputation for quality. R3. Quality Assurance Agency (QAA): Subject Benchmark Statement - Computing - It describes the nature and characteristics of awards in computing and what graduates are expected to know, understand and be able to do. R4. Office for Students (OfS): Sector-recognised standards - The standards set with regards to B5 and B8 of the OfS' conditions of registration for higher education institutions. R5. Office for Students (OfS): Regulatory framework for higher education in England - This framework outlines OfS' primary aim to ensure positive outcomes for students, including access, success, and progress in higher education. It covers quality academic experience, progress into employment, and value for money. METRICS AND KPIS: ------------------ The following metrics will be measured and regularly reviewed as key performance indicators for the School to ensure the effectiveness of this policy and associated operations: M1. Adoption Rate of Innovative Learning Technologies: This KPI measures the percentage of academic programmes that integrate educational technology (EdTech) tools such as virtual learning environments, digital assessments, and online collaborative platforms. To enhance the quality of teaching and learning experiences by leveraging modern educational technologies, ensuring students are exposed to innovative, flexible, and efficient learning methods. M2. Curriculum Review and Update Rate: This KPI tracks the frequency and percentage of programmes undergoing formal curriculum evaluations and updates within a defined review cycle. To maintain academic excellence and relevance by regularly updating course content in line with industry trends, technological advancements, and student feedback. M3. Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 Months: This KPI assesses the percentage of graduates securing full-time employment, further study, or entrepreneurial ventures within six months of graduation. To ensure that academic programmes are aligned with market demands, producing graduates who are highly employable and able to contribute meaningfully to the workforce. M4. Industry Partnership Engagement Index: This KPI measures the depth and breadth of collaboration with industry partners, including joint research, internships, guest lectures, and input into programme development. To strengthen the university’s ties with industry, ensuring that academic programmes are responsive to real-world needs and that students benefit from hands-on, practical experiences. M5. On-Time Graduation Rate: This KPI monitors the percentage of students who complete their degree programmes within the standard time frame (e.g., three years for undergraduates). To enhance student retention and success rates, ensuring that students receive the necessary support and resources to graduate within the expected period, reducing time to employment and boosting institutional efficiency. SECTION 1: Quality Assurance Governance ------------------ 1.1. Board of Governors: As contained in the Governance Statement, the Board of Governors is responsible for the School's strategic vision, regulatory compliance, and maintenance of academic standards, managing the Scheme of Delegation; This structure ensures accountability and alignment of academic and strategic priorities. 1.2. Academic Board: The Academic Board is the senior academic authority overseeing academic quality and standards, reporting directly to the Board of Governors. Its terms of reference are set out in the Governance Statement; This board is central to maintaining the integrity and quality of academic programmes, fostering excellence in education. 1.3. Executive Committee: The Executive Committee is responsible for strategic decision-making, operational oversight, and ensuring the implementation of the School’s regulations and policies. Its terms of reference are set out in the Governance Statement; This Committee plays a key role in driving the School’s strategic initiatives, ensuring that institutional goals are met effectively and efficiently. 1.4. Quality, Compliance, and Audit Committee: The Quality, Compliance, and Audit Committee oversees the School’s internal audit charter, which incorporates quality benchmarks and compliance standards, ensuring School accountability and reporting directly to the Board of Governors to maintain quality. Its terms of reference are set out in the Governance Statement; This Committee is pivotal in upholding quality across the School by regularly reviewing internal audits, aligning practices with established benchmarks, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards to foster continuous improvement and institutional integrity. SECTION 2: Programme Design, Approval, and Review ------------------ 2.1. New Programme Approval (by Academic Board): Under the New Programme and Module Approval and Modification Regulations, academic programmes must meet three approval rules - strategic, operational, and academic - before they can be marketed and delivered. Stakeholders, including potential students, must be consulted and academic approval requires the engagement of external academic experts; This ensures that all programmes align with strategic goals, operational capacity, and academic standards, including sector-recognised standards. 2.2. Periodic Review and Modifications (by Academic Board): Existing programmes are reviewed under revalidation provisions in the New Programme and Module Approval and Modification Regulations to ensure they meet current standards and remain relevant. Student feedback, in particular, is very important in this process. The Programme and Module Modification Policy enable programmes and modules to be reviewed and updated; This maintains the integrity and effectiveness of the curriculum, adapting to changing industry needs. 2.3. Industry Engagement and Alignment (by Programmes and Module Leaders Team): Programmes are designed to meet industry demands, fostering technical skills alongside communication and analytical abilities. This is integrated within the programme and module approval rules within the New Programme and Module Approval and Modification Regulations. The Employer Partnerships Team collaborates closely with employers and other external stakeholders; This prepares students for professional success in a competitive job market. SECTION 3: Teaching and Learning Practices ------------------ 3.1. Teaching and Learning (by Director of Education): The Learning and Teaching Strategy incorporates the School’s graduate attributes and emphasises innovative programmes and pedagogical research and approaches, including the use of AI and student-centred learning. Learning analytics are closely used in assessing student performance, identifying patterns, and providing personalised feedback; This enhances student engagement and prepares graduates for leadership roles in an AI-augmented future. 3.2. Support for Teaching Staff (by Director of Education): Under the Staff Induction and Development Policy and Teaching and Learning Policy, the School offers professional development, peer observations, and access to resources to ensure high-quality teaching; This supports continuous improvement in teaching practices and student learning outcomes. 3.3. Research and Innovation (by Director of Education): The School’s research incorporates digital learning and educational technology (EdTech) to enhance teaching effectiveness. This is conducted within the framework of the Research Ethics and Governance Code of Practice and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy; From a quality assurance perspective and utilising our Automated Governance System (AGS), the School leverages AI to identify trends, address potential challenges early, and make data-driven decisions that ensure continuous improvement and alignment with our academic goals. This approach not only supports teaching but also further strengthens the overall quality and effectiveness of our educational offerings.'; This keeps the curriculum dynamic and relevant in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. SECTION 4: Assessment and Feedback Processes ------------------ 4.1. Assessment Strategy (by Director of Education): Under the Assessment Regulations, the School's formative and summative assessments align with the School’s teaching systems, programme and module outcomes, and level-based, generic assessment criteria, employing varied methods to gauge student understanding; This ensures comprehensive evaluation of student learning and promotes varied skill development. 4.2. Marking and Scrutiny (by Director of Education): The Assessment Regulations set out principles for marking. Marking involves double marking for all project modules or internal moderation for all other modules to ensure fairness and consistency. Modules leaders work closely with external examiners; This maintains high academic standards and promotes trust in the assessment process. 4.3. Feedback Mechanisms (by Module Leader): Timely, clear, and constructive feedback is provided to students within 20 working days, enhancing their learning experience; This supports student progression and fosters a culture of transparency and accountability. SECTION 5: Student Support and Engagement ------------------ 5.1. Personal Academic Tutors (PATs) (by Director of Student Services ): Under the Personal Academic Tutoring (PAT) Policy, regular meetings are held between students and their Personal Academic Tutors (PATs), with additional support from the Student Success Team, to provide tailored academic guidance and support; This ensures that students receive personalised attention, enhancing their academic success and well-being. 5.2. Feedback Channels (by Director of Student Services ): Students are encouraged to participate in surveys, feedback sessions, and School committees, including the Student Experience Committee, to voice their opinions; Engaging students in decision-making processes fosters a sense of community and ownership. 5.3. Support Services (by Director of Student Services ): Comprehensive services, including through the Student Success Team, are provided to address the academic, personal, and professional needs of students. This includes academic counselling, mental health services, career guidance, and disability support; This enhances the overall student experience and supports their journey toward academic success. SECTION 6: External Scrutiny and Examiners ------------------ 6.1. External Examiners Regulations (by Academic Board): Under the External Examiners Regulations, external examiners provide external expertise and benchmarking on academic standards and impartial advice on modules and programmes; This incorporates an external perspective to maintain academic integrity and standards. 6.2. Feedback Mechanisms (by Module Leader): External examiners review a sample of scripts and provide feedback to enhance assessment practices; This promotes transparency and fairness in the marking process, ensuring compliance with academic standards. 6.3. Continuous Improvement (by Academic Board): External examiners provide reports to module and programme leaders, as well as the Academic Board, and also attend exam boards. Under the External Examiner Regulations, module and programme leaders, along with the Chair of the Academic Board, are required to engage with external examiners. Insights from these examiners contribute to the continuous enhancement of academic programmes; This ensures that the School remains responsive to industry trends and academic developments. SECTION 7: Monitoring and Review ------------------ 7.1. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (by Executive Committee): All regulations and policies have integrated indicators, informing School reports and continuous improvement. The School also regularly monitors academic quality using metrics, such as student progression, completion rates, and satisfaction surveys; This provides measurable benchmarks to assess the effectiveness of academic programmes and student support services. 7.2. Monitoring Reports (by Executive Committee): Under the Monitoring and Evaluation Regulations, module and programme leaders, along with School directors, are responsible for submitting detailed reports, including those on learning and teaching, student engagement, and module and programme results, to the Academic Board. This is used to inform changes. The Academic Board compiles this information and presents it to the Board of Governors. This process facilitates regular, data-driven reviews of programmes and modules across the School. Additionally, the School publishes an annual report that highlights key achievements, outlines challenges encountered, and details the academic and quality improvements made throughout the year; This ensures transparency and accountability in evaluating academic quality. 7.3. Institutional Review and Risk Management (by Executive Committee): Regular surveys and feedback tools capture student satisfaction with teaching, services, and campus life. The School undergoes periodic reviews by a dedicated Quality, Compliance, and Audit Committee and Academic Board (School senior academic authority) to assess overall academic quality and compliance. It has an internal audit charter covering matters like operational and compliance audits. It has a risk register for identifying risks that could impact academic and operational quality, including changes in regulatory frameworks, funding, and market demand. Its Information Technology (IT) Infrastructure Management Policy includes an IT Incident Response Plan, and the Risk Management Policy addresses Crisis and Incident Management; This validates the effectiveness of the quality assurance framework and identifies areas for improvement. SECTION 8: Continuous Improvement ------------------ 8.1. Quality Enhancement Practices (by Executive Committee): The School fosters a culture of continuous improvement through data collection, regular reporting, reflective practice, peer observations, and staff development. There is periodic self-evaluation by departments and teams to identify strengths and weaknesses; This supports staff in enhancing teaching quality and student engagement. 8.2. Action Plans (by Executive Committee): Feedback from quality processes, including student surveys and director reports, leads to actionable improvements in academic programmes. Plans address identified gaps or areas of improvement in academic, administrative, and support services; This ensures that the School adapts to feedback and continuously enhances the educational experience. 8.3. Staff Development (by Executive Committee): The School supports ongoing professional development to enhance teaching quality and research output; This invests in staff to promote excellence in teaching and learning. SECTION 9: Complaints, Appeals, and Misconduct ------------------ 9.1. Complaints Procedure (by Director of Student Services ): Under the Student Complaints and Academic Appeals Policy, students can raise concerns about their academic experience, with clear processes in place for addressing issues, including informal resolution mechanisms. The Student Success Team is available to support students throughout this process; This ensures that student grievances are managed fairly and transparently. 9.2. Academic Appeals (by Academic Board): The Examination Boards and Academic Appeal Regulations outline the process for students to appeal academic decisions, such as grades or progression; This promotes fairness and accountability in academic assessment. 9.3. Academic Misconduct Regulations (by Academic Misconduct Panel): Clear procedures are in place to address plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of misconduct; This upholds academic integrity and maintains trust within the academic community. SECTION 10: Records and Documentation Management ------------------ 10.1. Record Maintenance (by Executive Committee): Quality assurance records are systematically maintained through an Automated Governance System (AGS), including meeting minutes and programme approval documentation. Maintaining a clear audit trail for decisions made in QA processes (e.g., programme approval, assessment, and student appeals) ensures transparency and accountability. Student data and quality assurance records are managed in compliance with data protection laws under the Data Protection Policy; This ensures transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. 10.2. Quality Assurance Framework Review (by Board of Governors): Regular reviews and updates of this framework reflect changes in regulations and institutional priorities; This keeps the quality assurance processes relevant and effective. 10.3. Retention Schedule (by Executive Committee): The School has a Retention Schedule and Policy and is committed to managing records responsibly through systematic retention and secure disposal of documents; This promotes compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.