Enhancement-led institutional review (ELIR)
Overview
Enhancement-led institutional review (ELIR) is one of five main elements of the Quality Enhancement Framework (QEF); Scotland’s approach to managing the quality of the student learning experience and providing public confidence in the quality and standards of higher education. Developed by the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, Universities Scotland, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Scotland (QAA Scotland) and student representative bodies, ELIR was introduced to the higher education sector in 2003-04.
The scheme operates on a five-year cycle. All Scottish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) were reviewed under this system during the period January 2004 - August 2007 and the QAA embarked on its second round of ELIR in January 2009. The University of St Andrews was reviewed in February and March 2006 and is due to be reviewed again in February and March 2011.
ELIR 2005/2006
As part of the 2005/2006 review process, the University provided a Reflective Analysis which describes and evaluates the University's approach to learning and teaching; focusing on quality assurance, the student experience and the University's quality enhancement strategy. A Supplement (PDF, 5,350 KB) which contains 3 case studies to illustrate aspects of our teaching and how innovation is encouraged and 18 school summaries) was also provided. A report was written for the QAA following our review, and that and reports for all other institutions can be found on the QAA website.
ELIR 2010/2011
The University of St Andrews is scheduled to be reviewed during academic year 2010-2011 as follows:
- Part 1: 16-17 February 2011 (2 days)
- Part 2: 21-25 March 2011 (up to 5 days)
ELIR 2010/2011 reflective analysis (version 10 as at 11 October 2010).
ELIR process
A review team of colleagues from within the HE sector, both nationally and internationally, will be assembled by QAA and will come to the University on the above dates to meet with some staff and students and to study documentation. They will be supported by an Assistant Director of the QAA during the whole process. They will already have received the University’s Reflective Analysis which is the evaluative document that will set the tone for the review. The team will concentrate on three main aspects of quality assurance and academic standards:
- Management of the Student Learning Experience
- Institution-led monitoring and review of quality and standards
- Strategic approach to quality and standards
Following the two visits the team will collaborate with QAA to develop a report which the University will receive within 20 weeks of the end of the Part 2 visit. The review will make judgement on whether the institution is managing the security of academic standards effectively.
University preparations
To manage the preparation of the institution's Reflective Analysis and activities that support this, an ELIR Working Group was established in January 2010. Its membership comprises:
- Professor Roy Dilley, Dean of Arts
- Professor Simon Guild, Director of Teaching, School of Medicine
- Nicola Milton, Deans’ Policy Support Officer
- Carol Morris, Director of SALTIRE and Learning & Teaching Quality Officer
- Siena Parker, Director of Representation, Students’ Association
- Ros Steven, Academic Staff Development Adviser
- Professor Alyson Tobin, Dean of Science
- Professor Pat Willmer, Vice Principal (Learning & Teaching)
The Group are currently working on gathering information to enable them to prepare the Reflective Analysis. You may be contacted by one of the group and asked for help during this information-gathering and writing period. We would be most grateful if you would cooperate as much as you can to enable work on the RA to be carried out in an efficient and timely manner. The RA is to be submitted to the QAA by 23 December 2010, but first must go through a consultation process so that all staff and students have the opportunity to know what has been said. Ultimately the document must be approved by the University Court before submission.
The Group are also planning the Part 1 visit, the structure of which the University can decide. This can be an opportunity to showcase some of our best practice in learning and teaching; provide examples of how we manage enhancement of the student experience; or show how we have responded to the Enhancement Themes innovatively. These case studies will also be provided to the review team in advance of their visit. The Working Group has some ideas on what these case studies might be, but would welcome further suggestions from staff.
Review documentation (2010/2011)
- Reflective Analysis framework (PDF, 8 KB)
- Good practice in Reflective Analysis when preparing for ELIR:
- Extract (PDF, 21 KB)
- Original version