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 was reviewed again in February and March 2011.
ELIR 2010-11
The University of St Andrews was 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)
- The Reflective Analysis is the key document prepared by the University in advance of the ELIR review.
The report of the University’s ELIR 2011 has been published in full and summary forms and is available for public viewing along with those for all other institutions on the QAA’s website. http://www.qaa.ac.uk/InstitutionReports/Pages/University-St-Andrews.aspx
ELIR Report March 2011- Summary (PDF, 120 KB)
ELIR Report March 2011 - Full (PDF, 290 KB)
ELIR 2005-06
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 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 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 for ELIR 2010-11
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 comprised:
- 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)