General quality assurance functions
Section 50: Quality assurance frameworks
153.Subsection (1) gives a power to the Commission to produce and publish a quality assurance framework or frameworks. A quality assurance framework is a document setting out information and guidance on policy and practice relating to the criteria and arrangements for assessing or inspecting the quality of tertiary education and training. It may outline the roles and responsibilities of Estyn and the designated quality assessment body in conducting quality assurance, as well as the roles and responsibilities of tertiary education providers and others regarding the quality of tertiary education, and consideration of the views of students about the quality of tertiary education they receive.
154.Frameworks may also set out guidance and information regarding the professional development of the tertiary education workforce and provide information and guidance on any other relevant matters related to quality assurance.
155.The Commission is required to consult with registered tertiary education providers, Estyn and any other stakeholders as the Commission sees fit before publishing, revising or withdrawing a quality assurance framework document (subsection (4)).
156.Estyn, the designated quality assurance body and the Commission will be required to take account of the quality assurance framework in their work (subsections (5) and (6)).
Section 51: Duty to monitor and promote improvement in the quality of regulated tertiary education
157.This section imposes a duty on the Commission to monitor and promote improvement in the quality of education and training across registered and funded tertiary education providers.
Section 52: Advice and assistance in respect of quality of tertiary education
158.This section gives the Commission the power to issue advice and guidance to any funded or registered provider to support quality improvement of the education, course or training provided. In particular, the Commission may provide advice and guidance to tertiary education providers to improve the quality of the education provided, or to prevent the quality of the education, course or training from becoming inadequate. This would be the case where the quality of the education, course or training does not meet the reasonable needs of the learners.
Section 53: Reviews relevant to quality of tertiary education
159.This section gives the Commission the power to carry out a review of any matter relevant to the quality of tertiary education and training. The Commission may arrange for these reviews to be carried out on its behalf.
