Quality Assurance Review of PHECC Approved Courses at Cork College of Commerce, Slides of Communication

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Cork College of Commerce Recognised Institution Quality Standards Review On-Site Report Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Institution Details .......................................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Reports Details .............................................................................................................................. 3 1.3 Scope of the Review ...................................................................................................................... 3 2.0 Review Findings ................................................................................................................................ 4 2.1 Meetings and Discussions ............................................................................................................. 4 2.2 Observation of Facilities and Resources ....................................................................................... 4 2.3 Evidence Reviewed – Documents/IT ............................................................................................. 5 2.4 Quality Standards – Review .......................................................................................................... 6 3.0 Conclusions and Outcomes ............................................................................................................ 14 2016 Cork College of Commerce Report 3 1.2 Reports Details Date of on-site visit 01-06-16 Quality Review Panel (QRP) P Collins QRP Chair – Independent J Beecher QRP Member – Independent K Walsh QRP Member – PHECC RI Representatives Jer Curran Course Director Ann Ryan Principal Date of Council Approval 15 December 2016 1.3 Scope of the Review The review covered all aspects of the institution’s activities associated with meeting the quality standards as outlined in the PHECC quality review framework. The Cardiac First Response (CFR) courses were selected to provide context. 2016 Cork College of Commerce Report 4 2.0 Review Findings 2.1 Meetings and Discussions Type Comments Entry Meeting The QRP met with two representatives on arrival. Following introductions, the panel chairperson outlined the agenda for the visit and the process that would be followed. Staff Discussions The QRP had the opportunity to speak with four CFR Instructors. Learner Discussions None Exit Meeting The QRP met with two representatives. The results of the review were summarised and agreed. The panel outlined the next steps in the process and the meeting was closed. 2.2 Observation of Facilities and Resources Area Comments Facilities The RIs training activities take place in a rented premises across the street from the main college building. There are several classrooms available. Course administration takes place in the main college building. Students have access to kitchen and canteen facilities in both buildings. Resources Equipment is stored in locked presses in the training rooms. Plans are in place to upgrade and replace existing equipment. 2016 Cork College of Commerce Report 5 2.3 Evidence Reviewed – Documents/IT The records and systems listed below were reviewed and discussed throughout the on-site visit - Organisational Chart - Data Protection Policy and Procedures - Website - Faculty Database - Student Files - Financial Records - Insurance Records - Internal Verification Policy and Procedures - Complaints Policy - Vision and Mission Statements - Evaluation Form - Health and Safety Statement - Lesson Plans - QA Policy and Procedures - Records of Meetings - Student Handbook - Course Prospectus - Promotional Material - Appeals Procedure - Safety Statement - Staff Handbook - Course Timetables - Sign-in Sheets - Equality and Diversity Policy 2016 Cork College of Commerce Report 8 Standards QRP Findings 2.1 Education and Training Mission Statement - The Mission of the Institution is appropriately focused with education and training as a core activity. The RI demonstrates its commitment to quality training through its vision and mission statements. The RI has identified the need to communicate its vision and mission statements to all stakeholders through its website. The vision and mission statements are on relevant documentation. 2.2 Communication with Students and Other Stakeholders - Two way communication systems are in place between faculty, students and other stakeholders as appropriate. During discussions and in their RISAR the RI outlined a range of methods used to communicate with students and associated stakeholders, including online feedback, evaluation forms and formal and informal meetings. However these processes are not documented. Students have the opportunity throughout their course to meet with their instructor one to one to discuss any issues they may have. These meetings are not recorded. 2.3 Course Access, Transfer and Progression - Course information in clear, access is fair and consistent, with recognition of prior learning, as appropriate. There is no documented admissions policy and procedures. During discussions the RI outlined an informal system that is in place for potential students to gain access to courses. At the time of review there was no information on PHECC courses on the RIs website. Information regarding PHECC courses is circulated internally for expressions of interest. The RI has indicated that information regarding PHECC courses will be made more available internally and externally. 2.4 Equality and Diversity - There is a commitment to the provision of equal opportunities for students and faculty in compliance with relevant equality legislation. The RI has an equality and diversity policy in place which was available to view. RI representatives indicated that the policy and procedures were to be updated. During discussions RI representatives outlined how they accommodate individuals with additional support needs. These activities are not documented. RI representatives indicated that instructors are in compliance with relevant legislation and provided with information on equality and diversity. There was no evidence provided that training and information regarding equality and diversity is provided to faculty. There are codes of practice documented which were available to view. 2.5 Complaints and Appeals - Complaints and Appeals Processes are open, transparent and accessible to students and other stakeholders. The RI has documented policies on complaints and appeals. During discussions the RI indicated that these policies are to be updated and included in student handbooks. 2016 Cork College of Commerce Report 9 2.6 Training Infrastructure - Courses are carried in an appropriate learning environment, sufficiently resourced in order to deliver training to the highest standards. During discussions RI representatives indicated that training is carried out externally in rented premises. There is currently no documented evidence to show that the premises used for training activities outside the main facility meet the requirements for the courses on offer. These premises were viewed and were found to be adequate for the courses on offer. However some maintenance work on the premises is scheduled. Sufficient resources are available and requirements are documented for each course. Resources are scheduled to be upgraded. There are no documented procedures for the maintenance and updating of course related materials. 2.7 Health and Safety - A safe and healthy environment exists in the institution. The RI has a health and safety statement which is available to all stakeholders. Staff must sign off stating they have seen and understood it. There are three safety representatives appointed in the college. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance for courses being carried out externally. Risk assessments scheduled for external premises. 2.8 Social Environment - A positive, encouraging, safe, challenging and caring environment is provided for faculty and learners. Discussions indicated that faculty are encouraged to provide students with interesting and challenging learning opportunities. Evidence provided indicated that students have positive learning experiences. The RI is fully compliant with PHECC requirements on instructor/student ratios. 2016 Cork College of Commerce Report 10 Section Three: Faculty Recruitment and Development Standards QRP Findings 3.1 Organisational Staffing - All faculty are aware of their role and responsibilities when involved in the administration and/or delivery of a PHECC approved course and their conduct is professional at all times. During discussions RI representatives outlined the process they undertake to recruit faculty and support staff. They indicated that the HR department within the ETB is currently drawing up new HR policies and procedures which will cover their requirements. There are faculty lists in evidence for each PHECC approved course. However, there is no evidence that the role and responsibility of faculty members for the quality assurance of PHECC approved courses is documented. Documentation indicates that the RI meets the minimum faculty requirements for course approval. 3.2 Faculty Recruitment - Faculty, are recruited on the basis of personal suitability, appropriate experience and qualifications. The RI indicated that they have selection criteria for faculty which is in line with PHECC guidelines and that senior management are involved in the recruitment of faculty members. There are no documented role descriptions in evidence. RI representatives stated that these would be developed as part of the new HR processes. 3.3 Faculty Development and Training - Faculty are encouraged and supported to gain additional training/qualifications appropriate to their role in or with the institution. There are documented procedures in place for the continuous professional development of faculty. During discussions RI representatives indicated that faculty members do receive an induction. There is no evidence to support this. RI representatives indicated that formal and informal meetings take place to discuss upskilling and development opportunities. Evidence was available to support this and was verified by relevant staff members. There is a child/vulnerable person protection policy and associated procedures in place. There was evidence provided to show that faculty had been provided with the relevant information and training. 3.4 Communication with Faculty - Two way communication systems are in place between management and faculty. During discussions and in their RISAR RI representatives described a range of formal and informal methods of communication between faculty and management. However there are no documented records of these procedures. During discussions RI representatives stated that these activities will be documented and that course director’s reports are to be made mandatory for all courses. 3.5 Work Placement and Internship - Host organisations (internship sites) are appropriate to the course content and learning outcomes to be Not Applicable 2016 Cork College of Commerce Report 13 4.5 Assessment and Awards - Assessment of student achievement for certification operates in a fair and consistent manner by all tutors and instructors in line with PHECC assessment criteria. During discussions RI representatives outlined how assessment activities are carried out. However, there are no documented procedures in place for PHECC approved courses. The evidence provided indicates that appropriate methods are used on all courses and it is clearly stated when PHECC assessment material is being used. Students are provided with assessment information prior to and during their course. RI representatives indicated that students are provided with reasonable accommodation on request. These requests are not documented. Assessment related material is stored centrally and only issued upon request by the course director. There is a documented procedure for the security of assessment related material. Responsibility for the PHECC certification system is allocated to a named member of staff. 4.6 Internal Verification - There is a consistent application of PHECC assessment procedures and the accuracy of results is verified. RI representatives indicated in discussion that internal verification takes place by the course director on all courses. There is documented procedures and there is evidence of internal verification taking place. 4.7 External Authentication - There is independent and authoritative confirmation of assessment and certification, where relevant, in accordance with PHECC guidelines. External Authentication is a new process and is currently carried out by PHECC. 4.8 Results Approval - A results approval process operates in the institution. There is no formal results approval process documented or in place. The internal verifier checks the results and they are recorded on the IT system. Once checked the results are made available to relevant faculty and the certificates are issued to students. The examination results committee reviews results annually. 4.9 Student Appeals - A process is in place for students to appeal their approved result. There is an appeals policy in place. Students are provided with information on appeals prior to and during their course. The RI indicated during discussions that it will be included on all relevant documents. 2016 Cork College of Commerce Report 14 3.0 Conclusions and Outcomes The findings from the review indicate that the recognised institution met or part met 100% of the applicable quality standards set out in the PHECC quality review framework. There are policies and procedures in place and a robust quality management system that indicate a commitment to internal quality assurance and continuous quality improvement. The systems in place provide oversight at all levels in the college which will ensure that the quality assurance of PHECC approved courses is carried out in an effective and efficient manner. The updates and revisions highlighted during discussions, when implemented as part of the quality improvement plan, will ensure that the RI meets all the PHECC quality standards and best practice for a centre of education and training. The evidence would support the conclusion that the RI’s current activities meet the requirements to carry out PHECC approved courses.