New self-evaluation and continuous improvement resource launched for Wales’ tertiary education sector
Estyn and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), with funding from Medr, have launched a new online resource to support self-evaluation and continuous improvement across Wales’ tertiary education system.
The microsite, Self-evaluation and continuous improvement in the tertiary system in Wales, brings together research, sector insights and practical tools to help providers strengthen their approaches to quality improvement and learner outcomes.
What is the microsite?
The microsite is a new online resource designed to support providers in developing effective self-evaluation and continuous improvement practices.
It includes a shared set of 12 principles for effective self-evaluation, reflective questions to support professional discussion, sector-specific insights and recommendations, and information about the role of Estyn, QAA and Medr in supporting quality across the tertiary system.
The resource has been developed through a joint Estyn-QAA project funded by Medr and informed by inspection evidence, quality reviews, stakeholder engagement and international research.
Who is it for?
The resource is designed for organisations across Wales’ tertiary education system, including:
- Further education colleges
- Higher education institutions
- Apprenticeship providers
- Adult learning in the community partnerships
- School sixth forms
- Local government education services
It will also be of interest to leaders, governors, quality managers, practitioners and policymakers involved in quality assurance, self-evaluation and improvement planning.
Why does this project matter?
Effective self-evaluation is a key driver of improvement. Strong self-evaluation helps providers understand the impact of their work, identify priorities for development and improve outcomes and experiences for learners.
While providers across Wales already have established approaches to quality assurance and improvement, this project identified opportunities to strengthen practice further. In particular, the project highlights the importance of focusing on impact, using evidence effectively, engaging learners meaningfully and ensuring improvement planning leads to measurable change.
The microsite provides a shared framework that can support reflection and improvement across the diverse range of tertiary education providers in Wales, while recognising that there is no single approach that will work for every organisation.
What will users find on the site?
Visitors to the microsite will find:
- 12 principles of effective self-evaluation
- Reflective questions to support professional dialogue and improvement planning
- Analysis of current self-evaluation practices across tertiary education sectors in Wales
- Examples of strengths and areas for improvement identified through inspection and review activity
- Cross-sector and sector-specific recommendations
- Information about the roles of Estyn, QAA and Medr in supporting quality and continuous improvement
- A literature review and further reading on effective self-evaluation
The resource will continue to grow over time, with new case studies, examples of effective practice and additional materials added to support providers across the tertiary system.
Explore the resource
Visit the Self-evaluation and continuous improvement in the tertiary system in Wales microsite to access the full resource and supporting materials.