In 2018, LOETB completed a re-engagement process, and QQI formally approved LOETB’s quality assurance (QA) procedures. One of QQI’s most important statutory functions is to ensure that the quality assurance procedures that providers have in place have been implemented and are effective. To this end, QQI conducts external reviews of providers of further and higher education and training on a cyclical basis.  The Inaugural Review of QA in ETBs commenced in 2020, with LOETB participating in the first review group.  The Terms of Reference for the review are available here and a Handbook outlining the procedural arrangements for the review is available here.

In the first phase of the process, LOETB’s FET Service undertook a comprehensive self-evaluation of the implementation and effectiveness of its QA Procedures.  A Self-Evaluation Steering group was set up with representatives from FET Centre/Service staff and management, administration, Schools and external stakeholders to oversee the process.  After a  period of broad consultation with stakeholders, internal and external, a Self-Evaluation report was published in January 2021. This comprehensive report identified required actions, grouped under three objective headings:

• Objective 1 – Governance and Management of Quality
• Objective 2 – Teaching, Learning and Assessment
• Objective 3 – Self Evaluation, Monitoring and Review

The second phase of the process was an external assessment and site visit by a team of reviewers.  Chaired by David Jones, the site visit took place from 12th to 16th of April 2021, and was held virtually due to COVID restrictions.  The review team consulted extensively with LOETB staff and stakeholders and their findings were published in the Review Report on the 13th of December 2021.

The Quality Assurance Support Service drafted an Action Plan in response to the 21 recommendations contained in the Report. After consultation with the FET Management Team and the Steering Group, the final plan was approved by the Quality Council and submitted to QQI on the 11th of March 2022.  Implementation of the Action Plan will be co-ordinated by the FET Management Team and overseen by the Steering Group.