TO ACCOMPANY THE

PRINCIPLES AND REGULATIONS:

COLLABORATIVE

ARRANGEMENTS

2014 2015

Date of Approval: June 2014

Authored By: Academic Quality Support Services (AQSS)

Version: 1.1 - Updated September 2014

Quality and Standards Manual

Ha

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C

1

Handbook C: Collaborative Arrangements

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 2

SECTION CI: CATEGORIES OF COLLABORATIVE ARRANGEMENTS ....................................................... 2

SECTION CII: APPROVAL OF COLLABORATIVE ARRANGEMENTS ......................................................... 2

SECTION CIII: CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENTS OF COLLABORATIVE ARRANGEMENTS ............................. 3

SECTION CIV: PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT AND QUALITY ASSURANCE OF COLLABORATIVE ARRANGEMENTS ............................................................................................................................. 3

SECTION CV: MONITORING, REVIEW AND WITHDRAWAL OF COLLABORATIVE ARRANGEMENTS ............ 4

GLOSSARY ..................................................................................................................................... 5

2

Quality and Standards Manual

INTRODUCTION

The quality assurance of managing higher education provision with others shall be governed by Section C of the Principles and Regulations of University of Chester. The requirements laid down in this Manual derive their force from the said Principles and Regulations of University of Chester and shall be read in association with those Principles and Regulations. Observance of these requirements by all those staff of University of Chester and its partner organisations who may be involved in collaborative arrangements in an academic or administrative capacity is obligatory. The following sections of the Quality and Standards Manual, which together form Handbook C: Collaborative Arrangements expound how these Principles and Regulations are fulfilled.

Each section contains the relevant appendices.

Section Ci: Categories of Collaborative Arrangements

This section details the types of Collaborative Arrangements which University of Chester enters into, and defines the nature of each specific category of arrangement.

Appendices

A Register of Collaborative Arrangements 2014-15

B Expectation and Indicators of Chapter B10 of the UK Quality Code

C Categorisation of Collaborative Arrangements

D Associate College Status Procedures

E Recruitment Agents Policy and Procedures

Section Cii: Approval of Collaborative Arrangements

This section details the approval procedure of University of Chester for its categories of Collaborative Arrangement

Appendices

A Partnerships sub-Committee Terms of Reference

B Process for Approval Flow Chart

C Proposal Form for a New Academic Partner

D New Academic Partner Proposal Notes of Guidance

Proposal for a New Academic Partnership

APPENDIX C (Cii)

Partner Organisation Name

Location

City, Region, Country

Which organisation is proposing the Academic Partnership?

Proposed start date for the partnership

1. PROFILE OF THE PARTNER ORGANISATION

Give details of the nature and size of the proposed partner organisation.

2. MISSION STATEMENT OR EQUIVALENT OF THE PROPOSED PARTNER

3. RATIONALE FOR PROPOSED COLLABORATION

Give details of the strategic rationale for seeking to develop a collaborative partnership with the named organisation. The Development Advisory Group will consider how this aligns with the Universitys Corporate Plan, relevant Faculty Business Plans and the strategic criteria for proposed collaborative arrangements attached as Annex 1 to this proposal. As far as possible please indicate how the proposed partnership addresses all of the issues identified in Annex 1.

4. BENEFITS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF THE COLLABORATION

Give details of the potential of the collaboration to generate income, whether from fees for activities or through student recruitment, and the source(s) of such income. Will it lead to students subsequently progressing onto internal University programmes? Include reference to any potential enhancement of the reputation of the University. Will there be any additional benefit in terms of scholarship, research, staff development or exchange?

5. BENEFITS TO THE PROPOSED PARTNER OF THE COLLABORATION

Give details of the activities that will be proposed through the partnership, and the effect such activities will have on the proposed partner. These could include income generation, programme approval and delivery, profile raising.

6. EXISTING AND PREVIOUS LINKS

Give details of any existing or previous links between the proposed partner institution and other HEIs, and the student numbers such links generated.

7. PARTNER ORGANISATION DETAILS

Please provide the following information:

WEB-SITE ADDRESS

REGISTERED ADDRESS OF ORGANISATION

8. UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER CONTACT

Please provide contact details for the main contact at University of Chester in respect of the proposed Academic Partnership

Name/Position:

Department:

E-mail:

Ext.

Please tick the box to confirm that the University of Chesters standard charges are to be applied for the approval of this partner

If this box is not ticked, it is expected that a business case for deviation from the standard charges should be attached to this form.

I hereby give my approval for this proposal for a new Academic Partnership to proceed to the Development Advisory Group. I confirm that the proposal is consistent with Universitys Corporate Plan and the strategic criteria for proposed collaborative arrangements attached as Annex 1 to this proposal.

SignedDate.

For AQSS Office Use

Considered by the Development Advisory Group

Date:

I hereby give my approval for this proposal for Academic Partnership to proceed to Partnerships Sub-Committee. I confirm that the proposal has been discussed at the Development Advisory Group and that it is consistent with Universitys Corporate Plan and represents a manageable resource commitment

Signed..Date..

Chair of Development Advisory Group

For AQSS Office Use

Partner Analysis Part 1

Date:

Partner Analysis Part 2

Date:

Approved by Partnerships Sub-Committee

Date:

Approved by AQE Committee

Date:

Approved by Senate

Date:

Annex 1

STRATEGIC CRITERIA FOR PROPOSED COLLABORATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

In considering whether the University should enter into partnership with an organisation, account will be taken of a number of key strategic issues. Any proposed partnership should seek to benefit the University and the wider community that it serves, and may provide the following opportunities:

Consolidation or enhancement of the regional, national or international reputation of the University;

The opportunity to widen access to, and participation in, higher education;

The establishment or enhancement of student progression routes to further study at the University;

Access to new or niche markets which are compatible with the Universitys existing and/or developing areas of expertise;

Engagement with business and industry to develop provision that meets the skills development needs of a particular sector;

Engagement with other public sector or not-for-profit organisations to work collaboratively for the benefit of the community and the wider region.

In addition, proposed partnerships should be consistent with the following criteria:

The proposed partner organisation should have a remit for the provision of education and/or training, and should have the demonstrable capacity to successfully deliver programmes to appropriate academic standards;

The proposed partner organisation should be of good repute amongst its peers;

Is there any professional body or governmental recognition the organisation might have?

The partnership should present a manageable level of risk to the University in terms of quality assurance and maintenance of standards, health and safety and logistical planning;

The proposed partnership must be congruent with the Universitys Corporate Plan, the relevant Faculty Business Plan and the Universitys academic portfolio;

The partner organisation must demonstrate appropriate financial security and sound financial management, for example through independently and/or externally audited accounts;

The partnership must be demonstrated to be financially viable and sustainable for both parties;

The University must be satisfied of the ethical nature of the partner organisations activities;

The University must be satisfied that the policy and practice of the proposed partner organisation is consistent with current equal opportunities legislation;

The partner organisation has the legal status under English law and capacity to enter into a legally binding agreement with the University.

mspruceFile AttachmentCii APPENDIX C - New Academic Partnership Proposal.docx

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3

Handbook C: Collaborative Arrangements

E Partner Analysis Report Template

F Study Abroad Bilateral Exchange Partner Proposal (and Notes of Guidance)

G Progression-Articulation Proposal

H Credit Equivalence Mapping Template

Section Ciii: Contractual Agreements of Collaborative Arrangements

This section details the contractual agreements required for each Collaborative Arrangement and outlines the process for issuing these agreements.

Appendices

A Categories of Agreements

B Sample Organisational Agreement

C Sample Programme Agreement

D Sample Associate College Agreement

E Sample CoDelivery Agreement

F Sample Agency Agreement

G Sample Exchange Agreement

H Sample Progression-Articulation Agreement

I Sample Dual Award Agreement

Section Civ: Programme Management and Quality Assurance of Collaborative Arrangements

This section details the programme amendment and quality assurance requirement of both organisations involved in an Academic Partnership, including the roles of University departments and staff, and Academic Partner tutor approval. It also outlines arrangements for the assurance of quality and standards in Collaborative Arrangement provision where the University does not have the relevant expertise and the procedure for oversight of the quality assurance of non-University of Chester programmes at Collaborative Arrangement organisations.

Appendices

A Programme Leaders Roles and Responsibilities

B Partnership Link Tutor Roles and Responsibilities

C Programme Committee Terms of Reference

STAGE ONE ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED ACADEMIC PARTNER

ORGANISATION NAME

Prepared by:

Date:

1Name and Location of Organisation

2Nature of the Organisation

3Legal Status of the Organisation

4Financial Standing of the Organisation

5Academic Provision

6Academic Accreditation

7Academic Framework

8Academic Staff

9Physical Resources

APPENDIX E (Cii)

1

STAGE TWO ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED ACADEMIC PARTNER

Date of fact-finding visit:

Fact-finding team:

Partner staff met:

Financial Position

Current financial position (most recent accounts)

Historical financial trends

Future budget plans and financial strategy

Legal Position

Legal status of the organisation

Ownership and financial backing of the organisation

Ability of the organisation to enter into legally binding partnership arrangements

Legal position of the partner organization within the education sector of the host country (Overseas only)

Basis of Seeking a Relationship with University of Chester

Reasons for seeking partnership with UoC

Congruence of mission, ethos, ethical and moral approaches to activity

Reputation or academic standing of organisation

Other UK HEIs the partner is working with

Development Plans

Overall sustainability of activities

Interface with University Regulations and Structures, Admissions, Registration and Diversity

Ability to comply with University Regulations, particularly admissions policies, periods of student registration, student failure and reassessment, professional programme considerations, (AA, AM, Complaints)

Ability to map delivery onto to University structures such as the academic year, timing of assessment boards, graduation ceremonies

Ability to comply with the UoC requirements in the areas of diversity and equality

Ability to offer and deliver student rights

Any conflicts of interest between University registration and obligations entered into when a student registers with the partner organization

Variations in cultural approaches to education (Overseas only)

Staffing

Staff qualifications, experience, contracts, availability to students

Staff development policies and activities

English language abilities of staff and students, and language support services (Overseas only)

Physical Resources

Ownership of the physical estate

Plans for expansion or relocation (and feasibility)

Provision and availability of physical and digital learning resources

ORGANISATION risk assessment and management template

Risk Ref.

Identified Risk and possible impact if the risk isnt managed

Evidence

Controls that are in place to help minimise the identified risk

Net risk

(Probability/ Impact)

Is the risk outside risk appetite?

Activities used to

identify/manage risk

Monitoring responsibility

1

mspruceFile AttachmentCii APPENDIX E - Partner Analysis Report Template.docx

APPENDIX F (Cii)

Proposal for a New Study Abroad Bilateral Exchange Partnership

Partner Institution Name

Location

City, Region, Country

Department/Faculty proposing the exchange partnership

Proposed start date for exchange programme

1. PROFILE OF THE PARTNER INSTITUTION

Give details of the status, mission and background of the proposed partner institution.

2. RATIONALE FOR PROPOSED COLLABORATION

Give details of the academic and strategic rationale for seeking to develop a collaborative partnership with the named institution. This should be consistent with University of Chesters Corporate Plan, and where appropriate the business plan for the Faculty.

3. NATURE OF THE EXCHANGE

Give details of the proposed exchange arrangement between University of Chester and the partner institution. i.e. staff and/or students, undergraduate/postgraduate/research, probable duration of exchange, possible subject areas.

4. ANTICIPATED DEMAND

Give an estimate of the anticipated demand from students and/or staff for the exchange programme, from the perspective of both University of Chester and the proposed partner institution.

5. RESOURCING IMPLICATIONS

Give details of any resourcing implications and costs to University of Chester which may result from the proposed exchange arrangement.

6. COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURES

Give details of the institutional structures of the proposed partner, including the credit framework, academic structure and available subject areas, and the structure of academic year, and provide an assessment of their compatibility with the equivalent structures of University of Chester.

7. LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

Give a summary of the methods of delivery and assessment with which students and/or staff will be expected to engage while undertaking an exchange. Comment on whether or not it is intended that marks awarded should count towards a University of Chester award.

8. STUDENT/STAFF SUPPORT

Give details of the support mechanisms in place at the partner institution for students and/or staff from University of Chester who may engage in the exchange arrangement, including induction and orientation, pastoral care, and academic support.

9. RESOURCES AND FACILITIES

Give details of the resources and facilities which will be available to University of Chester students and/or staff who engage in the exchange programme, including accommodation arrangements, learning and teaching resources, and other additional facilities.

10. MANAGEMENT OF EXCHANGE ARRANGEMENT

Give details of the mechanisms in place to manage the exchange arrangement at both University of Chester and the proposed partner institution, for both incoming and outgoing exchange participants.

11. LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENT

Give an overview of the geographical location and environment in which the proposed partner institution operates. Give details of the access and transport links available, immigration arrangements, and any specific health and safety issues related to the institutions location and surrounding environment.

12. PARTNER INSTITUTION DETAILS

Please provide the following information:

WEB-SITE ADDRESS

PRIMARY CONTACT PERSON

Name/Position:

Department:

E-mail:

Postal Address:

Telephone:

Fax:

AUTHORISED OFFICER FOR SIGNATURE

Name:

Position:

13. UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER CONTACT

Please provide contact details for the main contact at University of Chester in respect of the proposed exchange arrangement.

Name/Position:

Department:

E-mail:

Ext.

14. CONFIRMATION OF VISIT

Please confirm the date(s) on which a visit to the proposed partner institution was undertaken, or where it has not been possible to arrange a visit prior to submission of the proposal, the date(s) on which a visit is planned.

Date(s):

Signed:

I hereby give my approval for this proposal for a new exchange arrangement to proceed to the Development Advisory Group. I confirm that the proposal has been discussed at the Faculty Management Group and that it is consistent with the Facultys Business Plan (WHERE APPLICABLE)

SignedDate.

Dean of Faculty

I hereby give my approval for this proposal for a new exchange partnership to proceed to Partnerships Sub-Committee. I confirm that the proposal has been discussed at University Executive and that it is consistent with University of Chesters Corporate Plan and represents a manageable resource commitment

Signed..Date..

Chair of Development Advisory Group

For AQSS Office Use

Approved by Partnerships Sub-Committee

Date:

Approved by Academic Quality and Enhancement Committee

Date:

Approved by Senate

Date:

EXCHANGE PARTNERSHIP PROPOSAL:

ANNEX 1

NOTES OF GUIDANCE

Overall purpose of Proposal

The overall purpose of the proposal is to provide relevant information about a proposed exchange partner and nature of an exchange arrangement for consideration by University Executive and Partnerships sub-Committee, in order that they may decide on the suitability of the proposed partner as a destination for University of Chester students and/or staff.

Authorship of Proposal

The proposal should be written by a member of staff at University of Chester, on behalf of a Department or Faculty which will be involved in the management of the exchange arrangement, though colleagues will wish to liaise with appropriate staff at the partner institution regarding some aspects.

Submission and consideration process

Where the exchange proposal relates to an arrangement for a specific subject department, it must first be endorsed by the Faculty Management Group, and signed by the Dean of Faculty.

Where the proposal relates to an institution-wide initiative it should be forwarded directly to the Development Advisory Group (DAG) for consideration.

The completed Exchange Partnership Proposal should be submitted to the Secretary to DAG at least one week before the meeting at which it is to be considered. When planning to submit a proposal it is advisable to contact the Secretary to DAG at the earliest opportunity in order to request that it is included as an agenda item for the relevant meeting.

Following approval by DAG for the proposal to proceed, copy signed by the Chair of DAG should be forwarded to the Secretary to Partnerships sub-Committee for inclusion on the agenda of the next meeting.

Partnerships sub-Committee will make recommendations to Academic Quality and Enhancement Committee on the approval, or otherwise, of the proposal.

Final approval of the proposed exchange arrangement will rest with the Senate of University of Chester.

Format of the Proposal

A proposal for a new exchange arrangement should be submitted on the Exchange Partnership Proposal Template (Appendix F).

Detailed guidance on each section of the template can be found below.

Please contact the Principal Assistant Registrar (Partnerships and Academic Strategic Support) if you require further guidance on the completion of the proposal template, or the approval process as a whole.

GUIDANCE ON CONTENT OF PROPOSAL

1. Profile of the Partner Institution

Please provide information on the historical background, size in terms of student numbers and campuses, subject areas of particular note, links with other UK institutions, stated mission, and any other distinctive features of the proposed partner institution.

2. Rationale for proposed collaboration

Give an overview of the rationale for the proposed collaboration noting particularly its consistency with the Universitys Corporate Plan, the way in which the proposed collaboration might enhance opportunities for students and staff, and where appropriate, the way in which proposal responds to national and/or international initiatives.

3. Nature of the Exchange

Give details of the proposed exchange arrangement including whether it will provide opportunities for both students and staff, whether it will be open to undergraduate and/or postgraduate students, whether it will include any joint research initiatives, the proposed duration of the exchanges, and in which subject areas the exchange opportunities would be made available.

4. Anticipated demand

Give details of the anticipated demand for the exchange arrangement from students and/or staff from both institutions, noting whether there will be any limitations placed upon numbers able to engage with the exchange programme each year.

5. Resourcing implications

Give details of any potential costs and resourcing implications for University of Chester as a result of the proposed exchange arrangement, such as increased demand on existing resources from incoming exchange students and/or staff or possible fees arising from the arrangement.

6. Compatibility between institutional structures

Give details of the academic year structure, credit framework, academic management structure and available subject areas, and give an evaluation of the compatibility with those in operation at University of Chester. Where possible give specific information on the way in which variation between the two institutions will be managed within the exchange programme.

7. Learning, Teaching and Assessment

Summarise the approaches taken to Learning, Teaching and Assessment at the proposed partner institution with which staff and/or students from University of Chester will be expected to engage. Note particularly any variation between methods commonly experienced at University of Chester and those of the partner institution. Please indicate whether it is proposed that marks awarded by the partner institution should count towards the classification of a University of Chester degree, and if so how academic standards are to be assured.

8. Student/staff support

Give details of the support mechanisms in place at the proposed partner institution for students and/or staff from University of Chester including induction and orientation, pastoral care, counselling and advice, academic support and mentoring.

9. Resources and facilities

Give details of the resources and facilities which will be made available to students and/or staff from University of Chester who engage in the exchange programme at the proposed partner institution including accommodation, catering, learning and teaching resources, recreational facilities, and health care.

10. Management of exchange arrangement

Give details of the mechanisms in place at the proposed partner institution to manage the exchange arrangement and those at University of Chester, for both incoming and outgoing students and/or staff.

11. Location and environment

Provide information on the geographical location and local environment of the proposed partner institution. Give details of available transport links, immigration requirements, health and safety risks attached to the location of the institution, significant cultural differences, cost of living relative to the UK etc.

12. Partner Institution Details

Please provide full contact information for the proposed partner institution.

13. University of Chester Contact

Please provide full contact information for the main contact at University of Chester in respect of the proposed exchange arrangement.

14. Confirmation of visit

Please confirm that a visit to the proposed partner institution is planned and give details of the planned date(s).

Please note that approval of the proposed exchange arrangement is normally subject to the satisfactory conclusion of a visit to the proposed exchange partner.

mspruceFile AttachmentCii APPENDIX F - SAB Exchange Partner Proposal.docx

Proposal for a New Progression-Articulation Arrangement

Institution Name

Location

City, Region, Country

Programmes considered for progression-articulation, and level at which progression is anticipated

Proposed date that students will first progress to University

1. PROFILE OF THE ORGANISATION

Give details of the nature and size of the organisation.

2. RATIONALE FOR PROPOSED COLLABORATION

This section should outline the business rationale for the arrangment, indicating the potential for profit generation

3. ANTICIPATED DEMAND

Give an estimate of the anticipated demand for this progression-articulation arrangement

4. COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURES

Give brief details of the institutional structures of the proposed partner, including the credit framework, academic structure and available subject areas, and the structure of academic year, and provide an assessment of their compatibility with the equivalent structures of University of Chester. FULL INFORMATION IS TO BE PROVIDED IN THE CREDIT EQUIVALENCE MAPPING PROFORMA.

5. ORGANISATION DETAILS

Please provide the following information:

WEB-SITE ADDRESS

REGISTERED ADDRESS OF ORGANISATION

I hereby give my approval for this proposal for a new progression-articulation partnership to proceed to Partnerships Sub-Committee. I confirm that the proposal has been discussed at University Executive and that it is consistent with University of Chesters Corporate Plan and represents a manageable resource commitment

Signed..Date..

Chair of Development Advisory Group

For AQSS Office Use

Approved by Partnerships Sub-Committee

Date:

Approved by Academic Quality and Enhancement Committee

Date:

Approved by Senate

Date:

mspruceFile AttachmentCii APPENDIX G - Prog-Artic Proposal Proforma.docx

Title of programme to be mapped to University of Chester programme

Programme qualification awarded by

Programme delivered by

Title of University of Chester programme to which award is proposed to articulate

Credit Equivalence Mapping Template

University of Chester Provision

External Provision

Chester Module Code & Title

Level

And

Credit

Value

Synopsis of Content

Evidence used to map content

(e.g. module/unit descriptors)

Title and Level

Content Assessment

(include a brief description of the module content and assessment requirements)

Evidence used to assess levelness

(e.g. appropriate standards framework, sampling of student work)

Evidence used to assess credit equivalence

(e.g. appropriate standards framework, sampling of student work, unit descriptors, contact hours, breadth of learning outcomes, quantum of assessment)

Level

and

Credit Equivalence

Gap analysis

(Indicate relative importance of any gaps identified)

Additional comments on rationale for academic judgement

Form Completed By

Faculty/Department

Date

I hereby give my approval for this proposal for a new progression-articulation partnership to proceed to Academic Quality and Enhancement Committee.

Signed..Date..

Dean of International Office

mspruceFile AttachmentCii APPENDIX H - Credit Equivalence Mapping Template.docx

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Quality and Standards Manual

D Application for Approved Tutor Status (and Notes of Guidance)

E Partnership Link Tutors Forum Terms of Reference

F Appointment of an External Programme Advisor (and Approval Form Proforma)

G Procedure for oversight of the quality assurance of non-University of Chester programmes at Collaborative Arrangement organisations.

Section Cv: Monitoring, Review and Withdrawal of Collaborative Arrangements

This section details the monitoring and review procedures of University of Chester for its categories of Collaborative Arrangement, and the process of withdrawal of a Collaborative Arrangement.

Appendices

A Annual Academic Partnership Report

B Annual Academic Partnership Report (Associate Colleges)

C Guidance on the Duration of Organisational Agreements

D Partner Concerns Review Procedures

E Withdrawal of Collaborative Arrangements Form

F Withdrawal of Collaborative Arrangements Report

G Annual Report for WBIS CoDelivery Organisations

The requirements described in this Handbook are designed for the purpose of ensuring that any risks attendant upon the delegation of responsibilities to a collaborating organisation are recognised and managed, and that the quality and standards of provision are maintained. The requirements are designed to reconcile the objective of encouraging innovative practice in the pursuit of University of Chester's mission and strategic objectives with the need to ensure that University of Chester is discharging its responsibilities for the quality of its programmes and for the standard of the awards to which they lead. In addition, the requirements provide the means by which a formal collaborative arrangement can be reviewed and its continuation authorised by virtue of its successful delivery and quality assurance over a given review period.

APPLICATION FOR APPROVED TUTOR STATUS 2014-15

The information provided is for internal University use only

Personal Details

Full Name (including title):

Known as:

Partner Organisation:

Position With Partner Organisation:

Percentage of full-time employment with this organisation

Contact e-mail:

Programme Details

Please provide details of the University of Chester Programmes on which you will be involved in delivery and assessment:

Programme of Study

Programme Leader

Yes/No

Yes/No

Applicants who will only be involved in the delivery of a limited number of modules within the Programme should give details below (those with a cross-programme role do not need to specify modules here):

Module Code/Title

Module Leader

Yes/No

Yes/No

Yes/No

Yes/No

Academic Qualifications

Please give details of the academic qualifications achieved relevant to involvement in the above Programmes or Modules:

Qualification

Awarding Body

Date Achieved

Teaching Qualifications and Experience

Do you hold a teaching qualification from a registered awarding body?

Yes/No

If yes, please specify below:

Qualification

Awarding Body

Date Achieved

Please provide brief details of your experience of teaching including number of years and education sector:

Professional Qualifications

Please give details of the professional qualifications achieved relevant to involvement in the above Programmes or Modules:

Qualification

Awarding Body

Date Achieved

Please provide details of any relevant professional body membership:

Professional Body

Status

Please provide details of any relevant industry or practitioner experience:

Declaration

I confirm that the person named on this form fulfils the requirements of the UK Border Agency and is entitled to work in the United Kingdom.

Yes / No

I confirm that the information provided above is accurate.

Signed: .

Date: ...

An electronic signature is accepted only where the form is send from the email address listed in the Personal Details section of this form.

For University of Chester Faculty use only

Subject Specialist at University of Chester

I confirm that in my judgment the applicant is suitably qualified to deliver and assess on the above Programme(s) / Module(s).

Name

Role

Department

Signed:

Date: .........

Dean / Associate Dean of Faculty at University of Chester

I confirm on behalf of the Faculty that the applicant should be recognised as an Approved Tutor of the University.

Name

Role

Faculty

Signed:

Date: .........

For AQSS use only

Form received:

Details added to database:

SharePoint

account requested:

Account received:

Letter sent:

Copy to be retained by the Faculty Administrator; Original to be forwarded to AQSS.

APPROVAL OF TEACHING STAFF FROM COLLABORATING ORGANISATIONS

NOTES OF GUIDANCE

Introduction

Chapter B10 of the Quality Assurance Agency's UK Quality Code for Higher Education states that The awarding institution should be able to satisfy itself that staff engaged in delivering or supporting a collaborative programme are appropriately qualified for their role . . . . In order to ensure consistency with this indicator it is a requirement that staff from external organisations that will be involved in the delivery and assessment of University of Chester awards are approved by the University as suitable for their role prior to engagement with the provision. Once confirmed by the University as being appropriately qualified, the tutor will be considered to have Approved Tutor status. The following information is intended to provide guidance to both applicants for Approved Tutor status, and those involved in the approval process.

Requirements for approval

The University acknowledges that partner organisations may wish to engage a wide range of contributors to the delivery of a programme including guest speakers, technical demonstrators and other occasional facilitators, in addition to the programme team. It is not expected that every contributor is approved by the University, however those staff with:

significant involvement in the delivery of one or more modules;

any involvement in the marking of assessed work; and in particular

any staff which are named as module or programme leaders

must be approved by the University prior to engagement with the provision. A senior member of staff at the partner organisation, such as an HE Manager, should ensure that all relevant staff are put forward for Approved Tutor status, prior to their engagement with University of Chester validated provision.

In order to be confirmed as an Approved Tutor of the University, it is normally expected that the member of staff is qualified at least to the level that is being delivered, and ideally a level above, as follows:

Award

Required Qualification

Desirable Qualification

Foundation Degree (Level 4/5)

Foundation Degree

Honours Degree

Honours Degree (Level 6)

Honours Degree

Masters Degree

Masters Degree (Level 7)

Masters Degree

Doctorate

The qualifications achieved should be in a subject cognate to that of the programme being delivered.

A teaching qualification and/or experience of teaching is desirable, especially in a Higher Education context, and may be taken into account in terms of an applicants overall suitability for Approved Tutor status.

Overall, in approving a tutor to deliver on its awards, the University must be content that they have appropriate and current subject knowledge and, in the case of involvement in assessment, the capacity to make academic judgements against higher level standards.

Exceptionally, it may be considered that extensive professional expertise should be accepted in lieu of consistency with the above criteria. In such cases, the Dean of Faculty should make a recommendation to the Chair of Academic Quality & Enhancement Committee who will consider individuals on their merits and have the final decision on approval.

Information required for approval

External organisation staff that are required to be approved by the University should provide details of their qualifications using the pro-forma Application for Approved Tutor Status Applicants are asked to provide information about their academic qualifications, teaching qualifications and experience, and relevant professional qualifications and experience. In providing qualification details, applicants should specify the award title and subject area, awarding body and date the qualification was achieved. For example:

BA (Hons) Graphic Design Liverpool John Moores University- 2002

In terms of teaching experience, applicants should provide information regarding the number of years and context of that experience. For example, five years teaching within the FE sector.

Applicants also need to indicate what percentage of their full-time employment is spent with the partner organisation, whether expressed as a part of an FTE (e.g. 0.4fte) or in a total number of weekly/ monthly hours.

Details of professional qualifications, professional body membership and professional experience should only be provided where these are relevant to provision being delivered. For example:

vendor qualifications to support delivery of ICT provision;

membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants to support delivery of Accounting provision; or

five years as a Social Worker to support delivery of Social Work provision.

Provision of this information will assist the University in building up an overall impression of the suitability of a member of staff for Approved Tutor status.

Process for approval

Completed application pro-forma should be submitted to Academic Quality Support Services, email: approvedtutors@chester.ac.uk.

The form will then be passed on to the relevant Faculty Administrator for consideration by a subject specialist, who may be a Head of Subject or Programme Leader, and the Dean or Associate Dean of Faculty. Both Faculty representatives must be satisfied that the applicant is suitably qualified to deliver and assess on the modules or programmes detailed, and should only sign the pro-forma if they are content that the member of staff should be confirmed as an Approved Tutor of the University.

Where staff to be approved by the University will be engaged in the delivery of new provision, application pro-forma should be endorsed by the relevant Faculty staff prior to their submission as part of the documentation to support the validation or site authorisation process. It may be appropriate for this to occur as part of the steering process managed through the Faculty.

Once the pro-forma is signed-off by the relevant staff within the Faculty the original should be forwarded to AQSS which will ensure that the details of the tutor are logged on the partner organisation staff database, a SharePoint account is requested and that a letter confirming Approved Tutor status is sent to the applicant. A copy of the form should be retained by the Faculty Administrator, and details of those staff approved by the Faculty should be reported to the next meeting of the Board of Studies.

Where an applicant is not deemed to be suitable for Approved Tutor status on the basis of the information provided, the Dean or Associate Dean of Faculty should communicate this to a senior contact at the partner organisation, such as the HE Manager, giving reasons for the non-approval. It may also be appropriate to provide guidance on possible staff development options at this time.

Once approval has been granted by the Faculty, a SharePoint account will be requested by Academic Quality Support Services, and official confirmation of approval and SharePoint log-in details will be emailed directly to the Approved Tutor.

APPENDIX D (Civ)

ANNEX 1

mspruceFile AttachmentCiv APPENDIX D - Approved Tutor Application.doc

ANNEX 1

Procedure for Appointment of an External Programme Adviser

An External Programme Adviser (EPA) must have experience, in FE and/or HE, of teaching on or managing programmes at the same level as, or a higher level than, that for which they are being appointed, or will have relevant industrial and/or professional experience. EPAs are nominated by the Department, usually in consultation with the collaborative partner, with the nomination being formally confirmed by the Faculty Board of Studies.

Role

The role of the EPA is primarily developmental, but also incorporates an element of verification. They will be consulted on any aspect of development, ensuring that those aspects of the programme to which their expertise relates remain current. This will include verification of the appropriateness of newly developed modules, matters relating to programme learning outcomes, or consideration of placement or work-based learning activities. The EPA will also advise on relevant texts and current research in the given area to ensure currency.

The EPA will not therefore be responsible for managing academic standards; these remain the province and responsibility of the assessment board and the external examiner. The EPA will, however, be expected to understand the implications of proposed developments for academic standards. In cases where the EPAs expertise is primarily professional rather than academic, the Partnership Link Tutor will be responsible, in discussion with the EPA, for ensuring the synergy of these aspects of any developments under discussion.

The Department will agree with the EPA the details of how the role will operate. This may vary with the needs of the programme at any given time. It will include at least one face-to-face review meeting each year, at which the Adviser, the University department representative(s), and representatives of the partner organisation are present. A written report of this meeting, from the EPA, will be presented by the Partnership Link Tutor to the Faculty Board of Studies. The EPA will receive the relevant Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) and may be asked to attend meetings of the Programme Team or periodic review/revalidation panels; they will not attend assessment boards.

The Department, normally through the Partnership Link Tutor, is responsible for inducting the EPA into the role and for subsequent liaison.

In cases where a panel is required, for example where a suite of programmes encompassing different specialisms may be involved, the same role requirements shall apply.

The appointment of External Programme Advisors will be managed as follows:

i. EPAs are nominated by the Faculty, but are formally approved by the Dean of Academic Quality and Enhancement.

ii. EPAs are appointed for a maximum of four years.

iii. EPAs should have appropriate academic and/or professional expertise and experience in relation to the subject area; this will include experience (HE or FE) of teaching or managing a programme at the same level as or a higher level than the one under consideration and/or relevant industrial/professional experience.

iv. EPAs will be appointed to a specific academic department within the University.

v. Consecutive appointments of EPAs from the same institution will not be approved.

vi. As with the Universitys requirements for external examiners, EPAs should not normally have more than one other similar commitment.

vii. EPAs may not have been, within the last three years, a member of staff or a student at the University of Chester or the relevant partner organisation; nor should they have any close personal or professional link with the University or the partner organisation.

APPENDIX F (Civ)

viii. The Faculty will pay the EPA an agreed annual fee plus expenses.

PROFORMA FOR APPROVAL OF AN

EXTERNAL PROGRAMME ADVISER (EPA)

Full details of the role of an External Programme Adviser, and of the appointment process, can be found in Appendix F of Quality and Standards Manual Handbook C: Collaborative Arrangements (Section Civ).

This template should be completed electronically and must be accompanied by an up-to-date copy of the proposed advisers CV. The nomination must be recommended for approval by the relevant Faculty Board of Studies. The template and CV should then be forwarded to the Senior Assistant Registrar (Assessment, Quality, Standards and Review) in AQSS, who will ask the Dean of Academic Quality and Enhancement to formally approve the nomination.

Name of proposed External Programme Adviser (please include title):

Institution:

Present position:

Contact Details

Address for correspondence:

E-mail:

Telephone:

Programme(s) of study to which the EPA is being appointed (please include the award title):

Name of Partner Institution:

Name of the relevant University of Chester academic department:

Proposed period of appointment:

The maximum length of appointment permitted is four years.

From (month/year)

To (month/year)

Name and institution of External Programme Adviser being replaced (if applicable). Consecutive appointments of EPAs from the same institution will not be approved.

Experience

Please describe in detail the experience which makes the nominee suitable for this role. This must include appropriate academic and/or professional expertise and experience in relation to the subject area; this will include experience (HE or FE) of teaching or managing a programme at the same level as, or a higher level than, the one under consideration and/or relevant industrial/professional experience.

Please give details of any other similar commitments currently held by the proposed adviser.

A proposed external programme adviser should not normally hold more than one other similar commitment.

Please confirm that the proposed adviser has not been a member of staff or a student within the last three years at the University of Chester or the relevant partner organisation.

Confirmed/Not Confirmed*

*Please delete as appropriate and add further detail as necessary

Please confirm that the proposed adviser does not have any close personal or professional link with the University of Chester or the relevant partner organisation.

Confirmed/Not Confirmed*

*Please delete as appropriate and add further detail as necessary

A full and up-to-date CV must be attached to this pro-forma.

Recommended for approval by Board of Studies:

Minute number ....

Name .. (please print)

(Dean of Faculty)

Signature Date

______________________________________________________________

Approved by Dean of Academic Quality and Enhancement:

Signature .Date ..

Dr Karen Willis

Dean of Academic Quality and Enhancement

mspruceFile AttachmentCiv APPENDIX F - Appointment of an EPA.docx

Annual Academic Partnership Report for 2013-14

To be submitted by 31st December 2014

Name of Academic Partner Organisation

Programmes of Study delivered in collaboration with University of Chester, including PGR

Name and position of report author

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Please give a summary of the overall operation of the collaborative arrangements with University of Chester during the past academic year.

2. RESPONSE TO PARTNERSHIP REVIEW

Where a partnership review has taken place during the past academic year, please summarise the recommendations made and where appropriate note the action taken in response to the issues raised.

3. INTER-ORGANISATION COMMUNICATION

Please provide an evaluation of the effectiveness of communication and liaison between your own organisation and University of Chester, noting any particular strengths or weaknesses.

4. ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

Please provide an evaluation of the effectiveness of mechanisms for the administration and operational management of the partnership, such as information transfer, application of University policies and procedures, and the accessibility of University systems, noting any particular strengths or weaknesses.

5. STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT

Please give a summary of staff engagement with staff development opportunities and support sessions provided by the University, along with any internal schemes established for the support of staff involved in the delivery of HE provision.

6. STRATEGIC MATTERS

Please give a summary of the strategic approach taken by your organisation to HE delivery, including the establishment of an HE-culture, and the way in which University of Chester contributes to this.

7. FORTHCOMING DEVELOPMENTS

Please give details of any plans for further development of the partnership with University of Chester in the forthcoming academic year.

8. ANY OTHER COMMENTS

Please give details of any other issues not raised elsewhere in the report.

9. ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED

(a) REVIEW OF PREVIOUS YEARS RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

Please give details of the progress made on recommended actions noted in the report for 2012/13 (where applicable).

(b) PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS/ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED IN 2014/15

Please note any issues to be addressed in the forthcoming academic year that relate to concerns raised within this report.

Issue

Recommended Action

Responsibility

Planned Timescale

ANNUAL ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIP REPORT:

NOTES FOR GUIDANCE

Overall Purpose of Report

At the end of each academic year, University of Chester requires each of its Academic Partners to produce an Annual Partnership Report. It is intended that this report will provide an evaluation of the partnership with University of Chester and arrangements for HE provision within the partner organisation at an overarching strategic level.

The primary purposes of the report are:

to ensure that a review of collaborative arrangements takes place on an annual basis that identifies any strengths and weaknesses;

to ensure that the University is clear and up to date on the partner organisations strategic approach to HE provision;

to flag up potential new developments within the partnership for the forthcoming year;

to identify areas which might require improvement, and the appropriate action to be taken.

A report should be completed for every academic year in which there has been University of Chester awarded provision running, including Postgraduate Research.

Where a partnership is being withdrawn, however there are still continuing students registered on University of Chester awarded provision, this form should be completed, however sections 6 and 7 need not be filled in.

Authorship of Report

The report should be written by a member of staff from the partner organisation with strategic oversight of the partnership with University of Chester, for example an Assistant Principal with HE remit, HE Coordinator, or equivalent.

The author of the report may wish to meet with course leaders and service providers who are involved with the delivery of programmes leading to University of Chester awards prior to the production of the report in order to gain feedback on the operation of collaborative arrangements from their perspective. However, the report should focus on overarching, institution-wide issues rather than those specific to a particular programme, which should be addressed through the Annual Collaborative Programme Monitoring Report.

Submission Arrangements

The report should be submitted to Academic Quality Support Services at collaboration@chester.ac.uk by 31st December 2014.

Consideration Process

The report will be considered by the Universitys Partnerships sub-Committee, which will note particular areas of strength and consider appropriate action in response to issues raised in the reports. The Secretary to Partnerships Sub-Committee will contact partners following the consideration of the reports in order to provide feedback on the issues discussed and the resulting proposed actions.

Format of Report

The report should be submitted on the Annual Partnership Report template. Detailed guidance for each section of the template can be found below.

GUIDANCE ON CONTENT OF REPORT

Overall the report should to be an evaluative assessment of collaborative arrangements with University of Chester over the previous academic year. The report should provide an overview of the collaborative partnership as a whole and may include comment on issues relating to the responsibilities of both University of Chester and the partner organisation. Partners should view the submission of the report as an opportunity to raise issues of concern or aspects for discussion relating to their partnership with University of Chester.

Please ensure that individuals referred to in the report are mentioned by job title and not name.

Although the report may refer to matters which are on-going, it is the issues, developments and improvements over the past academic year which should be noted in particular.

1. Executive Summary

This section should provide an introduction to the report and a context to subsequent comments by summarising the way in which the collaborative partnership has operated over the past academic year. This may include details of how the partnership has developed, for example through the introduction of new programmes or the establishment of specific joint working initiatives. It may also note the way in which aspects of the partnership have improved, or significant issues which have caused concern, or those which may not have been satisfactorily resolved previously.

For new partners compiling the report for the first time, this section may give an overview of the initial experience of working with University of Chester, positively or negatively.

2. Response to Partnership Review

Those partner organisations that have undergone a partnership review (normally once every three years) during the academic year under consideration, should note the recommendations made and give details of how the issues raised are being addressed. Where recommendations refer to matters which require action by University of Chester, partners may wish to comment on whether any progress has been made from their perspective. Where recommendations refer to matters for the partner to consider, details of any action taken or proposed should be given. Partners should include any matters which are unresolved in the Issues To Be Addressed section at the end of the report.

Those partners who have not undergone a partnership review during the past academic year may leave this section blank.

3. Inter-Organisation Communication

Give an evaluation of the effectiveness of liaison and communication between your organisation and the University. You may wish to distinguish between the liaison which takes place with Faculties and/or subject departments and that which takes place with support departments such as Registry Services, Academic Quality Support Services, Learning and Information Services, Student Support & Guidance and Marketing, Recruitment & Admissions, and, where appropriate, at the level of senior management. Note any specific mechanisms in place to ensure effective communication such as regularised meetings, cross-representation on each others existing committees, and in particular any approaches that have been introduced that have improved liaison and communication. You may wish to consider whether the links that currently exist are sufficient and appropriate, and if not suggest possible improvements that might be made.

4. Administration and Operational Management

Give an evaluation of the administrative processes and mechanisms in place for the operational management of the partnership with University of Chester. You may wish to comment on the effectiveness of the transfer of information between the two organisations on, for example, student registration and assessment; the operational management and application of University policies and procedures, such as those for assessment and quality assurance, and whether your organisation has received sufficient information and guidance on these; the accessibility and usability of University systems such as SharePoint from the perspective of partner organisations; the organisation of appropriate University induction sessions for both staff and students. Note any mechanisms put in place within your organisation for the dissemination of information related to the partnership with University of Chester, and/or support of staff involved in the delivery of collaborative programmes. Where appropriate note any particular features of good practice, such as joint initiatives, or areas that may require improvement or further consideration either by the University or your own organisation.

5. Staff Development and Support

Summarise the engagement of staff involved in HE delivery with staff development and support opportunities provided by the University such as the Annual Staff Conference, information sessions on the Universitys policies, procedures and systems, continuing professional development opportunities or any other bespoke sessions provided. Note any schemes put in place by your own organisation specifically for the support of staff involved in HE delivery. Consider what aspects were found to be of particular value to staff and where appropriate note any improvements that might be made staff support opportunities either by the University or your own organisation.

6. Strategic Matters

Summarise the strategic approach taken by your organisation to the delivery of HE provision and how this fits within its overall purpose and mission. Where an organisation delivers other non-HE study, give details of any initiatives taken to support the development of an HE-culture, such as the establishment of HE-specific staff and student groups, the designation of HE-specific study and community areas, or the enhancement of facilities, services and resources to support HE delivery. Describe how the partnership with the University contributes to your organisations strategy for HE provision.

7. Forthcoming Developments

Give details of any planned developments to extend the partnership with University of Chester further, for example through the delivery of additional collaborative programmes.

8. Any other issues for comment

Note any other positive developments, issues, concerns or aspects for consideration not covered elsewhere in the report

9. Planned Developments/Issues to be Addressed

(a) Give details of the progress made with any actions noted in last years Annual Partnership Report to be addressed by either the University or your own organisation. Where there remain outstanding issues please clarify why these have not been fully addressed (if known) and where appropriate include them in the action plan for the forthcoming academic year so that they may continue to be monitored.

(b) Note any planned developments which the organisation will be undertaking in 2014/15.

Note any issues raised in the report that you feel need to be addressed during the forthcoming academic year. These may include matters that should be addressed by the University, your own organisation, or in collaboration. For each issue raised please give a recommended action, note who has responsibility for carrying out that action, and give a planned timescale.

Issues noted in the action plan should only relate to matters raised in this report regarding the partnership with the University and the strategic support of HE provision, and not to any programme specific concerns that might have been raised through the Annual Programme Monitoring process.

APPENDIX A (Cv)

ANNEX 1

mspruceFile AttachmentCv APP A - APR.doc

Annual Academic Partnership Report for 2013-14

To be submitted by 31st December 2014

ASSOCIATE COLLEGES

Name of Associate College

Programmes of Study delivered in collaboration with University of Chester, including PGR

Name and position of report author

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Please give a summary of the overall operation of the collaborative arrangements with University of Chester during the past academic year.

2. RESPONSE TO PARTNERSHIP REVIEW

Where a partnership review has taken place during the past academic year, please summarise the recommendations made and where appropriate note the action taken in response to the issues raised.

3. INTER-ORGANISATION COMMUNICATION

Please provide an evaluation of the effectiveness of communication and liaison between your own organisation and University of Chester, noting any particular strengths or weaknesses.

4. ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT

Please provide an evaluation of the effectiveness of mechanisms for the administration and operational management of the partnership, such as information transfer, application of University policies and procedures, and the accessibility of University systems, noting any particular strengths or weaknesses.

5. STAFF DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT

Please give a summary of staff engagement with staff development opportunities and support sessions provided by the University, along with any internal schemes established for the support of staff involved in the delivery of HE provision.

6. JOINT CURRICULUM PLANNING

Please give a summary of the mechanisms in place to facilitate joint curriculum planning and evaluate the effectiveness of such mechanisms.

7. STUDENT PROGRESSION

Please give details of the opportunities for the progression of students to study at University of Chester and evaluate the proportion of students that take up these opportunities. Where appropriate note any particular successes or areas where progression may be improved, and give details of any strategies for the promotion of progression opportunities.

8. STRATEGIC MATTERS

Please give a summary of the strategic approach taken by your organisation to HE delivery, including the establishment of an HE-culture, and the way in which University of Chester contributes to this.

9. FORTHCOMING DEVELOPMENTS

Please give details of any plans for further development of the partnership with University of Chester in the forthcoming academic year.

10. ANY OTHER COMMENTS

Please give details of any other issues not raised elsewhere in the report.

11. AREAS TO BE ADDRESSED

(a) REVIEW OF PREVIOUS YEARS RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

Please give details of the progress made on recommended actions noted in the report for 2012/13 (where applicable).

(b) PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS/ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED IN 2014/15

Please note any issues to be addressed in the forthcoming academic year that relate to concerns raised within this report.

Issue

Recommended Action

Responsibility

Planned Timescale

ANNUAL ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIP REPORT (ASSOCIATE COLLEGES):

NOTES FOR GUIDANCE

Overall Purpose of Report

At the end of each academic year, University of Chester requires each of its Academic Partners to produce an Annual Partnership Report. It is intended that this report will provide an evaluation of the partnership with University of Chester and arrangements for HE provision within the partner organisation at an overarching strategic level.

The primary purposes of the report are:

to ensure that a review of collaborative arrangements takes place on an annual basis that identifies any strengths and weaknesses;

to ensure that the University is clear and up to date on the partner organisations strategic approach to HE provision;

to flag up potential new developments within the partnership for the forthcoming year;

to identify areas which might require improvement, and the appropriate action to be taken.

and in the case of Associate Colleges:

to review the particular features of the enhanced status of Associate Colleges such as joint curriculum planning, the promotion of progression opportunities at University of Chester and the provision of continuing professional development opportunities for staff involved in HE delivery.

A report should be completed for every academic year in which there has been University of Chester awarded provision running, including Postgraduate Research.

Where a partnership is being withdrawn, however there are still continuing students registered on University of Chester awarded provision, this form should be completed, however sections 6 , 8 and 9 need not be filled in.

Authorship of Report

The report should be written by a member of staff from the Associate College with strategic oversight of the partnership with University of Chester, for example an Assistant Principal with HE remit, HE Coordinator, or equivalent.

The author of the report may wish to meet with course leaders and service providers who are involved with the delivery of programmes leading to University of Chester awards prior to the production of the report in order to gain feedback on the operation of collaborative arrangements from their perspective. However, the report should focus on overarching, institution-wide issues rather than those specific to a particular programme, which should be addressed through the Annual Collaborative Programme Monitoring Report.

Submission Arrangements

The report should be submitted to Academic Quality Support Services by 31st December 2014.

Consideration Process

The report will be considered by the Universitys Partnerships sub-Committee, which will note particular areas of strength and consider appropriate action in response to issues raised in the reports. The Secretary to Partnerships Sub-Committee will contact partners following the consideration of the reports in order to provide feedback on the issues discussed and the resulting proposed actions.

Format of Report

The report should be submitted on the Annual Partnership Report (Associate Colleges) template. Detailed guidance for each section of the template can be found below.

GUIDANCE ON CONTENT OF REPORT

Overall the report should to be an evaluative assessment of collaborative arrangements with University of Chester over the previous academic year. The report should provide an overview of the collaborative partnership as a whole and may include comment on issues relating to the responsibilities of both University of Chester and the partner organisation. Partners should view the submission of the report as an opportunity to raise issues of concern or aspects for discussion relating to their partnership with University of Chester.

Please ensure that individuals referred to in the report are mentioned by job title and not name.

Although the report may refer to matters which are on-going, it is the issues, developments and improvements over the past academic year which should be noted in particular.

1. Executive Summary

This section should provide an introduction to the report and a context to subsequent comments by summarising the way in which the collaborative partnership has operated over the past academic year. This may include details of how the partnership has developed, for example through the introduction of new programmes or the establishment of specific joint working initiatives. It may also note the way in which aspects of the partnership have improved, or significant issues which have caused concern, or those which may not have been satisfactorily resolved previously.

For new partners compiling the report for the first time, this section may give an overview of the initial experience of working with University of Chester, positively or negatively.

2. Response to Partnership Review

Those partner organisations that have undergone a partnership review (normally once every three years) during the academic year under consideration, should note the recommendations made and give details of how the issues raised are being addressed. Where recommendations refer to matters which require action by University of Chester, partners may wish to comment on whether any progress has been made from their perspective. Where recommendations refer to matters for the partner to consider, details of any action taken or proposed should be given. Partners should include any matters which are unresolved in the Issues To Be Addressed section at the end of the report.

Those partners who have not undergone a partnership review during the past academic year may leave this section blank.

3. Inter-Organisation Communication

Give an evaluation of the effectiveness of liaison and communication between your organisation and the University. You may wish to distinguish between the liaison which takes place with Faculties and/or subject departments and that which takes place with support departments such as Registry Services, Academic Quality Support Services, Learning and Information Services, Student Support & Guidance and Marketing, Recruitment & Admissions, and, where appropriate, at the level of senior management. Note any specific mechanisms in place to ensure effective communication such as regularised meetings, cross-representation on each others existing committees, and in particular any approaches that have been introduced that have improved liaison and communication. You may wish to consider whether the links that currently exist are sufficient and appropriate, and if not suggest possible improvements that might be made.

4. Administration and Operational Management

Give an evaluation of the administrative processes and mechanisms in place for the operational management of the partnership with University of Chester. You may wish to comment on the effectiveness of the transfer of information between the two organisations on, for example, student registration and assessment; the operational management and application of University policies and procedures, such as those for assessment and quality assurance, and whether your organisation has received sufficient information and guidance on these; the accessibility and usability of University systems such as SharePoint from the perspective of partner organisations; the organisation of appropriate University induction sessions for both staff and students. Note any mechanisms put in place within your organisation for the dissemination of information related to the partnership with University of Chester, and/or support of staff involved in the delivery of collaborative programmes. Where appropriate note any particular features of good practice, such as joint initiatives, or areas that may require improvement or further consideration either by the University or your own organisation.

5. Staff Development and Support

Summarise the engagement of staff involved in HE delivery with staff development and support opportunities provided by the University such as the Annual Staff Conference, information sessions on the Universitys policies, procedures and systems, continuing professional development opportunities or any other bespoke sessions provided. Note any schemes put in place by your own organisation specifically for the support of staff involved in HE delivery. Consider what aspects were found to be of particular value to staff and where appropriate note any improvements that might be made staff support opportunities either by the University or your own organisation.

6. Joint Curriculum Planning

Summarise the mechanisms in place to facilitate joint curriculum planning between your College and University of Chester, such as regularised meetings or the sharing of strategies. Evaluate the effectiveness of those mechanisms with regard to ensuring the complementarity of provision and successful curriculum development. Give details of any instances where the College has sought collaboration with another Higher Education Institution in the last academic year for the purposes of developing provision in a subject area not provided by University of Chester, and the way in which this was managed.

7. Progression

Give details of the opportunities available for students to progress to further study at University of Chester upon completion of their studies at your College. Evaluate the proportion of students taking up these opportunities, identifying areas of particular success and any areas where there could be improvement. Note any particular strategies employed to improve progression to further study at Chester, such as joint marketing initiatives, guest speakers from Chester or taster days, and any proposed actions that may be taken in order to promote progression in the forthcoming academic year.

8. Strategic Matters

Summarise the strategic approach taken by your organisation to the delivery of HE provision and how this fits within its overall purpose and mission. Where an organisation delivers other non-HE study, give details of any initiatives taken to support the development of an HE-culture, such as the establishment of HE-specific staff and student groups, the designation of HE-specific study and community areas, or the enhancement of facilities, services and resources to support HE delivery. Describe how the partnership with the University contributes to your organisations strategy for HE provision.

9. Forthcoming Developments

Give details of any planned developments to extend the partnership with University of Chester further, for example through the delivery of additional collaborative programmes.

10. Any other issues for comment

Note any other positive developments, issues, concerns or aspects for consideration not covered elsewhere in the report

11. Areas to be Addressed

(a) Give details of the progress made with any actions noted in last years Annual Partnership Report to be addressed by either the University or your own organisation. Where there remain outstanding issues please clarify why these have not been fully addressed (if known) and where appropriate include them in the action plan for the forthcoming academic year so that they may continue to be monitored.

(b) Note any planned developments which the organisation will be undertaking in 2014/15.

Note any issues raised in the report that you feel need to be addressed during the forthcoming academic year. These may include matters that should be addressed by the University, your own organisation, or in collaboration. For each issue raised please give a recommended action, note who has responsibility for carrying out that action, and give a planned timescale.

Issues noted in the action plan should only relate to matters raised in this report regarding the partnership with the University and the strategic support of HE provision, and not to any programme specific concerns that might have been raised through the Annual Programme Monitoring process.

APPENDIX B (Cv)

ANNEX 1

mspruceFile AttachmentCv APP B - APR Associate Colleges.doc

APPENDIX E (Cv)

WITHDRAWAL OF COLLABORATIVE ARRANGEMENT

Name of Organisation

Year of last intake

Name of the Sponsoring Department and Faculty

Name(s) of other Contributing Departments/Faculties

Rationale for the Proposed Withdrawal

Consultation and Agreement

This should provide confirmation of the consultation with, and agreement to the withdrawal of the Collaborative Arrangement of all Departments/Faculties associated with the Collaborative Arrangement

Date of Proposed Withdrawal

This should identify the year of the proposed last intake to the programme

Recent Admissions Profile

This should provide for the most recent three years, the admissions profile to the programme and should include intake targets and actual recruitment

Management of the withdrawal from the Collaborative Arrangement Agreement

This section should provide a detailed account of the arrangements for the phasing out of the Collaborative Arrangement with particular reference to the maintenance of the quality and standards and the academic experience of the remaining students, and to issues relating to the management of those students who intercalate; withdraw for reasons of ill health and return at a later point in the programme; and those who are required to repeat a year of study for reasons of academic failure

External Examiner(s)

This should contain reference to the external examining arrangements to the end of the programme (including those students referred to in the latter part of the previous paragraph)

Physical Resources

This should give a brief account of any physical/financial resources released by the withdrawal of the Collaborative Arrangement

Staffing Resources

This should provide for all sponsoring and contributing departments and faculties an assessment of the impact on the management of the staffing resources and identify staffing resources released on withdrawal of the Collaborative Arrangement

Learning Resources

This section should state the impact on the Learning Resources associated with the Collaborative Arrangement and should contain confirmation that the Head of Learning Resources has been advised of the proposal to withdraw the Collaborative Arrangement and is aware of the implications

Cost-Benefit Analysis

This section (to be completed in consultation with the Pro-Vice Chancellor Student Experience/ Corporate Performance) should provide an outline cost benefit analysis setting out the financial implications of withdrawing the Collaborative Arrangement

Authorised Signatories

All proposals will be approved by the Development Advisory Group for recommendation to Senate only when all relevant authorities have signified their consent. Copy to the relevant Boards of Studies and the Policy Implementation Officer: Collaborative Provision and Collaborative Arrangements for information.

Signature

Date

Chair of Partnerships sub-Committee

Dean of Faculty

Senior representative member from Collaborative Arrangement Organisation

Vice Chancellor (or nominee)

mspruceFile AttachmentCv APP E - Withdrawal of Collaborative Arrangement.doc

Withdrawal of Collaborative Arrangements Report

Organisation

Type of Arrangement

Linked Faculty/Department(s)

Start date

of Arrangement

Date of arrangements withdrawal

Initiation of Withdrawal of Collaborative Arrangements by:

University of Chester: Collaborative Arrangement Organisation:

To be completed by the Linked Faculty/Department(s):

Reasons Given by Collaborative Arrangement Organisation for Withdrawal of Collaborative Arrangement (if initiated)

Issues leading to Withdrawal of Collaborative Arrangement

Suggested Actions by University

Completed by

Date

APPENDIX F (Cv)

This form should be completed by the relevant Faculty/Department(s) involved in the Collaborative Arrangement, and sent to the Policy Implementation Officer: Collaborative Provision and Partnerships (AQSS) to be considered at Partnerships sub-Committee.

To be completed following discussion at Partnerships sub-Committee (Date: )

Additional Comments from Central Support Departments

Notes of Guidance for Withdrawal of Collaborative Arrangement Report

When the decision is made to end a Collaborative Arrangement outside of the Periodic Review process, either by the University of Chester or by the partner organisation, the Withdrawal of Collaborative Arrangement form (APPENDIX E) should be completed by the Faculty, or Faculties, who have provision with the partner. This form asks for brief information on the reason for ending the Collaborative Arrangement and is predominantly concerned with documenting the organisational arrangements required to see out any students still enrolled on University of Chester provision.

The Withdrawal of Collaborative Arrangement form should be signed by the Dean of Faculty, Senior Representative of the partner organisation, Chair of Collaborative Arrangement sub-Committee and the Vice Chancellor, and then submitted to the Development Advisory Group (DAG).

When DAG has formally approved the withdrawal of the Collaborative Arrangement, the Faculty (or Faculties) should complete electronically the Withdrawal of Collaborative Arrangement Report (found in the Forms and Templates section of the AQSS SharePoint pages). This form is designed to allow staff to expand (where appropriate) on reasons for the withdrawal of the Collaborative Arrangement and to record any qualitative observations on positive and negative outcomes from working with the partner organisation. This form WILL NOT be shared with the partner organisation, and staff are encouraged to be as open as possible when completing this form.

The Withdrawal of Collaborative Arrangement Report should be submitted to the Secretary of Partnerships sub-Committee (PsC), to be discussed at the next meeting. Comments from Central Support Department staff will be collected during the PsC meeting and the secretary will record these onto the form, with a final version saved and held by Academic Quality Support Services (AQSS). Where similar Collaborative Arrangements are being considered in the future, the information contained in this form will be considered by PsC alongside the Partner Analysis report.

If you have any questions regarding completion of either the Withdrawal of Collaborative Arrangement form or the Withdrawal of Collaborative Arrangement Report, please contact Academic Quality Support Services at collaboration@chester.ac.uk.

mspruceFile AttachmentCv APP F - WCA Report.docx

ANNUAL REPORT BY ASSOCIATE TUTOR ADVISERS FOR

WBIS CO-DELIVERY ORGANISATIONS

Name of co-delivery organisation:

Academic year:

Active WBIS routes/provision:

Comments regarding recruitment during the year:

(eg. new cohorts, marketing issues, etc)

Comments regarding teaching, learning and assessment:

(eg. student retention & achievement; any issues to be raised at the Programme Team or Board of Studies?)

Any noteworthy student comments/issues:

(eg. from student evaluation, AT feedback)

Any issues to report concerning Associate Tutors:

(eg. regarding facilitation, assessment, AT training, etc)

Other issues for comment, if appropriate:

Actions taken/needed to resolve outstanding issues identified above:

Associate Tutor Adviser (sign and print):

Date:

Appendix G (Cv)

mspruceFile AttachmentCv APP G - Annual Report Template for WBIS ATAs.doc

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Handbook C: Collaborative Arrangements

GLOSSARY

Academic Partner Organisation

An education or training provider organisation which is in partnership with the University of Chester to deliver provision which is validated and awarded by University of Chester.

Affiliated Institution

An organisation whose quality assurance framework has been approved by University of Chester, and under which validation, monitoring and review may occur of programmes of study that can lead to awards of University of Chester.

Agency

An organisation that provides physical resources, and administrative or academic services in support of the delivery of University of Chester provision by its own staff on a non-University site.

Annual Academic Partnership Report

Annual report produced by Academic Partner organisations, providing an evaluation of the overarching organisational level matters relating to the partnership in the last academic session.

Annual Programme Monitoring Report

Annual report produced by Programme Leaders providing an evaluation of a programme of study during the last academic session.

Approved Tutor

Member of staff of an Academic Partner organisation that has been approved by the University to engage with the delivery and/or assessment of provision validated and awarded by the University.

Associate College

An Academic Partner organisation that has been granted an enhanced status which implies a greater level of integration and joint working with the University than would be the case in standard partnership arrangements.

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Quality and Standards Manual

Associate Tutor

Member of staff at a CoDelivery Organisation who has been approved by the Work Based and Integrative Studies (WBIS) Approval Panel to deliver on WBIS provision provided by the CoDelivery Organisation.

Associate Tutor Advisor

Member of staff of the University appointed to coordinate all aspects of Work Based and Integrative Studies (WBIS) provision delivered with a CoDelivery Organisation, from the perspective of the University.

CoDelivery Organisation

A training provider which is authorised by the University of Chester to deliver Work Based and Integrative Studies (WBIS) provision through a model of CoDelivery.

DAG

Development Advisory Group, chaired by the Pro Vice-Chancellor Corporate Development and the Student Experience, which has responsibility for scrutinising proposals for new collaborative arrangements and programmes.

Dual Award Partner

An organisation which enters into an arrangement with the University of Chester, whereby a student undertakes a recognised programme of study at both organisations and receives awards from both organisations.

Endorsement of Training

Confirmation by the University of Chester that training initiatives offered by an organisation, which do not lead to a University award, demonstrate appropriate quality.

Exchange Arrangement

An arrangement with a partner organisation whereby students and/or staff may spend a specified period of time at each others organisation.

External Accreditation

The accrediting of the University or of its programmes by an external body for professional recognition, or the authorisation to deliver specific programmes. This will be subject to the accreditation process of the external body.

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Handbook C: Collaborative Arrangements

External Programme Advisor

A member of academic staff from an external organisation who is appointed to undertake a verification, developmental,