Quality in Education: Developing Working Partnerships

Explores ways in which employers can be actively involved as equal partners in the processes of ensuring quality in education. In this case the focus is the Accreditation of Records of Achievement as developed by the Oxford Consortium for Educational Achievement. Using as case studies examples of practice within the consortium, examines the issues and philosophy behind such an approach. Recognizes that employers view education from a different, but no less valid, perspective. While this may be challenging, in the context of the OCEA accreditation process, it is not perceived as threatening by those involved in education. Concludes that the OCEA Accreditation Process for Records of Achievement provides a model for active collaboration between education and employment in such a way that the gap between them is bridged constructively and effectively.