Quality assessment and quality enhancement: eliminating unsatisfactory provision Available to Purchase

Based on a detailed analysis of the reports on unsatisfactory education and provision otherwise subject to reassessment, which have been the outcome of the English quality assessment system since 1993. Analysis is based on the full text of the reports and not simply on a scrutiny of the conclusions and recommendations of the assessors. Examines both the original report and that on the subsequent re‐assessment. Wider than any previous analysis, therefore, and able to comment in some detail on the action taken to address assessors’ concerns and to redress problems of quality. Builds on earlier research by focusing on the action taken by higher education institutions to redress problems identified by assessors, and the extent to which the assessment method as operated by HEFCE has been effective in securing improvements in provision. Analyses the action taken by institutions in response to assessors’ judgements of unsatisfactory provision, reviews briefly the extent of unsatisfactory provision and its characteristics by subject and institution type before turning to a consideration of the evidence of remedial action and enhancement.