11.1   Provider-owned internal review, self-evaluation and monitoring

Monitoring, review and self-evaluation of quality, which includes the review of programmes of education and related services, is a fundamental part of the King’s Inns quality assurance system.

The purpose of self-evaluation and monitoring is to review, evaluate and report on the education, training and other services provided by the School of Law and the quality assurance system which underpins these. In doing so, existing effective practices are identified and maintained, while areas needing improvement are identified.

11.2   Internal self-monitoring

Provider-owned internal self-monitoring is an ongoing process and typically focuses on specific objectives.  The distinction between ongoing, internal self-monitoring and formal self-evaluation is typically in frequency and scale. Self-evaluation has a broad systemic focus and is carried out at specified intervals while internal self-monitoring is ongoing and typically focuses on specific objectives.

Self-monitoring procedures include:

1.      The identification of appropriate quality measures that can be checked – examples include learner satisfaction rates, learner completion/certification rates, learner progression from Diploma to Barrister-at-Law degree, number of learner complaints, number of appeals, number of deferrals, adherence to policy review schedule. 

2.      The SMT considers the quality measures that are important to King’s Inns and align with the Strategic Plan and agrees the objectives. 

3.      Evidence of achievement of the objectives is collected – the SMT identifies the evidence that is required to determine whether an objective has been met, how this information is gathered and by whom. 

4.      Following internal review and evaluation of the evidence a quality improvement plan is prepared which sets out a schedule of actions to be taken.

5.      Identification of the person(s) responsible for the follow-up actions and a timeline for action is agreed and shared with the relevant persons.

6.      Internal self-monitoring will be carried out annually.

The following policies and processes support King’s Inns internal self- monitoring, Self-evaluation, Monitoring and Review Policy; Learner surveys; Access, Transfer and Progression Policy; Learner Feedback Policy; EDI Policy; Appeals Procedures; Staff Communication and Development Policy, Staff Recruitment Policy. (insert hyperlinks)

 At King’s Inns we differentiate between internal self-monitoring which is carried out at SMT/organisational level and the processes for ongoing internal monitoring of programmes which is carried out annually by the Programme Team. Programme monitoring processes are set out in the Programme Monitoring and Review Policy. (insert hyperlink)

11.3   Self-evaluation, improvement and enhancement

Provider-owned self-evaluation has a broad systemic focus and is carried out at specific intervals.  Provider-owned self-evaluation focuses on the quality or impact on the learners’ experience, achievements, contributions and on the findings of the various stakeholders engaging in the quality system.  The emphasis is on the impact on learners and other stakeholders rather than on policies and procedures. Self-evaluation is an opportunity to engage in important dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including learners, collaborative partners where relevant and external experts.

The policy and procedures to support formal self-evaluation/review of our education programmes are set out in the Programme Monitoring and Review Policy (hyperlink).  A Self-Assessment Report (SAR) (hyperlink) template has been developed to support programme reviews.  The outcome of a programme review will be an improvement plan or action plan.

11.4   Provider-owned quality assurance engages with external quality assurance

External quality assurance relates to King’s Inns engagement with external quality assurance obligations, including cyclical reviews by QQI once King’s Inns is established as a Listed Awarding Body, reviews by other regulatory bodies, such as the LSRA, or any national or international accreditation system.