From Partnership to Collaboration: aspects of theory and practice in the Welsh quality assessment methodology

Abstract This paper outlines the fundamental principles of the quality assessment method used in Wales. It describes how these principles may be put into practice, and provides case studies from actual assessments to substantiate them. The paper draws on experiences from two perspectives: that of a quality assessment manager who is responsible for employing the method, and that of senior member of staff with responsibility for quality assurance at an institution which has been assessed. Although the case studies concentrate on the experiences gained at the North East Wales Institute of Higher Education (NEWI), background material is drawn from across the Principality.