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Self-assessment guide

Review yourself before we do. This guide shows how.

How to write it

  1. One section per axis. Use the seven axis titles as headings, in order.
  2. Describe, then evidence. For each prompt state what you do, then point to the document or record that shows it.
  3. Name strengths and gaps. A gap you have found and are addressing is a strength of the assessment. A gap we find that you did not mention is not.
  4. End with actions. List the improvements you will make, who owns each and by when.

Section prompts

AxisStart withAttach
01 · Leadership & GovernanceWho governs the institution and the programme, and how are they appointed and held to account?Governing documents, organisation chart and terms of reference
02 · Strategy & PlanningWhat is the programme for, and who is it for?Mission and programme purpose statements
03 · Learner & Stakeholder FocusWho are the learners, and what do they need to succeed?Admission, induction and support arrangements
04 · Programme DesignWhat can a graduate do, stated as outcomes, and at what level?Programme specification, learning outcomes and curriculum map
05 · Faculty & DeliveryAre teaching staff qualified and experienced for what they teach?Staff profiles, qualifications and development records
06 · Assessment & ResultsDoes assessment test the stated outcomes at the stated level?Assessment briefs, marking criteria and samples of marked work
07 · Continuous ImprovementWhat data does the institution collect about outcomes and learner progress?Outcome and progression data over time

Worksheet

For each axis, answer these four questions in a short paragraph.

  1. What do we do, and who is responsible?
  2. How do we know it works? What data or records show it?
  3. What is weak, and what are we doing about it?
  4. What will we report on this axis in annual monitoring?

Common weaknesses

  • Policies that exist but have no record of being used.
  • Learning outcomes that are never assessed directly.
  • Feedback collected but no record of what changed.
  • Staff qualifications listed without evidence of development or currency.
  • Certificates issued without a way for a third party to check them.