Phase two of the Inaugural Review of Quality Assurance in Ireland's 16 Education and Training Boards is now underway, having commenced with a five-day virtual main review visit to Cavan & Monaghan ETB on 1 November. Waterford & Wexford ETB, Kilkenny & Carlow ETB and Kerry ETB will also participate in this second phase of the inaugural review.
As in phase one of the cycle, review teams will comprise external reviewers (national and international), who are selected for their expertise in one or more specific areas, providing diverse perspectives, including educationalist, learner, industry and community voices.
The Inaugural Review is an historic event – both for QQI and the ETBs – as it is the first review process of its kind to be conducted within the sector. It seeks to further encourage the development of a quality culture within ETBs and to improve public confidence in the quality of FET provision.
The implementation of this review process is a collaborative effort, with support from SOLAS in briefing the review teams, and from AONTAS in enhancing learner engagement and individual learners.
Even as QQI progresses through the second phase of reviews, preparations are also taking place for phase three, and, in October, QQI held a virtual briefing for the seven ETBs involved in that phase. Phase three of the Inaugural Review will commence in early 2022. The full inaugural review cycle for ETBs will conclude in Q4 2022. Further information on the review cycle is available on QQI's website.
