The Quality Committee is a delegated committee of the Board of Trustees. It advises and reports to the Board of Trustees and the Chief Executive on all aspects of the quality of OCNLR’s services.

Responsibilities

The Quality Committee will:

1. monitor and report to the Board of Trustees on the operation of the AVA and NOCN licences;
2. recommend to the Board of Trustees documents and reports required by NOCN and QAA;
3. advise the Board of Trustees on issues and developments which are likely to affect the safety and security of the award of OCN credit;
4. recommend to the Board of Trustees any changes to policy, structures or procedures necessary for the improvement of the safety and security of the award of OCN credit;
5. confirm the validation and re-validation of Access to HE programmes and withdraw the validation of Access to HE programmes, if warranted;
6. have oversight of the quality of the Access to HE programmes, ensuring that effective systems and guidance are in place for validation, moderation and award of credit and for the achievement of the QAA-recognised award – certificate or diploma;
7. ensure that effective systems and guidance are in place for the standardisation and award of credit for NOCN qualifications;
8. monitor the NOCN centre recognition and review processes in OCNLR centres;
9. ensure that effective systems and guidance are in place for the recognition, moderation, standardisation and award of credit for locally developed units;
10. monitor the appointment and training of quality reviewers and external moderators, and ensure the training of internal moderators;
11. have oversight of membership structures and procedures;
12. monitor customer satisfaction;
13. monitor self-assessment and internal audit processes.

In undertaking the above duties the committee will aim to comply with all relevant legislation and will conduct its business in accordance with Nolan principles.

Membership

The Quality Committee must reflect the balance of sector representation across the membership of OCNLR, and take into account the level of participation in the service, different ways of working, and stakeholder interest. Membership should include people from diverse backgrounds reflecting the London demographic.

There must be a minimum of three Trustees in membership. The composition of the Committee is considered annually at the spring meeting, and vacancies identified. New members are approved by the Board of Trustees. The new Committee operates from the first autumn meeting. The minimum number of members is ten and the maximum is sixteen. Members are appointed for a three year term. If a member misses three meetings in a row, continuation of the appointment is considered by the Board of Trustees. Selection Criteria

• Individuals must have curriculum and quality experience at an operational management level.
• Sector representation is a factor, relating to the composition of the Committee.
• Representation from Higher Education is essential.
• It is desirable to have representation from members with different ways of working, e.g. prison, health care trust.

The Board of Trustees identifies prospective candidates through its Search Committee.

Mode of Operation

The Board of Trustees appoints one of its members as the Chair of the Committee, and another as Deputy Chair.

The Committee may set up sub-committees or working groups as required.

Meetings

• The Committee normally meets four times per year. The final meeting must be late enough to ensure that the approval process is complete for all Access to HE programmes running the following September.
• The meeting is quorate if at least one half its members are present, including the Chair or Deputy Chair.
• The Chief Executive or nominee is in attendance.
• The Access to HE Curriculum Officer is in attendance.
• The Director of Quality acts as secretary.
• OCNLR Officers attend as appropriate.