Final three quality assurance reviews of ETBs published

The inaugural review of QA in Education and Training Boards (ETBs) concluded in May 2022 with the final visit of an expert review team to City of Dublin ETB (CDETB). The process began with a visit to Limerick and Clare ETB (LCETB) in March 2021

The final three review reports from the process are now available on QQI’s website. The reports are from reviews of:

• Longford and Westmeath ETB (LWETB)

• Dublin and Dún Laoghaire ETB (DDLETB)

• City of Dublin ETB (CDETB)

Commendations and Recommendations

As with earlier reviews, the last three ETBs were commended for the dedication and care shown to their learners.

The diversity and range of learner was noted during the process, as well as the support and “learner centred” approach of the ETBs. The services delivered by ETBs is noted as being “life-changing”. The ETBs’ quick and agile response to Covid-19 was particularly praised.

Main themes arising

• The collection and use of data is encouraged to inform the ETBs’ strategy and planning. This includes in the development of key performance indicators (KPIs), the design of new programmes and tracking the learner journey.

• The ETBs are recommended to work with each other and with key stakeholders to update existing programmes, as well as to design new, in a more efficient and streamlined way that can respond quickly to the needs of industry.

• Communities of Practice (CoPs) should be further developed to share good practice, promote professional development and assist in encouraging internal communication in ETBs.

• Policies and procedures should be further developed for recognition of prior learning (RPL).

• Learner representatives should be included in QA and other governance structures in the ETBs. This will help amplify learner voice and also assist the ETBs in their strategizing.

• The availability of guidance counselling should be expanded across the ETB sector. This is seen as a vital support for learners.