Enhancement-Led Institutional Review

Enhancement-led institutional review (ELIR) is one of the five main components of the Quality Enhancement Framework (QEF) introduced in Scotland in 2003. The University’s first ELIR was held in April 2004 and a report of that review is available (see below).

The QAA will conduct the second Enhancement-led Institutional Review (ELIR) of the University in session 2009-10. The review is in two parts:

Part 1 - 20-21 October 2009
Part 2 - the week beginning 23 November 2009

The main focus of the review is the University's strategy for continually improving the student learning experience. It also examines the University's ability to manage the standards of its academic awards and the quality of the learning opportunities it provides for its students. The review is conducted by the QAA on behalf of the Scottish Funding Council.

A visiting team of six reviewers (including a student and a reviewer from outwith the UK) will meet with groups of staff and students from around the University during both the Part One and Part Two visits.

A timetable of key dates and events is available here.

Preparation of the ‘Reflective Analysis’

For the ELIR, the University has to produce an evaluation of its own performance re academic standards and quality. This is the ‘Reflective Analysis’ which we submit to QAA in advance of the exercise. The first draft of that document is being finalised and will be circulated shortly to the ELIR Steering Group we have established. Subsequent drafts will be submitted to Senate, Court and EdPSC for comment at their meetings in June. Drafts versions of the Reflective Analysis will become available on this web site, and comments are encouraged and will be welcome at any time. It is important that we have the broadest input to, and awareness of, the exercise.

The University is working closely with the Students’ Representative Council to ensure that there is student input to the development of the Reflective Analysis.

The Reflective Analysis will be available on the University intranet and be a useful reference source for information on the University and its policies and procedures in relation to quality assurance and enhancement.

Enhancement-led institutional review handbook: Scotland (Second edition)

The handbook sets out the ELIR process and provides guidance notes on what the RA should address which are set out in Annex 2.

ELIR Report 2004

The full report of the 2004 Enhancement-Led Institutional Review of the University of Glasgow is available from the QAA website. The report indicates that the Review Team had found that 'broad confidence' could be placed in the soundness of University's procedures for the present and likely future management of the quality of its programmes and of the academic standards of its awards'. 'Broad confidence' is the best possible judgement available to the Review Team.

Learning from ELIR

The QAA has produced a series of Learning from ELIR reports

• Learning from ELIR 2003-07: Emerging approaches to employability and personal development planning - PDF
• Learning from ELIR 2003-07: The emerging impact of information and communication technologies (including virtual learning environments) on quality enhancement - PDF
• Learning from ELIR 2003-07: Emerging approaches to institution-led quality review at the subject level: combining assurance with enhancement - PDF
• Learning from ELIR 2003-07: Emerging approaches to student engagement in quality assurance and enhancement - PDF
• Learning from ELIR 2003-06: Managing assurance and enhancement: Evolution and progression An interim report - HTML | PDF