External evaluation of Quality and Qualifications Ireland as an Awarding Body

The operating environment in which QQI awarding activity takes place is set out in the QQI Statement of Strategy 2025-2027 , together with focussed priorities, key actions to deliver on them and value propositions that underpin how we will do our work. Our strategic priority to ‘future proof the National Framework of Qualifications’ (NFQ) includes the commitment to ‘complete an external evaluation of QQI’s performance as an awarding body of tertiary education qualifications in the NFQ.’ Many of the guiding principles and values espoused by QQI in its latest Statement of Strategy are used to frame our approach to undertaking an external evaluation of QQI’s performance as an awarding body (‘the evaluation’). These include; the protection, promotion and privileging of learner interests; the recognition that few QQI functions, including its awarding functions, are performed by QQI alone and depend on collaboration and shared responsibility; that our planning and decision making is evidence-based, underpinned by systematic use of research and analysis; that evaluations that we conduct are independent and judgements about our own performance are impartial and arrived at through transparent processes; that we promote improvement and enhancement through learning and innovation and through engagement with international experts and peers; that the results of evaluations that we undertake or commission should contribute to public confidence and trust in the quality and integrity of qualifications. The purpose of this evaluation is to establish how effectively QQI quality assures the design and development of its awards, how it approves associated programmes and their ongoing review and delivery, and how it assures the assessment and certification of learners. The findings from this evaluation are intended to promote: - accountability: for the delivery of QQI’s mandate as a national awarding body by independently ensuring that its awarding function is fit for purpose and adding value to graduates, providers, funders and other users of QQI awards - enhancement: by understanding and learning about the model of awarding operated by QQI and identifying evidence-informed improvements in how QQI performs as an awarding body - trust: by demonstrating that transparent, consistently-implemented policies, procedures and decision-making processes underpin the trustworthiness of QQI as an awarding body and promote public confidence in QQI awards - evaluative capacity: consistent with government policy on transforming public services, making use of the best available advice and expertise to strengthen the capacity of QQI to undertake effective evaluations - strategic planning: by reflecting on the resilience of QQI’s awarding function and identifying the strategic priorities for QQI as an awarding body