Annual Provider Review
The Annual Provider Review (APR) is a desk-based and a low-burden process using existing data analysis and assurance processes. Institutions do not need to submit any additional returns. Instead, the new review brings together existing processes in a more structured way.
Annual Provider Review (APR)
APR is the core mechanism to assess quality in the higher education providers we fund. Its key features are:
- it draws on existing data and information: there will be no new data requests nor a requirement for any annual APR submission
- indicators and metrics are used in a contextualised and rounded way
- judgements on quality and standards matters are reached through peer review.
Appeals
The appeals process for a provider’s APR outcome is explained in the APR guidance on page 7. Providers have 14 working days to submit an appeal on the grounds of procedural irregularity, that is, that the published process has not been followed.
Assurances from governing bodies
We use existing processes for collecting assurances from governing bodies to support the APR. These processes also cover the student academic experiences, student outcomes, and the standard of awards.
Universities and University Colleges need to include these assurances as part of their Annual Accountability Return. Further Education Colleges will be asked to submit the assurances through a tailored template on an annual basis.
Annual Provider Review Outcomes
The Department makes final judgements on quality and standards informed by the recommendations of an independent Office for Students (OfS) Group established for this purpose. Judgements will fall into one of three outcomes:
- Meets requirements - The provider will continue to undergo APR in subsequent years.
- Meets requirements with conditions - The provider will continue to undergo APR in subsequent years, but with an action plan to address areas of immediate concern.
- Pending - The provider will be referred for further investigation and intervention.
The current APR guidance for Northern Ireland sets out the way we will operate the APR process.
Important informationThe Department is now preparing to move to the implementation stage of the new quality model for Higher Education. Updates will be provided as and when required. In the interim, the Annual Provider Review (APR) for Quality Assessment of Higher Education will continue to apply until full implementation is complete.
The outcomes of the APR process for academic year 2018/19 are set out below:
| Institution | UKPRN | Provider status | APR Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen's | 10005343 | Established | Meets Requirements |
| Ulster | 10007807 | Established | Meets Requirements |
| Stranmillis | 10008010 | Established | Meets Requirements |
| St Mary's | 10008026 | Established | Meets Requirements |
| Belfast Met | 10020680 | Established | Meets Requirements |
| NRC | 10020372 | Established | Meets Requirements |
| SERC | 10020699 | Established | Meets Requirements |
| NWRC | 10020634 | Established | Meets Requirements |
| SWC | 10020685 | Established | Meets Requirements |
| SRC | 10020633 | Established | Meets Requirements |