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> What is the Youth Work Unit? > Training and work force development |
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Regional Quality Assurance Network
(RQAN)
The Regional Quality Assurance Network (RQAN) is made up of the QA staff in the LA youth services: voluntary sector staff who have a QA focus are also welcome to attend. Over the last two years Management Information requirements and implementation has been a key feature of agendas. Where organisations have dedicated MIS staff they too attend the group to share current practice of developing systems.
The aims of the group are primarily two fold:
- to share quality assurance good practice, to learn from one another to strengthen practice
- to operate a regional QA moderation scheme, updated in January 2008
Meeting quarterly, the group discuss new developments and support one another in improving measures to support quality improvement. Additional sessions may be arranged or peer presentations to facilitate the development of best practice, e.g. young people's involvement in QA, analysis of recent OFSTED and JAR inspection reports across the region. Chris Eves from Calderdale currently chairs the group and Kerry Byrne from Rotherham is vice chair.
In addition, a regional QA moderation scheme has been running since 2002. This seeks to offer moderation of the quality judgments made by organisations. The only scheme of its kind in operation throughout the country, it has been commended by OFSTED, JAR and by Connexions inspections.
LAs participate in clusters or groups of three, over an annual cycle, and each LA hosts moderation visits to 3 samples of youth work provision. On the basis of this, quality judgments can be compared with those of QA staff from other LAs. The process promotes peer support and staff development while also providing reassurance about quality measures and judgments.
RQAN has involved itself with the development of the NYA's Quality Mark and coordinated training on the requirements. Rotherham, Bradford and North East Lincolnshire have successfully gained the Quality Mark, and others are working towards it.
Any queries relating to QA matters please contact the Youth Work Unit - contact details