Regional Quality Assurance Network
The Regional Quality Assurance Network (RQAN) is largely made up of the QA staff in the LA youth work sector . Voluntary sector staff who have a QA focus are also welcome to attend. The group is very keen to involve voluntary sector staff as quality is a critical issue for all deliverers.
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
Meeting quarterly, members 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, discussion of recent quality focussed reports, e.g. Ofsted's Engaging Young People and Chyps' Demonstrating High Quality Youth Work.
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 and organisations 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. Certificates are issued to participating organisations.
RQAN has involved itself with the development of the NYA's Qaulity 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.Group members welcome the addition of young people's outcomes to the scheme now that Ofsted are no longer doing youth work inspections.
RQAN welcomes the NYA/NCVYS report 'Raising the Standards' which attempts to clarify the various existing quality schemes and their relevance particularly to VYS organisations.
VYON colleagues in the region have been piloting the Clubs for Young People QM as being particularly appropriate to small delivery settings. For specific advice about this contact Bill Eve on 0113 270 3595. Please see below for the Quality Mark Briefing report.
Any queries relating to QA matters please contact the Youth Work Unit - contact details
CHYPS - High Quality Youth Work
Ofsted - Engaging Young People March 2009
Quality Mark GS leaflet
Quality Mark Overview
Raising the Standards
RQAN - Minutes of Meeting
Quality Mark Briefing Report
Draft Quality Standards for Positive Activities