The QAOC in line with the QQI Sector Specific Guidelines for ETBs is responsible for the oversight of the “design, development, approval, monitoring and review of all programmes, including programmes leading to QQI awards”11. The oversight of programme validation, monitoring and evaluation remains with the QAOC, with responsibility for the development of policy, review and monitoring delegated to the Programme Validation, Monitoring and Evaluation (PVME) Working Group. The aim is to avoid programme duplication and ensure a strategic focus regarding achieving the targets set out in the SPA.
Programme development, approval, and validation process
The Working Group (PVME) established a Programme and Awards Committee (PAC) in April 2021. The PAC is a subgroup of the working group and meets in line with key QQI validation periods to assess and recommend
programmes for validation to the QAOC. Prior to the establishment of this group all awards being developed or requiring validation were approved through the QAOC. In recognition of the different types of provision, this working group has established a specific programme approval process.
