Quality Assurance for Training Providers

Quality assurance (QA) for Training Providers is more than a requirement—it’s the cornerstone of success for any training provider. Whether your courses are accredited or non-accredited, embedding QA in every aspect of your operations ensures compliance, consistency, and excellence. With legislative mandates like the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 and evolving oversight systems such as PHECC’s new risk-based approach, QA is no longer optional.

In this post, we’ll explore the legal and professional importance of QA and highlight how Curriculum Quality Assurance Solutions (CQAS) can support providers with services like external verification, quality reviews, and more.

Quality Assurance for Training Providers: A Legal and Professional Mandate

Under Irish legislation, all training providers must establish and maintain written quality assurance procedures, regardless of whether their programmes are accredited. This requirement is outlined in the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012, which applies to all “relevant providers.”

Key Benefits of QA:

1. Legislative Compliance:
   Ensure your organisation meets legal standards and protects learners’ rights.
2. Improved Learner Outcomes:
   High-quality courses lead to better engagement, retention, and success rates.
3. Credibility and Trust:
   Demonstrating robust QA processes enhances your reputation with learners, businesses, and accrediting bodies.
4. Continuous Improvement:
   QA is a dynamic process, driving the evolution of your training delivery and operations.

PHECC’s Risk-Based Approach

The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) has implemented a risk-based system to monitor and support training providers. This system assesses risk based on compliance history, training quality, and learner outcomes, categorising providers by their level of risk.

What This Means for Providers:

• Tailored Monitoring: Providers identified as higher risk will receive more frequent audits and support.
• Incentives for Excellence: Providers with strong QA systems may experience reduced oversight.
• Focused Support: PHECC allocates resources to help providers improve their QA processes and outcomes.

Quality Assurance for Training Providers:How CQAS Can Help

At Curriculum Quality Assurance Solutions (CQAS), we offer a range of services designed to help training providers meet legislative and professional QA requirements, including:

1. External Verification:
   Independent verification of assessments and learner results ensures fairness, consistency, and alignment with standards.
2. Quality Reviews:
   Comprehensive reviews of your training programmes and processes identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with accrediting bodies like QQI, PHECC, City & Guilds, and FDQ.
3. Accreditation Validation:
   We guide you through the process of aligning your courses with accrediting body standards, ensuring compliance and credibility.
4. Educational Quality Assurance Systems:
   Tailored QA frameworks to meet the specific needs of your organisation, aligned with Irish legislation and industry best practices.
5. Internal Education Audits:
   Identify gaps and implement solutions to maintain the quality and integrity of your programmes.
6. Assessment and Certification Management:
   We ensure your assessments are fair, consistent, and aligned with national frameworks while streamlining certification processes.
7. Documentation Support:
   Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and training materials that meet compliance standards.

Why QA Is Not an Afterthought

Quality assurance is essential for every training provider, whether delivering accredited or bespoke programmes. By embedding QA in your operations, you ensure that every learner receives a high-quality experience while safeguarding your organisation against risks.

With CQAS’s expertise in external verification, quality reviews, and comprehensive QA systems, we make achieving compliance and excellence straightforward. Let us help you build a robust foundation for your training operations.