Congratulations are due to all at the Open Training College as they welcome the Report of the Expert Panel, which was published recently in relation to the Institutional Review of Open Training College 24th - 25th February, 2009.

The Expert Panel was appointed by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) and chaired by Dr. Patrick Cashell.

Carried out in accordance with the HETAC Policy on Institutional Reviews of providers of Higher Education and Training 2007, the College received a list of commendations in the Final Report following a rigorous 12-month self-evaluation process by the College in accordance with the Terms of Reference of the review.

The list of commendations includes a Special Commendation:

‘The panel wishes to highlight the following example of exceptionally good practice with a special commendation -

• The seriousness with which the College took the institutional review process and the quality and comprehensiveness of the documentation provided for the review panel.’

There are also several important Summary Commendations:

‘The panel make the following commendations:

• The commitment of the staff to the concept of quality assurance.

• The responsiveness of the College to the needs of stakeholders, in particular those operating in the not-for-profit sector.

• The College’s well developed and comprehensive quality assurance system.’

In relation to Strategic Planning and Governance, the panel commended the ‘flexibility and creativity shown in responding to the needs of the the disability sector, and for its ability to respond to opportunities as they arise.’

In assessing the effectiveness of the quality assurance arrangements operated by the College: ‘The panel is satisfied that quality assurance is a major priority for the College. There is patently a commitment to a culture of quality which runs through the entire staff.’

Karen Finnerty, Director of the Open Training College, commented that ‘“the institutional review process is an extremely valuable process for the staff of the College and myself.  We are pleased, very pleased, with the commendations listed in the report and we will continue to strive to deliver high quality learning opportunities to our adult learners in the months and years to come.’

Click here to view the OTC Self Evaluation Report

Click here for access to the HETAC Expert Panel Final Report

Click here to view a copy of the OTC ‘Response to Recommendations made by the Expert Panel and Improvement Plan May 2009′